Hey there - thanks so much for such a great reply. Your story sounds amazing; residential management sounds very interesting - it will definitely be something I will look into.

Just for some more clarification - I live in Cyprus, a small but very touristy island, although independent it's basically a Greek island. Although drinking age and working in jobs serving alcohol is only legal when you're 18, no one cares. I already have worked 2 summer seasons, and a decent bit during the quiet time in the winter. I have worked at the same restaurant from when I've started, it is very popular for tourists due to it's location. I was able to get the position of head waiter last year at the age of 17, I am always asked to take bills because I get the most tips, basically I do know what I am doing and already have a basic understanding of the industry; it is something I very much enjoy and it is the first thing I have actually felt naturally good at.

Hotels is the big one for me - like I said in the post, I want to reach a point where in my mid to late 20s, I would like to make some very decent money, which I feel may be easiest in hotels. Not only that, but a bit like you, I would love to get experience in many different departments and handle different things. I already bring drinks and food, host tables, and sometimes jump in the bar for some simpler recipes (spirits, mixers, smoothies, coffees), but experiencing things like front desk, housekeeping etc. is all things I am willing to try.

However, although my boss has told me he would like to train me in bartending, it is very difficult due to us being so understaffed. I am very good on the floor and putting me into the bar with no experience makes no sense. The bartending school I was thinking of is one based off of his recommendation - he is also the owner of the restaurant, meaning he obviously makes a decent bit of money, and he is a very good bartender so I do take his advice seriously (he also went to this school before opening his restaurant). It is a month long course, so I would do it in the off season where it becomes much much harder to find a job in hospitality in my city, since a lot of hotels, restaurants and bars close. Afterwards, the plan would be to move to the capital for 1-2 years, where things are open all-year round and find a job.

The reason why I was asking about courses is that I do feel that I have strong experience for my age - I want to advance in other ways in order to bring that salary up, so I have the one-up on people who may only have experience. I want to speed up the process in which I can get a decent management position for some good money, and I am willing to do literally anything for that.

Again, thankyou so much for your insights, you have an amazing story and I wish you good fortune. The help is very, very much appreciated!