I had the pleasure of meeting and having a chat with 18 yr old Joe at multi award winning Everest Lounge Restaurant in Market Harborough last week.
Restaurant owner Pradip had already briefly told me Joe's story and how proud he was to have had him working at Everest Lounge for the past 2 years, so I asked Joe if he would share his story with me for this article.
Friend of The Family:
Now before I start, I need to explain that Joe has known Pradip and his partner Sunil for the last 4 years as Pradip's wife and Joe's mum have been friends a long time. So when Joe (and his Mum!) mentioned at age 14 that it might be a good idea to get some work experience, Pradip was only too pleased to take him 'under his wing' and get him a few trial shifts initially working with his good friend at AVATAR Restaurant in Market Harborough town.
'Challenging' School Days?:
Now Joe, like many other young men, by his own admission wasn't the 'most studious of scholars' - in fact school had become a bit of a problem for him. He liked to 'mess around' a little too much and consequently got himself into some trouble on a few occasions. And that's why I consider his evolving story to be so commendable.
Joe's 1st Work Experience:
So at just 14 years of age, Joe started working just a few hours a week at Avatar on Friday and Saturday evenings. When I asked him how he felt about starting work, he recalled he was at first very nervous. He was working with people much older than him, people who were dedicated to working hard, and (as he describes it) he was 'nervous' in case he messed up. He knew he had been given this opportunity and he didn't want to let people down. He soon realised he couldn't mess around like at school even if he'd wanted to because they'd be no place to hide!
He knew he had to mature quickly!
But strangely, he found himself wanting to do his best and with constant encouragement from his fellow workers, he grew into the job gradually building his confidence and most importantly 'enjoying' the responsibility and trust of working in the restaurant.
Looking back, Joe feels now that those early days working just a few evenings at weekends definitely helped him to be more productive during the week, and was probably the foundation for instilling some self confidence and the sense of discipline that has helped him ever since.
And then...'Lockdown'!
Like everyone else Joe wasn't prepared for the 1st Covid 19 lockdown that we all experienced from the end of March 2020. And with little warning all non essential shops and businesses had to temporarily close, or modify their service, while we were all instructed to 'Stay Home, Protect The NHS and Save Lives'. Some restaurants were able to offer a carry out/take away service, but it wasn't until 24th June 2020 that restaurants and pubs were allowed to open their doors once again and welcome 'sit in' customers, albeit with strict safety guidelines.
EVEREST LOUNGE RESTAURANT OPENS - June 2022
By now Pradip had opened his brand new EVEREST LOUNGE Restaurant in St Mary's Road, Market Harborough and as promised, Joe was taken on to learn more about the restaurant trade. When it first opened, Joe had already got a taste of working in a 'busy restaurant' environment at Avatar. But of course, this was new as restrictions and social distancing guidelines were still in place, and people were understandably cautious about 'eating out' again.
It wasn't until the government's business aid 'Eat Out To Help Out' national scheme in August 2020 that offered 50% discounts on food and non alcoholic drinks, that enticed customers back and gradually filled the restaurants again. So even though he was still quite shy in personality, Joe could now build on his previous experience.
Building Confidence & Self Esteem:
He remembers that working with Pradip and a great team at Everest Lounge did wonders for his self confidence and self esteem and he loved the excitement and interacting with customers. He was now in his 1st year at QE college in Leicester but studying mostly online which allowed him to get to the restaurant when it opened early at 3.30pm.
And now 2 years on in 2022, Joe and his good friend Jake are still valuable members of the EVEREST LOUNGE TEAM and to quote Joe, he 'loves every minute'. The restaurant of course has achieved many awards of excellence since opening and as at November 2022, has gained more than 750 favourable verified reviews - and Joe and Jake have been part of it!
Joe's KEY 'Take Outs':
So I asked Joe to try to summarise what the 14 year old regular lad from Harborough has gained by getting work experience at both AVATAR and EVEREST LOUNGE RESTAURANTS in Market Harborough.
Without hesitation, Joe attributes learning:
He also claims that the work experience, along with his love and discipline of boxing, has helped 'enormously' with his mental health, his self confidence and well being. He says he's loved learning from real life experiences and he's so pleased and grateful that he was given the opportunity.
The Job Interview:
Joe is now 18, and happily spends his time working during the day for an Insurance company, and working most evenings at EVEREST LOUNGE and 'he's loving it'! He is also convinced that being able to describe his work experiences and enthusiasm at interview contributed greatly to his beating up to 30 applicants for his present job!
I really enjoyed meeting Joe. He was a 'breath of fresh air' to talk with and I have no doubt that his attitude, enthusiasm and well placed confidence will serve him well in whatever career he chooses to follow and I wish him every success.
I'd like to thank Pradip Karanjit - owner of Everest Lounge Restaurant for allowing me to interview Joe on his premises.
And finally, I'm sure there are many 'Joes' around who, with a little encouragement from a young age, would also benefit from guided work experience with a reputable business and who would turn out to be a great asset to any willing company.
Simon Perry
The Bestof Market Harborough.
Everest Lounge Indian, Nepalese & Tibetan Restaurant
46 St Mary's Road
Market Harborough
LE16 7DU.
Tel: 01858 433336
