“The uncertainty is great” - Pia, hotel specialist, in an interview about the corona year

After the first lockdown in spring 2020, the hotel industry was hit hard again at the end of the year. Pia, 20, successfully completed her training as a hotel specialist in the summer. that Corona year She has experienced first-hand in the hotel industry: From the end of the training company to fears about the future to the lockdown in a new job, she describes her thoughts.‍

Hello Pia, you have experienced the full range of the corona crisis in the hotel industry this year. But one by one. Do you remember how it all began?

‍After I heard at the end of January that a woman who had arrived from China had tested positive for the virus, it was clear to me that it would not be long before there would be more cases in Germany.

‍When did you realize that it would affect your work in the hotel?

‍Since the mentioned incident took place in Munich and my training company was only 30 minutes away from it, we received various cancellations of planned meetings at our hotel in the following days. That was the first time I had a queasy feeling. Work continued normally until the first lock down.

‍What has changed for employees as a result of the lock down?

‍Shortly before the lockdown, a meeting was convened very suddenly, at which all employees, including the managing directors, were present. Even then, we should all sit at a distance from each other. Of course, the atmosphere was agitated. We were informed that all employees must work on short-time work. With the exception of the trainees, who included me.

‍Does that mean you were the only ones who were still in operation in the following weeks?

‍That's right. From then on, the trainees quit the shop together with the managing directors. The rest of the hotel was closed and we did not accept any more business travelers. Over time, the boys took on janitorial tasks such as mowing the lawn or making repairs, while the girls cleaned the rooms from the ground up. Since I was the most experienced trainee, I was supposed to take my final exam a month later, I sat at the front desk for the following weeks and took care of phone calls and emails. It was a very boring time for me. Sometimes a bit scary when I was the last person in the large park hotel complex in the evening and was supposed to do a check in the dark.

‍You're talking about your education. How did the final exam proceed?

‍That was awful. We have not received any feedback for a long time as to whether the tests are taking place as planned. So I had continued to study according to plan and was well prepared. The written exams were then postponed from April to June at absolutely short notice. We all did not like this type of communication. On top of that, the situation was still uncertain and no one knew whether June would work out at all. It was also unclear to me until when I was still an employee of the hotel, because my contract was supposed to end when I passed the exams.

‍And the practical test?

‍(Sighs) There were originally three months between the theoretical and final practical tests. Enough time, even for the slightly weaker, to prepare for practice. As a result of the changed situation, the two appointments were only ten days apart. For some, that was tough stuff.

‍Did everything then take place as planned?

‍Yes, almost. The rescheduled deadlines were actually met, so I completed the theory and ten days later the practice. You will usually receive information about whether you have passed or failed immediately after the practical test - not so with us. Due to the short time between the two exams, we did not get any results yet. Once again, there was very little communication. The only information was that it was still dragging on and could take another two months. So even though I had finished my training, I had to continue working at the company for an uncertain period of time until the results came. For many, this was a difficult situation, as they had already found a new job months earlier, but were unable to take it up now.

‍You too?

‍No I had already talked to my boss a year earlier, who had assured me that I would be taken over. That made the situation comfortable for me at first. In retrospect, however, I should have asked for this in writing.Why?During the lockdown, I knew, of course, that the situation was not rosy for the hotel either. So I wanted to make sure once again that there was nothing standing in the way of my takeover. Unfortunately, the attempts to contact my boss failed - until suddenly the news came that he was gone.

‍Was he fired?

‍I still don't know today whether he left himself or whether his head had to roll as one of the highest earners due to the economic situation. In any case, he was gone from one day to the next. Without saying goodbye, without anything. That was an unbelievable shame because we all really liked and appreciated him. From then on, I had a premonition that it would be difficult to make good on the promise of my takeover.

‍Who was your contact person now?

‍The deputy had to take on his duties, but this was not thought through at all. She was also very nice, but she only worked part-time and had a small child at home. Of course, a lot of things are left to the left. I tried to talk to her about my future for several weeks, but I was always turned away and put off. Nevertheless, I remained penetrating and got my conversation at some point. In this, she told me that I could definitely stay in business. However, I would have to go on short-time work by the end of 2020. It was also mentioned as a condition that I should complete further education during this time that suits the hotel.

‍Have you agreed?

‍Of course, I felt comfortable there and really wanted to stay. So I did some research and chose further training to become a hotel business economist, which I could complete online. I ordered various information about this and gave it to my new boss. I was surprised that there was no more feedback afterwards. After repeated, several contact attempts, during which I was always put off, I finally received the results of my exams. I passed very well and received the state prize.

‍Congratulations!

‍Thank you But the joy did not last long. I went to work to hand over the results to my boss, as they meant the end of my training. She then told me that the management had vetoed it and that this was my last day at the company. Of course I was devastated and burst into tears.

‍So the oral commitment was not kept?

‍That's right. In hindsight, it was, again, my fault that I didn't immediately ask for something in writing. But I'm not blaming my boss. She was brought into this situation herself unintentionally and was obviously overwhelmed by the overall situation.

‍As a result, you were unemployed in one fell swoop.

‍If I had no assurances, I would of course have applied to other hotels. But as a result, I was actually without a job from one day to the next and didn't know what would happen next. Of course, I was aware that it could be difficult as very few hotels were able to hire new staff at that time. Instead of celebrating my graduation, it was time to go to the employment agency.

‍How did the applications go then?

‍To be honest: Surprisingly good. I applied for a job in Munich and was looking for apartments there at the same time. Within a few weeks, I had both things under wraps and was super happy. I started as a permanent employee in October at a beautiful Munich park hotel. For the first time, I felt optimistic again.

‍How were the first few weeks there?

‍Of course, there were some restrictions due to the corona virus; for example, I sat behind a large plexiglass panel at the reception. Otherwise, everything was positive all round, I was well received by the team and was able to use my experience to help other trainees right away.

‍Then came the second lock down in November, during which the hotels had to close again. Did you see that coming?

‍Not at all. At work, of course, we always talked about the possible future. But even my new boss was certain that such drastic measures would not be imposed on the catering and hotel industries a second time. When the figures rose again, this was already noticeable. Travelers from risk areas within Germany who had to prove a negative test for their overnight stay preferred to cancel completely.

‍What happened to you then when the “Lockdown Light” was announced?

‍I think it's self-explanatory that I was afraid because I had only been at the company for a month and was therefore still on trial. The boss then quoted me to her office. Fortunately, despite the difficult situation, she did not resign me, but only told me that I had to go on short-time work and that I am now off until mid-January. I probably wouldn't have been able to cope with it a second time in such a short time (laughs).

‍What is the status quo and what is your conclusion?

‍I currently have a lot of time, but I don't really know how to handle it. The uncertainty for the future is too great. I just don't understand how the restaurants and hotels could be completely closed. Operators have invested a lot of money and time over the summer to comply with all regulations. Requirements are imposed which are met in full and, as a result, businesses are closed again. I just don't think that's fair. I'm missing a recognizable concept. Related to the topic: Corona interview with Alexandra Maierhofer from Wirtshaus DonislThe corona year has cost many people their jobs so far. Restaurateurs, hotels and gyms in particular are suffering enormously from the consequences of the lockdowns. Socialwave offers you solutions to better overcome the crisis. Feel free to arrange a Appointment for a non-binding phone call. Further information:Corona measures for gymsCorona measures for the catering industry