Job PRE(ur)TEnS
Every industry has its own prejudices to contend with. The hotel and catering industry is no exception. In fact, there are some negative views that prevent many people from seriously considering this industry as an employer. However, this overlooks the fact that, on closer inspection, these points also have advantages:

Advantage Flexible working hours | © The stars in Sauerland - Hotel Diedrich - sabrinity
Unfavourable working hours
Yes, we work at times when others usually have time off: weekends, evenings and holidays.
However, it is also true that
- of course we also regularly have weekends, evenings and holidays off.
- at the "Sternen im Sauerland", working hours are recorded digitally and thus completely transparently. Any overtime is compensated fairly.
- There is hardly an industry in which so much flexibility in working hours is possible: Do you have to deal with official matters or attend a doctor's appointment? No problem! You can take this day off during the week as normal and don't have to take a vacation day, as is the case in other industries. Are you a single parent and can only work in the mornings, afternoons or evenings? No problem - we have many (partial) working time models. After all, we are there for our guests from early in the morning until late at night.
- many destinations are less crowded during the week and shopping is much more relaxed. Sometimes even entrance fees are cheaper during the week than at the weekend.
- night owls" are given priority for late shifts, while early risers can start their early shift fresh.

Real friendship is independent of working hours | © pexels-helena-lopes
"I then no longer see my friends and family"
Yes, our working hours may be different from those of the people we care about.
However, it is also true that
- we always try to realize a desired free time: If you have an important appointment, this will be taken into account.
- you can always meet up with your friends after work; and if you plan your service cleverly, you can even sleep in the next morning.
- real friendship does not depend on working hours!

Monetary benefits | © The stars in Sauerland - Waldhaus Ohlenbach - sabrinity
Poor payment
Yes, the hotel and restaurant industry belongs to the service sector, which has a lower salary structure overall than the industry.
However, it is also true that
- The rates for NRW will increase significantly on May 1, 2023 and the starting salary after training will then be around € 2,450. Apprentices will receive € 1,100 per month in their 1st year of training, € 1,200 in their 2nd year and € 1,300 in their 3rd year.
- the stars in the Sauerland pay at least according to the collective wage agreement. Any overtime is accurately recorded and paid out or compensated with time off.
- there are numerous monetary benefits that bring advantages.
- the employees of the stars can spend their vacation in around 600 2- to 5-star establishments in Germany at a very reasonable price.
- the tip that guests give as a thank you for great service is not guaranteed, but it can be a nice extra pocket money.

Career and success without studies | © pexels-tom-balabaud
"Only with studies can I become something"
Yes, for many professions, a degree is required to obtain a position of responsibility or to become self-employed.
Not so in the hotel and catering industry!
Here, if you are really keen and motivated, you can very quickly open your own business - whether with a food truck, a trendy restaurant or a special place for guests to sleep. There are no limits to creativity. With a classic dual training programme, practical experience and supplementary courses or specialised studies, you are well equipped for self-employment.
And: You earn your own money from day one and don't have to pay back BAföG or other financial aid later.

For sure there will be travelling in the future! | © The stars in Sauerland - Waldhaus Ohlenbach - sabrinity
Uncertain industry
Yes, our industry was extremely affected by the lockdown during the Corona pandemic. The policy imposed the mandatory closures and only decided on possible relaxations at very short notice.
However, it is also true that the vacation business is doing very well again with the opening of the businesses.
This confirms that our industry has a future, because people will always travel! We are part of people's lives and give them a piece of quality of life. And our guests will not want to do without this in the future either! The purpose of a vacation is to relax and get fit for everyday life again. There is particularly strong demand for short breaks in your own country, preferably in quiet, "green" areas. The Sauerland with its host companies is therefore one of the preferred vacation regions in NRW.

The hospitality industry is integration in action| © The Stars in Sauerland - Hotel Diedrich - sabrinity
Integration & Teamwork
Our industry is integration in action: colleagues from Spain, Indonesia, Syria, Portugal and many other countries work in our companies. The cultural exchange promotes general knowledge and mutual respect.

Living and working in a holiday region| © The stars in Sauerland - sabrinity
Live and work where others go on holiday
The Sauerland is a region where others go on vacation. Travelers love the vastness, the nature, the healthy air and the people. Guests leave the hustle and bustle and anonymity of the city to take a deep breath, find peace and quiet and be looked after by great hosts.
So why not treat yourself to the luxury of living and working directly in a vacation environment. The recreational value of the Sauerland is high and many offers are free. Outdoor activities such as cycling and running are possible anywhere and at any time and the many great routes are just waiting to be explored.

Useful expertise for private use | © The Stars in Sauerland - Hotel Deimann
Useful expertise and knowledge of human nature
Invite and spoil family and friends: Everything you learn during your training and later in your professional life can be put to perfect use in your private life. Work processes that you learn on the job can be used to organize your own household, for example.
Who has specialist knowledge of drinks such as wine, cocktails or spirits, regional and exotic foods and knows how to prepare them? This makes a perfectly prepared party even more unforgettable. The invited guests will be delighted.
And by dealing with many different people and nations on a daily basis, you gain a great deal of knowledge of human nature, which helps you to stay cool in any situation, even in your private life.