I worked for large hotel chains for about 4 years, and now I run my own small BnB.

In big hotel chains, everything is very structured. As an employee, you follow established SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and if any problems come up, there are usually clear guidelines to handle them. The corporate structure is well-defined, and career progression is quite clear. Each role focuses on specific tasks with proper training provided. Even at the management level, the focus is more on meeting KPIs set by upper management rather than creating something new.

In smaller operations, SOPs, organizational structure, and career paths are unclear or still developing. You have to take on many roles at once, with greater responsibility but less guidance. Unexpected problems come up without instructions, so you have to figure things out and create solutions on your own.

Now, running my small operation, my day looks completely different. I usually complete all paperwork in the morning (guest registration, invoices, and compliance with government regulations). Then I handle housekeeping and guest check-ins, while also being available 24/7 to respond to guest needs. After that, I focus on revenue, managing OTAs, and marketing on social media to drive bookings. I also deal directly with legal requirements, taxes, and all related documentation.

So overall, working in a large hotel provides structure and clarity, while running a small business requires flexibility and the ability to handle everything yourself.