As a single mother, Rae found flexibility of shifts to be important. She tells us, here, how the support which she received in her early career has led to 10 years’ service, with promotions from part-time associate all the way to pub manager.

I joined Wetherspoon in 2013, when my daughter had just turned one.

As a single mother, I needed a job with flexibility, so I took up a part-time position as an associate at Wetherspoon. Initially, I worked 12 hours a week – and what stood out to me were the team atmosphere and the supportive Wetherspoon management team.

Within six months, I was promoted to team leader. The pub manager believed that I had the right qualities for the role, and I changed to full-time hours, while still managing my responsibilities as a mother. This flexibility was crucial for me, and I appreciated the way in which the management team worked closely with me to ensure that I could fulfil my job, while still being there for my daughter.

Throughout my career at Wetherspoon, I have always prioritised customer satisfaction. This customer-centric approach has made me stand out to both managers and customers alike. Building good rapport with customers has been a strength of mine. Before joining Wetherspoon, I had heard generalised myths about the company, but my experience quickly showed me that those misconceptions were far from the truth.

The training and opportunities which I received exceeded my expectations. The company invested in my growth, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities provided. The training programmes not only helped me develop job-specific skills, but also boosted my confidence and allowed me to build strong relationships with my peers. This was particularly important for me as a single mother with dyslexia, as the programmes helped me to overcome challenges and grow both personally and professionally.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the relationships built with customers. In my original pub, there was a couple who had recently moved to the city. I took the time to talk to them and ask about their settling-in process. This genuine interest led to a special bond, and they started coming in every Tuesday, specifically when they knew I would be working. Witnessing customers genuinely happy to see me brought immense joy and job satisfaction.

Throughout my journey, I have had a positive relationship with area managers and auditors because I was always eager to learn. I wasn’t afraid to ask auditors questions – with their insights proving extremely helpful. As a pub manager, I have received invaluable support from my auditor James and area manager Tony. Their guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental in my growth and success. I am truly grateful for their encouragement and mentorship.

Wetherspoon’s commitment to growth and development is evident in its training programmes. Over the years, I have witnessed significant improvements in the frequency and quality of training. The trainers themselves are enthusiastic, making the learning experience enjoyable and effective. Wetherspoon values growth and rewards those who put in the effort. My transition from an associate to a team leader was challenging, yet ultimately prepared me for my current role as a pub manager.

My most significant personal achievement has been my growth from an associate to a pub manager. Initially, I never imagined reaching this position, but, thanks to the training, support and opportunities provided by Wetherspoon, I have exceeded my own expectations. Moreover, I have been fortunate enough to relocate to a seaside location, adding an extra layer of fulfilment to my professional journey.

In conclusion, Wetherspoon has allowed me to not only build a rewarding career, but also maintain a healthy work-life balance. The team atmosphere, supportive management, comprehensive training and the opportunity to build lasting connections with customers have made my journey at Wetherspoon truly fulfilling.

I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities which have shaped me, both personally and professionally.