My only idea was to use my Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate to pour beers for a few months until I worked out what I wanted to do next.

I have worked in hospitality numerous times throughout my career, mostly during my university days and have always maintained an RSA certificate "just in case".

But those were all stop-gap positions to help pay the bills and tie me over until I worked out my next move.

The day I walked into the Leeton Soldiers Club and spoke to the secretary-manager, I had no idea my life plan would take an unexpected turn and lead me towards a new career that I absolutely love.

The move in my profession kind of caught me by surprise and recently made me start to wonder why more people don't consider a long-term career in hospitality.

Most people I've spoken with who do work in the industry say they found themselves there by accident.

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With the exception of the occasional chef, I've yet to find someone that stated hospitality was something they had always dreamed of doing, yet there are so many amazing opportunities across the industry.

Yes, some of the work is night work, but like any job, if you stick through the rough stuff it can lead to a flexible, fulfilling position.

Casuals move through like a revolving door, however when you know or find someone who seems genuinely excited to be working in the industry, you pray they might consider staying longer than just a few weeks.

Luckily at the club we have plenty of people just like that and I'm thankful every day for the wonderful job that they do.

As the old saying goes, "you're only as good as the people you have around you".

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