Learning on the job

Recently, I posted on Facebook that I am now the Assistant GM at the Comfort Inn of Logan, Utah.  I wanted to write a post related to this promotion, because having worked here at this hotel for 2 1/2 years, I have learned quite a few lessons.

1.  I have learned that everyone deserves respect.

This has been an eye opener to me, as I grew up in a home where respect was expected at all times. As kids, we were not to disrespect others.  This was strictly enforced by my parents.  My first few months were fine, as I was doing the breakfast here.  As I became a night auditor, I was expected to sit here and check in/check out guests.  As sometimes happens, not all customers are happy, and when this happens some guests let the front desk know they are NOT pleased with the hotel.

I understand that things happen, and not all of our rooms will be absolutely perfect.  And I know people are human.  Humans want to be respected.  One time, a guest stood in front of me and called me a hypocrite for not doing as Jesus would do and give him a free room, because his credit card declined.  It is not my fault his card declined, and I told him so.  He shouted that I am a liar, and that I am going to Hell because I am not helping someone in need.  I understand that he was upset, and it was 2 am, but that is not excuse for calling me names and making me feel like I am a horrible person.  Everyone deserves to treated with respect, even those who you believe do not deserve it.

2.  I have learned that hard work and commitment pay off in the long run.

As I wrote above, I have been here at the Comfort Inn of Logan for 2 1/2 years.  My pay is livable, but does not leave much for extras.  Some months Cathy and I barely get by.  Sometimes it gets hard to decide how to spend the little money we have.  The major reason I have stuck with the hotel for so long was that it enabled me to get paid and do homework for college.  I got my associates degree from Salt Lake Community College by doing only online classes, and I did the majority of the homework while at work.  This has saved me a ton of time studying and doing homework at home and during my leisure time.

I started as a breakfast person, then a night auditor, moved to day time at the front desk.  During the day, the front desk is busier, but I have learned so much more during the day.  Umesh, the GM, is here most of the time during the day, and he has shown me a lot of reports, how to do accounting for the hotel, and shown me how to do housekeeping.  I now do housekeeping, where I supervise the housekeepers and help them do their job right, and the front desk.  I want to eventually work in the hotel industry, so learning accounting and doing housekeeping has helped me understand what it takes to run a hotel.

I have seen so many people work here then fizzle out.  Not many have stuck around for as long as I have.  Because I know the industry I want to work in, nothing can replace actual real life experience working in a hotel.  A college degree is a good thing to have, but if I have done housekeeping and accounting, I have a step up on someone with no experience.

3.  I have met people from all over the world.

Today the world seems to be shrinking.  I have met people here in Logan on business trip from China, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and Canada.  I have enjoyed talking with these guests, as many are willing to answer questions and talk of their country.  I wish to travel extensively one day, and hearing about these places only makes me want to travel more.  One couple spent an hour talking to me about Wales and England and how beautiful the country side is.

I have the opportunity to work with housekeepers who were born and raised in Mexico.  They speak Spanish, but know enough English to communicate.  I enjoy trying to learn the Spanish words of things like soap, towel, bed, and other things.  One day I hope to be able to talk Spanish fluently.  Being able to do so will take a lot of practice on my part.