I’ve never told this to anyone.

Here’s what I learned after almost a decade of being self-employed in hospitality recruitment.

1. You must love people, or this job eats you alive.
   You read minds, see behind curtains, catch lies, and still believe in humans again the next morning.

2. Heart-based talk is often mistaken for weakness.
   Some still think kindness means naïve. I let them. It’s entertaining to watch them underestimate me.

3. It is a pure people business.
   If humans can do it, think it, feel it, or hide it, you will see it in recruitment.

4. People do not worry about you.
   Do not expect rescue. Everyone is busy with their own storm. Build your own umbrella.

5. Nothing is free in this world.
   Every call, every “no,” every hard lesson is how you pay. What you earn is experience, and that experience is pure gold.

6. You cannot win everybody.
   Some will never choose you, and that is perfect. Authenticity is a filter. The right ones walk in when the wrong ones walk out.

7. Boundaries are not optional.
   Some will show up to download your brain, your network, and your time. Learn to say no without a speech.

8. Most people will never understand recruitment.
   Until they try it, they think it’s just sending CVs. It’s psychology, risk, timing, and hardcore research.