Some questions for Jana
Question: What do you do to unwind at the end of a long day? Answer: I usually go for a walk either on the beach or the cliffs. The sound of the sea is wonderful in clearing my head and settling my mind after a busy day at work. To relax at home I normally read, but as I miss being creative, I have recently taken up crochet and enjoying quiet time by crocheting and listening to music. Working on the farm is also a great way to relax.
every minute of it. The farm grows a wide range of fruits, veg and leafy greens for the animals and is a real haven of peace. Caring for the slowly and silently growing plants is the perfect balance to a buzzing hotel life.
Around noon I will take the bus and after an hour’s journey, I am back at the hotel. The bus ride is a great opportunity to catch up on my reading. Then after I make sure there is no dirt in my hair left over from the organic farm, I am ready for an afternoon and evening talking to guests. When I finally get to bed around midnight I fall asleep happy after a fulfilling day.
Two kinds of work shifts can be difficult for some people as you do not really get a regular routine to your day. However, I am used to it and I cannot imagine living any other way. Every week is different and the unpredictability brings wonderful and colourful days to my life.
Question: What do you like most about being a hotel receptionist? Answer: It is probably the ever-changing character of a normal day. There is no typical day in the life of a receptionist. Though there are always people arriving and departing, every guest is different and has different preferences and expectations and at reception you have to respond to that. You never know what your day will bring or who you will meet.
Question: What do you most dislike about being a hotel receptionist?
Answer: Interestingly it might be the same - every day is different and you are always starting afresh, so nothing lasts for long. Personally I like a slower flow with things and more attention given to the present moment. The hotel world is very fast and we are always looking into the future. Today your guests arrive and while you are looking after them, at the same time you are arranging reservations for your future guests. Making sure everything is in order for tomorrow or in a week's time… and so on.
Question: How did you become a hotel receptionist? Answer: My journey to the position was quite long. I started off studying literature, then went on to the history of art and only then focused more on tourism. After I felt like I had spent enough time studying and realised I missed the ocean, I looked for a job by the sea and an amazing opportunity came up on the tiny island of Jersey, in the best bay I know - St. Brelade's. That was three years ago and I still love what I do.
Question: What advice would you give to someone, either just starting their career or midway through their career, who wants to be a hotel receptionist?
Answer: It is very important thing to have an open mind. You might think a receptionist’s job is very straightforward, but every hotel is different and a good level of adaptability makes it much easier to settle into a new place. Of course, you will find your own way of doing things, but it is important to be receptive to the way things work. Sometimes people come to a place with a precise vision of how to do things and are soon disappointed and feel they are struggling against something. Be open. Be brave. Take opportunities. And enjoy the colourful life at the front desk.
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EFFICIENT 20/20 A day in the life of... Page 55
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