Managing his social anxiety is one of many challenges Michael has overcome in his short working career.
“I’m much more confident, whereas before my nerves were bundled up all the time and I was freaking out inside. Now I’m much better at managing my stress and anxiety and being more confident with dealing with customers“.
Hi Michael. Thanks for your time. Let’s start with high school. What was that like for you?
Not great. I didn’t make a lot of progress in high school. I felt like I got along with most of my teachers ok because I was always trying my best. It was mostly the students I had trouble with. I tried to let it go. I don’t like to hold onto things.
Did things change when you went to College?
Yeah. I remember one day, I decided I’m just going to talk with someone, and so I just went up to someone in art class and I said, “Hi, you know that drawing you’re doing is really nice”. Then she introduced me to her other friend, and we just started hanging out at the library, and we became friends from there. In fact, we’re still friends to this day.
Do you mind sharing some of the issues you’ve had around social anxiety?
Well, I’ve never had much skill at talking with people. Even at College and TAFE it was hard to make friendships. My anxiety was affecting my sleep, so I was just tired all the time. But now I’m taking the right steps to help with my sleep. I mean, I still get pretty anxious, but I’ve got way more strategies in place.
When did find out about Hamlet Café*? It was recommended to me by my Employment Service Provider. (*Hamlet Café delivers targeted training and work readiness support to people facing barriers to employment, with a focus on people living with a disability).
Were you excited when you learned of the opportunity to work at Hamlet Cafe?
I was excited, but mostly nervous. I still wasn’t super confident. But everyone was very nice to me, and I got a lot of support. It’s really well structured for people who don’t have lots of confidence or the best social skills.
Do you remember your first day at the café?
I do. I was a nervous wreck. Not just the first day but the first four or five shifts, but because everyone was so supportive, I started to calm down eventually. When I started I felt like I wasn’t good enough, but the feedback from everyone was that I was doing well, and you can do even better.
What skills were you learning?
I was learning to be multi-skilled; working with the customers, my team mates, plus all the tasks, like polishing glasses, setting tables. Plus making sure that I’m communicating with the customers in an appropriate way, which is probably the most important thing in hospitality.
When you started at Hamlet, how many shifts were you doing?
I think it was either two or three, four-hour shifts a week.
After all your training at Hamlet, did you get a qualification?
I got a Certificate, which I’m proud of. But I don’t really need the Certificate to feel like I’ve made progress.
When you say ‘progress’, what are referring to?
I’m much more confident, whereas before my nerves were bundled up all the time and I was freaking out inside. Now I’m much better at managing my stress and anxiety and being more confident with dealing with customers. Also, people have been telling me I’m getting much better at public speaking.
When did you start thinking about hospitality as a career?
Probably when I went to TAFE. I was doing a Certificate 1 course called ‘Career Preparation’.
At TAFE I was really eager to improve myself, and what was also good about it was that I was learning to be more social. But it wasn’t until I came to Hamlet that my confidence really started to grow.
You’re now working at MAC 1. What’s that like?
Well, it’s an entry level position. I clean dishes. I clean tables, I polish plates and glasses. I’m hoping I can move up to more customer service, but it’ll happen when it happens.
What do you like about your job at MAC 1?
Everyone is so lovely. The staff and the customers. I feel like I’m better suited to the work. It’s probably because I’ve had the training. But I feel at MAC1 I can connect better with the customers.
How important was the training you had a Hamlet to getting the job at MAC 1?
I think it played a big part in me getting the position. I was also given a recommendation from Hamlet when I went for the job at MAC 1. I actually feel pretty lucky to be working there.
What are some of the challenges of the job?
One of the challenges initially was just getting a feel for the layout. It’s a big place. Just finding where I’m supposed to go was the hardest part. But if I’m not sure, I can just ask one of the staff.
Has there been a moment at MAC 1 recently where you’ve done something that you’re especially proud of?
Lately, I’ve been carrying out a lot of my duties on the floor; gathering all the trays and trolleys that need to go back, and I’ve been doing it a lot quicker. I’m now finishing all my work half an hour earlier than normal. So the supervisor might say “wow, that’s great Michael. Do you want to grab a coffee or something because you’ve basically done everything.” That feels really good.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I’m usually at home helping my mum care for my four little sisters. Three of them have an intellectual disability, so they need a bit of taking care of.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like going for walks. It’s a good way for me to think and clear my head, especially if I’m feeling a bit flat and negative.
What advice would do you have for someone who doesn’t know what they want to do when they leave school? Honestly, I would say there’s no need to worry. It’s not as if you’re locked into a decision at this point. You’ve got so much time to think about it. And there’s no reason that you just can’t try something first, and if it doesn’t work out you can try something else.