The last few years have turned work – and our attitudes to it – on its head. The ‘Great Resignation’ has seen many reassessing their life choices and opting to work in a different career or industry that empowers them to be their best self.

Here at Lightning, that’s a mindset we can get on board with. Our mission is “consciously connecting humans with businesses to help both thrive” – we want to help you find a role, a team and a space where you can have fun, be fulfilled, and feel safe.

If you’re looking for your next move, or perhaps even a whole new career, we truly believe travel and hospitality is one of the best places to work (like, ever). But don’t take our word for it: read on to hear from industry heavyweights why they choose to dedicate their lives to it – and why you should consider working in travel and hospitality, too.

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Katie Blake (she/her) – Director, Blake Private Travel

Why do you love working in travel and hospitality?

I’ll admit I have a short attention span and get bored quickly, so it was always tricky for me to stick around too long when I left university and began my working career. I left jobs every two years, but I’ve now been in the travel industry for 10 years! Despite a few rocky years, the industry always keeps me on my toes and inspires me every day – which is a rare thing to experience in any industry. 

I’m constantly learning, being challenged and meeting incredible people, which for me keeps my excitement alive. You can never get bored in this industry – there’s always a new country, hotel, culture, dining experience, adventure (the list goes on) to discover. You also get to experience it all, then deliver that experience to your clients. I feel very lucky to be able to do what I do, but you do need determination, backbone, and constant curiosity to succeed. If you have those characteristics, you’ll love it!

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What makes it different to other industries?

You’ll never get bored in this industry because every day is different. The opportunities to travel and discover something new are endless (if you look and open yourself up to them!). I love that this role makes you a storyteller – you become one of the most interesting people in the room. Travelling opens your mind and heart and exposes you to new ways of living.

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What’s your advice for candidates who are new to the industry?

Having travelled or having a desire to travel is a great place to start. When I started my travel career I’d travelled quite a bit with my family, plus I’d just come back from backpacking around Asia and Australia, which gave me a head start. 

However, being able to sell travel – especially luxury travel – is a learned skill and requires attention, acute listening skills, enthusiasm and finding joy in the detail. I’m constantly researching new places to go, discovering hidden gems... The industry becomes a way of life – a hobby that’s also a job – and I truly believe you need to love it to love and be successful in what you do. If you live and breathe travel, you’ll do very well at it.

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Ian Telford (he/him) – General Manager, The Laslett & Living Rooms

Why do you love working in travel and hospitality? 

I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 17 (100 years ago!). The reason I’ve lasted so long is that I’m able to be myself, with no judgement, and my outgoing, sometimes loud personality is actually celebrated. I’ve met the most wonderful people – both colleagues and guests – in my 38 years, many of whom are lifelong friends.

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What makes it different to other industries? 

Lots of people say this, but really no day is the same and you meet the most interesting people.

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What’s your advice for candidates who are new to the industry? 

Work hard, put the time and effort in, don’t expect to get promoted in six months, and don’t take everything so seriously. It’s hospitality: enjoy it.

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Melissa Tilling (she/her) – Chief Executive Officer, Charitable Travel

Why do you love working in travel and hospitality?

I started out in travel by accident in 1987 working in the reservations team of perhaps the biggest tour operator of the day, Intasun. I say by accident because I was travelling and came back for a few months looking for temporary work and thought the ad in the Job Centre was for a hotel. 

Almost from my first day I was hooked and have never been able or willing to escape this incredible industry. My career has taken me around the world at other people’s expense, has brought me the joy of selling the happiness of holidays, and enabled me to meet thousands of people from different places and cultures across the globe. I’ve loved almost every day of my career, despite the challenges, and always want to go to work.   

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What makes it different to other industries?

I don’t really know the answer to that question because I trained in computer science but, apart from being tech savvy, have only ever worked in travel. The sense I get is that we have a product to sell that someone, somewhere always wants. We sell happiness – and that becomes infectious when you’re in the industry. 

We’re a fun group of people who love people, who love discovery and are worldly, wise and accepting of the diversity of our world. We are focused on making money, but we’re equally focused on the joy we bring through what we promote. Travel people love what they do and you can feel it.

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What’s your advice for candidates who are new to the industry?

Be humble; be prepared to learn (because no qualifications fully prepare you); don’t be afraid to ask questions; get involved and be willing to muck in and be one of the team. The industry can have you punching numbers one minute, marketing and selling dreams the next, having a thick skin but smiling when dealing with tough situations, and travelling to your dream destination as part of your job the next. Don’t expect to be a millionaire, but expect to be fairly rewarded financially and richly rewarded with the experiences the travel industry offers.

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Reckon travel and hospitality could be the industry for you? Get in touch for help finding your next role.

Feeling a bit, well, January? Book a Lightning Lounge session for tailored career advice to help you get your mojo back.

And if all the above doesn't make you want to work in travel and hospitality, then here's some 'this or that' from our very own Sarah (she/her) and Chris (they/she) to put a smile on your face: