It’s a loaded question, we know. Is taking 1-2 years away to work in the UK the right move for you? Obviously, we’re biased, and we want to scream out: YESSSSSS IT IS! But the reality is that a gap year trip to the UK might not be for everyone (even if we wish it was).
Here are a few things to consider if your thinking trading in your usual day-to-day for the adventure of a lifetime in England. Have a read and you can think about whether a UK Working Holiday is right for you.
Do you enjoy getting to know new people?
If the answer is yes, you’re off to a great start. Nothing makes a working holiday experience in the UK quite as much as the friends you’ll make along the way. Whether it be your coworkers at the pub, your managers/bosses, or just a friendly stranger at the cafe. Getting started overseas is going to require you to put yourself out there – to be social, outgoing, and friendly. If that is your default setting, you’re going to have a blast. And, you’ll likely come home after a year or two with new friendships that will last a lifetime (even if they are long distance).
Do you pick up new skills/tasks with ease?
Adjusting to a new country with new accents, new culture, and a new currency isn’t easy at first. But if you’re someone who is comfortable with change and able to pick up new things quickly, you’ll be just fine. The UK is an amazing part of the world, and it’s not all that unlike anywhere else, but it will take you a bit of time to get used to the new money, new systems at work, and to pick up on the thick #British accents. Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be dropping British slang like you’ve lived there your whole life.
Do you hunger for adventure?
Moving your life to the other side of the world isn’t easy. Even with the assistance of a working holiday company like us, it’s still going to take some adjusting to get used to life on the other side of the pond. UK based pub jobs are a lot of work, and all the positions we offer are full time roles (35-50 hours per week), so you need to be ready to work hard. All of that said, if you’ve got a healthy hunger for adventure, the hard work will most definitely be worth while. From exploring the UK on your time off, to weekend trips to Paris, Madrid, or Munich – you’re going to find that it doesn’t take too much time or effort to find your next adventure.
Do you have lots of energy & enthusiasm?
Staying on the subject of the pub jobs themselves – having lots of energy & enthusiasm for life is key. Our UK Pub partners are looking for happy, excited, and enthusiastic front-of-house staff to join their teams. You’re doing to be on the front line of service for your employer, and a bright and energetic personality is one of the most important characteristics in making sure your guests have a great experience at the pub. If you feel like you’ve got this kind of energy, you’re going to be a superstar server or bartender in the UK, and we want to hear from you!
Are you ready for change in your life?
Taking off on a working holiday in the UK is a great way to re-set if you’re feeling like you want to make a change in your life. It doesn’t have to be a ‘forever’ thing – but taking 1-2 years to work abroad, travel, and enjoy a new lifestyle will undoubtedly lead to some amazing new experiences, will level up your maturity, and will put you outside of your comfort zone from time to time. And at the end of it all, home will always be there, waiting for your return! So why not pack those bags and give it a shot. What’s the worst that can happen?
If you said YES to most of the questions above, our UK Hospo Co Job Program may just be the best thing you’ve ever done. We’ll have your back from the moment you sign up, to assist you with everything from you UK Visa application, to your travel arrangements, to the confirmation of your pub job and on-site accommodation – all before you even step off the plane. You’ll still get all the benefits of the adventure abroad, without all the worry and stress about whether or not you’ll be able to find a job or a place to live. So what are you waiting for? Send us a FREE, no-obligation enquiry today and we’ll be in touch to tell you more!
