Help – I'm stressed

Question

I am having a very stressful time at the moment. I am qualified to NVQ level 3 in Food Service and I really want to become a restaurant manager one day. The problem is I really want to work in this industry, but I find it hard to cope with the pressure. I'm not sure what to do about it and I'm considering quitting the industry. I don't really want to do this and my parents won't let me anyway. What should I do?

What the expert says

Michael Moor, managing director, Chef Centre

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The hospitality trade is by nature quite a high-pressure industry, but there are some sectors that are less stressful than others. You need to identify the causes of your stress, whether it's meeting and dealing with people face to face, an inability to meet deadlines with too much to do in too little time, or a backlog of work because of staff shortages. These problems could occur less frequently in the contract catering sector as you would be mostly see the same customers each day, have a regular routine and be among a more settled team of staff. If the stress stems from facing angry customers complaining about the quality or timing of the food you are expected to supply and this is outside your control, consider a more professional operation with a structured chain of command that defines an individual's area of responsibility. Are your parents causing stress by creating a fear of failure? This is an ideal industry if you want the opportunity to move away from home. You don't necessarily have to go far, but maybe a break away from your family would be good all round. You've done your training in something you want to do, so it would be a shame to waste it, and there are so many operations that have human resources managers who look after the welfare of their staff and allow you to enjoy your work.