At the peak of the service sector in idyllic surroundings

What is work?

I don't really know yet! I graduated from university with a degree in French and Geography in July 1998 and since then I've done my best to avoid what I consider to be work - 9 to 5 with the same routine every week. Since then I've been temping, taken part in the grape harvesting in Champagne, done voluntary work in Namibia, and I'm currently working as a waiter in Switzerland.

What was your first job?

I was a paperboy - delivering the local free paper every Thursday evening.

What do your parents do?

My dad has his own business running an amusement arcade in Essex, my mum is a bank cashier. My twin sister is a nanny at home. My family are all quite happy for me to work abroad as long as I can finance myself.

What is your greatest difficulty at work?

The language - I'm in a German speaking part of Switzerland, but I've only just started to learn the language from a tape course borrowed from my local library.

What do you excel at in work?

I believe I'm good at customer care. Even as a waiter people ask advice on where to go, what the weather is likely to do - we're a tourist information service.

How do you stay motivated?

Here it isn't difficult. I just have to look out of the window at the sun, snow, wooden chalets and mountains.

Is goal-setting important?

I don't tend to set goals. I simply try to always get the most out of what I do in terms of both enjoyment and usefulness. At the moment I can ski or snowboard every day, learn German, and get paid. I still haven't set goals as far as a long-term career is concerned, but I'm more and more interested in the travel industry. I definitely want to use my languages.

Are you a workaholic?

I work hard, but work is no fun if you don't allow yourself the time to enjoy the money that you've earned. At the end of the ski season here, my girlfriend and I are going off to tour southern Africa for a month, using the money we've earned over the winter.

Do you perform well under pressure?

Yes - a bit of adrenline running through the veins never does any harm. There was no additional pressure involved in working abroad compared to starting a new job in England. Last season in France I knew the language. This year, although I knew what working in a resort was going to be like, I'm having to cope with picking up the language as well as going the job.

Do you have a secretary/PA?

My mum forwards my mail - does that count?

Are you a good employee?

I would like to think so. There are a lot of people who work here full time and are worried that seasonal staff like me may not pull their weight, but once they see you do, then they're fine.

Do you e-mail and surf the internet?

I used to at university, but up here at 1800m I haven't got personal access. That's one thing I do miss. Out here I have to put pen to paper to keep in touch with friends. People find it difficult because they're so used to firing off e-mails now.

What are your favourite clothes and working place?

My favourite working place has to be the Alps - the scenery, the fresh clean air, the calm, the holiday atmosphere. I'm less sure about whether the traditional Swiss costume I have to wear once a week is among my top 10 work clothes though!

What's in your briefcase?

What briefcase? A 70-litre rucksack is my usual companion.

What change would you make to your working life?

I'd move my room away from the snow clearing machine to avoid a 6 am wake up call when it snows.

Have you ever been sacked?

No - I don't think I've ever been in any one place long enough.

What would make you leave your job?

A lack of interest in the job I was doing and the surroundings.

Do you think talent gets to the top in Scotland?

Yes, when mixed with Lady Luck and Mr Contacts

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