Why You Should Continue Education as a Hospitality Professional
By Nutthaseth Vanchaichana
““Once you stop learning, you start dying.” ”
When working with clients, I frequently emphasize the importance of ongoing education, particularly for those in the restaurant industry.
It doesn’t necessarily mean taking long, extensive courses; it can start with smaller steps, like reading books or listening to podcasts that open up new opportunities and offer fresh perspectives.
Having spent many years in the restaurant industry, one of the most valuable lessons I've learned is to harness the opportunities it offers for financial success.
That may require staying disciplined and sacrificing late-night outings with co-workers. Still, these decisions will help you maintain focus while investing in ongoing education and building a solid foundation for the future.
My first step in this process was asking myself, “What truly interests me?” This led me to a nutrition program, which ultimately inspired me to start a business.
Research shows that when you follow a path aligned with your genuine interests and passions, you become more motivated and are more likely to achieve long-term success and fulfillment.
The advantages of working in the hospitality industry include the ability to create a flexible schedule that accommodates education, all while still earning an income.
In the next section, I’ve outlined a collection of resources designed to help you get started — from wellness and mindset education to leadership skills. Each one can serve as a stepping stone toward greater confidence, balance, and fulfillment both inside and outside the workplace.
Educational Resources for Personal and Professional Growth
1. Online Learning Platforms
Coursera – Offers free and paid courses from top universities on everything from psychology and nutrition to leadership and personal development. coursera.org.
Udemy – Affordable, accessible learning for all skill levels — explore topics like mindfulness, communication, time management, and business skills. udemy.com.
LinkedIn Learning – Professional courses designed to help you improve leadership, productivity, and emotional intelligence. linkedin.com/learning.
Skillshare – Creative and practical classes on mindset, journaling, stress relief, wellness, and entrepreneurship. skillshare.com.
2. Health, Mindset & Personal Development
Mindvalley – Courses focused on personal transformation, health, and mindset growth from leading wellness experts. mindvalley.com.
Headspace – Learn meditation, mindfulness, and techniques to manage stress and build focus. headspace.com.
The School of Life – Online resources, videos, and books exploring emotional intelligence, relationships, and self-understanding. theschooloflife.com.
3. Professional & Life Skills
Harvard Online Learning – Free and low-cost professional development and leadership courses. pll.harvard.edu.
TED Talks – Inspirational talks that spark new ideas about growth, creativity, and resilience. ted.com/talks.
FutureLearn – Offers short online courses from global universities covering well-being, leadership, and communication. futurelearn.com.
I understand firsthand how easy it is to fall into the cycle of bad habits, such as skipping meals or drinking alcohol after a shift to unwind. This is why implementing healthier habits and focusing on personal and professional growth can create a more balanced work-life balance.
Education doesn’t always happen in a classroom; sometimes it’s about staying curious, questioning old habits, and being open to growth.
When we invest in knowledge, we invest in ourselves — and that ripple of awareness can transform not just our health, but every part of our lives.
