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Rachael Parke
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MUM'S THE WORD WILL OUR FRONT OF HOUSE CHAMPION, RACHAEL PARKE, GET A DAY OFF ON EITHER VALENTINE’S OR MOTHER’S DAY? OF COURSE NOT, BUT SHE STILL WOULDN’T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY! www.number-29.com
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AVING WORKED in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years it’s fair to say my three beautiful girls, aged 22, 17 and 12, have only ever known their mum to work unsociable hours including nights and weekends. Like many working parents, I have had huge guilt trips over the years - with my work commitments often taking over the commitment I have as a mum. I love my children but being an at-home mum was neither a financial option nor indeed a personal one - I can’t cook, I don’t thrive on cleaning the house and I was never a great social butterfly at the school gates and enjoying 9am coffee mornings! In our industry, our busiest periods seem to fall at some of the most inconvenient times as a parent: school holidays, Christmas and weekends - the times our children require the most care. Both my husband Jeremy’s parents and my mum would often have all the fun with the children, what with horse riding, school plays and weekends away, and this was hard as we felt we were missing out on the vital parts of our children growing up. For those who have met my children, though, I can’t be all bad! All three understand the importance of working, responsibility, and independence, and all three are very sociable - I feel these important life skills have been gained from growing up in a restaurant environment, so would I change anything? Of course I would! I have an addictive nature and commit myself fully to anything I set my mind to, strive for excellence and wish to exceed in my role as a front of house manager, but I truly wish I could have disciplined myself to a better work/life balance, and on my FEBRUARY 2020
days off put away the devices but, like a lot of us, can’t. Now, with an increasing shortage of chefs and front of house, employers are having to meet the demands of new employees, which increases the pressure on us ‘old school die hard types’ picking up all the unwanted shifts. However, the hospitality industry is a really positive industry to work in as a parent - being a 24-hour, seven days a week industry means rotas can normally accommodate personal requirements, with positions in reception, offices, housekeeping, bar, or restaurant, as night porters or chefs - hours are available day or night. It is also a great place to switch off from your parental commitments, in a very social environment. As we approach two huge dates in the restaurant calendar, Valentine’s Day and Mother's Day - and like the last 20 plus years, I am certain Jeremy will not be treating me to a wonderful candlelit meal as we serve 80 guests a seven-course taster menu - my plan is to smile sweetly at my employer and team and hope for the first time ever that I spend Mother’s Day with my children, especially as it’s a double celebration - Marlie turns 13! Whatever happens, though, as February and March focus on the love of our partners and our mums, remember sometimes that popping down your devices and sharing a few quality moments is the only gift you really need to share.
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