Lady Shares Culture Shock From First UK Job as a Pot Washer
A Nigerian lady has recounted her experience working her first job in the United Kingdom as a pot washer in a luxury hotel kitchen.
According to her, she initially tried to impress her colleagues with what she described as her “hardworking Naija spirit,” finishing a large pile of dirty pots in about three hours instead of the expected five-hour shift.
According to her
“My first job in the UK was pot washing in a fancy hotel kitchen.On my first shifts, I tried to impress everyone with my “hardworking Naija spirit” and finished a five-hour pile of pots in about three hours. I was proud and thought I could finally relax a little.
I leaned on the dishwasher watching the chefs cook, not knowing I was being observed. Soon I heard, “Chi is finished pot washing,” and the senior chef appeared beside me.Right then. Since you’re done—” I was immediately given more work: cleaning already clean areas, changing tissue rolls, emptying bins, and even washing bin trolleys outside.That day I learned that in the UK, if you are paid for a shift, you work every minute. There is no early rest—just stay busy until clock-out. Keep your hardworking Naija spirit”
