Time for yourself

As a successful restauranteur, Jaimon Thomas is a very busy man – with four businesses in Leicester to run (and more outside the county), it’s important to find a way to balance life with work. When he’s not splitting his time between Kayal, Herb, Merchant of Venice and Donald Watson’s Vegan Bar, Jaimon can be found in his garage.

“I love my classic cars and motorbikes. My office is filled with models of cars – it’s a way for me to incorporate my mancave into what I do. I generally drive one of my vintage cars to work. It’s a way of balancing my passions with my work.”

Classic cars aren’t the most reliable. ‘What happens if it breaks down on the way to a meeting?’, I hear you ask.

“I’ve got the very best breakdown cover! When roadside assistance doesn’t arrive soon enough, I’ll call one of my colleagues, who’ll pick me up in their car. Otherwise, minor repairs I can fix myself.”

As someone who works in a very people-centric industry, spending time in the garage gives Jaimon a moment of solitude, time to gather his thoughts and focus on himself.

“My mental health is refreshed by this time off – I work very hard, so it gives me time away to enjoy another passion. Hospitality can become quite an addictive lifestyle. It’s a tough job – sacrificing evenings and weekends. It’s not for everyone, but those who love it, really love it. They stay in the industry for years, if not decades.

“You’re always around people, we work as a team and share food and a drink after hours. We’re a family. If someone needs time off, we’re flexible and don’t follow fixed rules; we cover shifts, book-in holiday, and look after each other. There’s always a community to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves.”

Community is very important. A sense of belonging and shared passion allows men to bond and can form the basis of years-long friendships. That might be through sport, cars, gaming, art, theatre, music or more.

“A lot of people share my passion for vintage cars, so I can talk to them about it in the restaurant, share stories, and go to view each other’s cars. Having a passion outside of work can help your professional life. It makes you a more rounded individual and gives you a way to connect with people.”

If you struggle to switch off from work, try finding another passion. Something you can do to unwind that isn’t expected to make a profit. As any classic car enthusiast will tell you, it’s really not about making money!

HAVING A PASSION OUTSIDE OF WORK CAN HELP YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE