This is Jessica’s journey into the cleaning industry and discovering a careers without language barriers.
How hard did you first find joining the cleaning industry? What were the struggles that you faced?
I found it very hard at the start. In 2010 I arrived in Northern Ireland. I had 100 Euros in my pocket, with very little English and no job lined up. After a few days here I managed to get a job cleaning cottages as a housekeeper. I used to travel 30 minutes there and 30 minutes back by bus. It was a very busy environment and I worked alone. When I did see people, I found the language barrier very difficult, and because the cottages were in the middle of nowhere I had no way of communicating with the outside world. As the weeks passed, the time I spent in my own job in this new country made me feel more at home, I had a routine to follow, I had a job to take pride in.
Is there anything your managers colleagues, family or friends did to help you understand and enjoy your job role more?
The lady that ran the cottages gave me a week-long induction. She showed me where things were, what I was expected to do and the standard I was expected to achieve, she tried to make it as clear to me as I could. I remember talking to my husband about the language barrier and how it became difficult at work sometimes. My husband already had a good understanding of the English language so he helped me. He took a piece of paper and wrote a list. The list had words in Slovak and words in English; words like ‘vacuum’, ‘carpet’ and different cleaning products that I would be using. I remember holding onto the list tightly until finally I didn’t need it anymore. This list helped me understand what customers needed and helped me feel more comfortable.
What made you stay in the cleaning industry?
Originally I wanted to stay in the cleaning industry because it helped me pay my bills. It was also one of the only industries that I could understand and thrive in with my language barriers. On top of that I found cleaning so relaxing and I saw personal development in my job. In 2012 I worked as a cleaning operative in a factory and after 4 years the client asked my manager if there was a way I could be promoted. I was so happy. I was working in an industry that recognised my hard work. I felt like I had found my place.
In all of your amazing achievements of your career in the cleaning industry, what are you proudest of?
In ten years, I have gone from 100 euros in my pocket, with no job lined up and very little English to proudly being an area manager. I have achieved a distinction in Business Administration level 2 qualification, which I completed in English and I have created a life in Northern Ireland. I can’t believe where I am!
What advice would you give to someone at the start of their career in the industry?
My advice? Never give up and don’t be scared. Even if times get hard there will always be light at the end of the tunnel. If you are offered new experiences or the chance to develop in some way, take it! You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.
