Position: Holiday Part timer
Working at J&E Sports since: 2019
What do you enjoy most about working at J&E Sports?
Definitely my colleagues. We have a lot of fun together. Sometimes it does not even feel like work because we are laughing all day. The atmosphere is really great. I also really enjoy the variety in the job. Unlike working in hospitality or a supermarket, no two days are the same. That variety makes the work very enjoyable for me.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
We start early, but that is actually a big plus for me because you can work a lot of hours in one day. Especially as a student, that makes planning much easier. I schedule one full day of work and immediately make a lot of hours. I prefer that to working just a few hours every day.
Which projects stand out to you the most and why?
Mainly the projects where you travel further away and stay overnight. For example a project in Brussels. You really get to see new places and explore the city and its surroundings. In the evening, you enjoy a beer with your colleagues, which makes it even more fun.
What makes this job different from others you have had?
Before this, I coached hockey and worked as a dishwasher. What I really like here is that you work during weekdays in the summer period. You also make a lot more hours, which I personally really appreciate.
How would you describe the team?
It is a very diverse team. A great mix of students and experienced professionals who have grown up in the trade. That diversity makes it dynamic and enjoyable to work in.
What makes the atmosphere in the van or on site so good?
That is a difficult question. I think it is mainly the humour within the team. The working atmosphere is very informal, which I really like. Sometimes it does not even feel like I am working, more like I am helping a friend. We genuinely have a lot of fun together.
What have you learned here that you would not have learned elsewhere?
Work ethic. Because of the long days, days at a placement or internship suddenly feel much shorter. You really learn to stay active and keep going. The all gas mentality and the can I help with anything mindset stay with you wherever you go.
Which employment benefits matter most to you?
The number of hours you can work and the fact that you are paid weekly. Especially as a student, that is very helpful. A tight week is better than a tight month.
How important are team outings and activities to you?
I think they are very important and a lot of fun. They are never cut back on. There is a get together every Friday and in the summer there are regular barbecues. It is always gezellig and good fun.
What would you miss most if you did not work here anymore?
The humour within the team and the overall dynamic. You can really be yourself here and you are given a lot of freedom.
What would you say to someone who is unsure about coming to work here?
On a zero hours contract, you can work multiple days during the summer. You have a lot of freedom and agree your hours together. That makes it very flexible.
What makes you enjoy coming to work every day?
I never really go to work with reluctance. That has everything to do with my colleagues. It is simply a very fun team.
How was it starting without any experience?
At the beginning, you learn very quickly how everything works. The job is not difficult, but to keep it enjoyable it is important to stay curious and keep asking questions. Getting more responsibility makes the work much more enjoyable straight away.
What makes working at J&E Sports more enjoyable than another part time job?
Because of the long working days, you really get to know your colleagues well. I enjoy that a lot. It is a great team to work in and I felt part of it very quickly.