Four years ago, I wasn’t looking for a career move. I was looking for a job that worked around my life.
I’d just left a management role after COVID. The pressure was constant and with two young children, it just wasn’t sustainable. I took six months off and decided I needed something that fitted around school runs – not something that took over everything else.
My mum said to me; “You like cleaning. Why don’t you look at housekeeping?” So I did.
I applied for a housekeeping role at Premier Inn, got an interview and was honest from the start. I needed hours that worked around school. The answer was simple: that’s fine – we can do that.
That was the first sign I’d found the right place.
I could do the school run, come in, do my rooms, and still be there for pick-up. It just worked.
Housekeeping is hard work. It’s physical and demanding and anyone who says otherwise isn’t being honest with you.
Some days are quieter. Others are full-on, especially when the hotel’s busy but you’re never left on your own. You work as a team, everyone helps each other, and managers step in when needed.
That’s what makes the difference.
Day-to-day, the job varies. You might clean a smaller number of rooms and focus on deep cleaning or corridors, or you might come into a full hotel and work through a full room list. If another area of the hotel is busy, you might help clear breakfast or support another team. And when housekeeping is under pressure, other teams come up to help.
Every room is cleaned to Premier Inn brand standards. You’re trained properly, supported while you learn and given more responsibility when you’re ready. No one’s rushed or left to struggle.
I didn’t join Premier Inn with a long-term plan. I joined because the job fit my life. I stayed because of the culture. There’s real flexibility around family life here. If you need time for children or school, people understand. If you’re running late, someone will start things off. There’s no guilt and no unnecessary pressure.
Over time, I took on more responsibility because I was good at my job. I started checking rooms, covering shifts and supporting others. When the Head Housekeeper role came up here, I realised I was already doing much of it – so I went for it.
Two weeks into the role, I now lead a team of 13 housekeepers. What made me say yes was the support. From Housekeepers to Duty Managers to the Hotel Manager, everyone backed me to succeed.
Looking ahead, I might like to train as a Duty Manager when my children are older. Knowing that progression is possible – but not forced – matters to me.
The discount on Premier Inn rooms is something I use all the time – it’s genuinely such a big discount! I’ve also joined the Sharesave scheme and kept my shares invested. It feels good knowing the effort you put in connects to the wider business.
If you like cleaning, it’s a good job. It’s hard work, but it’s supported.
You know what’s expected. You’re trained to a clear standard. You work as part of a team. And you can fit the job around your life – not the other way round.
That’s why I stayed. And why I’m still here.