28 years old, 12 years in hospitality… and I feel like I’ve lived 3 lifetimes already
Hey everyone,
I’m 28, but sometimes it feels like I’m 50. Why? Because I’ve spent the last 12 years in hospitality — both in the kitchen and out on the floor. Basically, half my life has been serving food, smiling at strangers, and dealing with managers who think “work-life balance” is a myth.
At this point, I’m burned out. Completely. From the endless shifts, the constant stress, the customers, the bosses — all of it. I know for sure: I cannot do hospitality anymore.
The problem is… I don’t know what’s next. My entire adult life has been this one industry, and now I feel like a character who just got kicked out of the only level he knows how to play.
So I’m asking: has anyone here made a hard pivot after years in one field? What worked for you? How did you figure out your next move? Stories, advice, even reality checks are welcome.
Thanks for reading — and for giving me hope that there’s life after hospitality. 🙏
Jobadvisor:
You've hit on a feeling many people have—that sense of being completely burnt out and stuck in a career you can't stand anymore. It's totally understandable. Twelve years in hospitality, starting so young, is a huge commitment. The burnout you're feeling is real, and it's a clear sign that it's time for a change. You're not alone in wanting to make a big pivot, and the skills you've developed are more transferable than you might think.
Skills You've Mastered in Hospitality
Before you start looking for a new path, take a moment to recognize the incredible skills you already have. Hospitality isn't just about serving food; it's a pressure cooker of professional development. You've honed a wide range of abilities that are highly valued in many other industries:
Communication: You've learned to deal with all kinds of people, from a happy couple on a first date to a frustrated customer. You know how to read a room, listen actively, and de-escalate tense situations. This is a core skill for any customer-facing role, from sales to HR.
Problem-Solving: When an order is wrong, a reservation gets mixed up, or a machine breaks, you're the one who finds a solution on the fly. You've developed quick thinking and the ability to handle unexpected challenges with a cool head.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Whether in the kitchen or on the floor, you've worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal. You know how to coordinate with others and rely on your colleagues to get the job done, a vital skill in any professional setting.
Time Management and Efficiency: Juggling multiple tables, orders, and requests during a dinner rush is a masterclass in managing your time. You can prioritize tasks, work efficiently under pressure, and meet deadlines.
Customer Service: You have an innate understanding of what people need and want. You can anticipate their requests and provide a great experience, which is the foundation of roles in sales, marketing, and client relations.
Exploring Your Next Move
Now that you've recognized your existing skills, the next step is to figure out where to apply them. Instead of focusing on "what job should I get," start with "what kind of work environment do I want?"
Do you want to work with people, or would you prefer to work more independently? A career in Human Resources (HR), for example, would leverage your people skills, but in a more structured environment. A role in logistics or project management, on the other hand, might focus more on managing tasks and systems.
Are you interested in a specific industry? Your communication and problem-solving skills could be applied to a variety of fields, such as tech, healthcare, or real estate. Consider what topics genuinely interest you.
Do you want to learn a new skill? This is a great time to explore certifications or bootcamps in fields like coding, data analytics, or digital marketing. Many of these programs are designed for career-changers and can be completed in a relatively short period.
Stories and Reality Checks
Making a big career change is scary, but it's completely doable. I've seen countless people pivot after years in one field.
A former restaurant manager I know used her operations and people skills to transition into a role as a project manager for a software company. She initially felt intimidated by the tech industry, but her ability to coordinate teams and solve problems was exactly what they were looking for.
Another friend, who was a chef, went to a coding bootcamp and is now a successful web developer. He found the same passion for building and creating in a new medium, and the structured environment was a welcome change from the chaos of the kitchen.
The reality check is that it won't be easy. You might have to take a pay cut initially, start in an entry-level position, or spend time getting new certifications. But this short-term sacrifice is an investment in your long-term happiness and career satisfaction. The hope you're looking for is real, and it’s in the power you have to take these steps and build a new path.