Ever dreamed of breaking free from the routines and everyday life, but get stuck on tiny insignificant details such as how to make a living?
Fear no more. Instead, allow yourself to be inspired by Tom Andersson and his story as a dishwashing nomad and how he found the perfect setup and made it a lifestyle.
Tom has a background in logistics but was inspired to make a change by his girlfriend, whom has always worked in the restaurant business and has several seasonal gigs in her CV. Why stay in the apartment in Malmö, when you can spend a season in Norrland? Following summer Tom decided to come along, and after a summer season in Västerbotten he was hooked.
This was the perfect setup – spending winters in his hometown of Malmö, and experiencing the never-ending summer nights of the North during the summers.
In the weeks leading up to his first summer season, Tom received a phone call from his girlfriend’s new boss, asking if he’d be interested in the job as dishwasher and kitchen porter/handyman. Tom, who is always up for a new challenge thought “Why not?” and accepted. Once there, he soon realized his experience in logistics would prove very handy in his new line of work.
Because logistics - organizing and optimizing flow – is what it's all about. In the wash room, as well as in the rest of the kitchen. Tom quickly found his place and rolled with the task of trying to create smarter and better flows in the wash area. He also loved the team spirit, and the jargon among the staff.
The restaurant in question is situated in Vindelforsarnas Nature Reserve on Vindelälven, and has become a destination for tourists from all over Europe.
The rich experience this place offers lies in enjoying the magnificent landscape and remarkable nature, while enjoying exquisite food. In connection with dining, the area invites you to experience nature head-on by exploring some of the surrounding beautiful hiking trails – something Tom would often do on his days off work. Nature’s bounty also offers many delicious treats to forage along the way: bird cherries/hackberries, fragrant wild rose petals, meadowsweet, the famous matsutake mushroom, and of course a myriad of other mushrooms and berries.
Tom loved it there, but at the same time he was looking forward to return to Malmö and seeing his two grown kids, and change focus with new work assignments.
Back in Malmö, one of the more interesting and challenging sites Tom has worked at is MalmöMässan.
This gig put even more emphasis on his logistical skills as it meant coordinating dirty and clean dishes to and from several different kitchens, as the center often host several events and guests simultaneously – and often with totally different cuisine. This required even more control of flows to avoid chaos. It also demands top-level communication and collaboration between team members that were often quite new to each other.
But that’s what Tom likes best – meet and work with new people and create and build new teams.
Something else Tom is passionate about is being part of a bigger picture, contributing to an optimal experience.
- Putting out a glass with finger prints on it or placing smudged plates shines a negative light on the whole restaurant, and gives the guest a bad impression. It’s important to handle the dishes correctly and avoid contamination. I’m constantly washing my hands and changing my gloves before I handle the clean dishes, says Tom. Just as there are bad chefs, there are bad dishwashers.
This was one of the first things Tom said to us when we met him in the wash room of the staff restaurant at Sandberg Development.
We had just welcomed our new Head of Marketing, Anna Leo, and as part of our introduction program, all new employees start out by doing a shift as a dishwasher (no managerial exceptions).
- We have the luxury of having our own staff restaurant, which we share with other companies in the group, and they of course have Nor:disk dishwashers in the wash room. It's very useful to be able to experience your product in its natural environment, says Anna.
This is where Anna first met Tom, and immediately got inspired by his way of life as he was telling his unique story while eagerly showing her the ropes of thing. Having worked in numerous wash rooms and with a number of different makes and models, Tom knows how important it is with proper equipment. He happily told Anna how easy the Nor:disk range is to work with compared to some he has come across.
- They wash great, are easy to use and clean, and keep clean too, says Tom. I’m most impressed by the fast water-change in the X2 Master.
Tom’s enthusiasm rubbed off, and Anna quickly realized that he was genuinely passionate – both about his job as a dishwasher, but also his new lifestyle as a 'dishwashing nomad'. Asking him what his dream destination would be, Tom wasted no breath as he gave her a loud and clear “Svalbard!” for an answer.
And, fair enough - very cool place indeed.
Imagine going to Svalbard. A truly amazing experience.
- And then imagine getting to do that getting paid for something you really like, too, said Tom, eyes sparkling with excitement with the sheer thought of it.
Tom’s journey is an inspiring example of how one can always reinvent life, and create a lifestyle that cleverly combines work and adventure. With his skill for logistics and nack for washing dishes he’s proving that you can make something of most thing’s and opportunities that come your way. And that pride in one’s work has little do with what you do, and everything to do with how you carry it out.
If you ever doubted that it’s possible to break free from the chains of everyday life, look at Tom Andersson and his story. Who knows? Your best adventure could be right in front of you.
Since we caught up with Tom that rainy southern Swedish winter’s night in January he has managed to complete both the winter and summer seasons in Tärnaby, far north in Sweden close to the Norwegian border - as well as a round trip to Nordkap, the most northern tip of Europe.
We in turn are having serious doubts about our current life choices and consider joining Tom on his next adventure.
Towards new horizons!
