A father of two has swapped a career in Michelin-starred hospitality for a trainee electrician role, taking an £18,000 pay cut in the process. Chris Peverell, 40, from Pickering, North Yorkshire, left his position as an assistant restaurant manager at Michelin-starred restaurant Myse to pursue a self-funded blended learning course in electrical work.
A Long Career in Hospitality
Peverell began working at his local village pub at age 15 and remained in the hospitality industry until October 2025. He previously studied hospitality business management at university and ran pubs, restaurants, and a mobile events business. His roles included working for chef Tommy Banks at Michelin 4 AA rosette restaurant The Black Swan and for Love Island's Montana Brown at her Whitby-based hotel Saltmoore as a food and beverage manager overseeing three restaurants.
After returning to work from furlough during the Covid-19 pandemic, he realised he wanted more time with his wife Sophie, 38, a food scientist, and their two children aged seven and five. At the time, he was working up to 70 hours a week.
The Switch to Electrical Work
Describing himself as a "hands on, practical person," Peverell spent a few days working with an electrician friend, Craig, 45, to "give it a try" before applying for the course. He initially applied in 2021 but started in October 2025, working towards his level three diploma with exams set for January. He began working in March, sub-contracting from September for a company that will support his NVQ qualifications, with a permanent contract starting in December.
The course cost £9,500, funded through savings and family help. His salary dropped from £45,000 to £27,000.
A Different Life Now
Peverell now works Monday to Friday, 40 hours a week, compared to his previous Wednesday-to-Sunday schedule of 60 to 70 hours. "Sometimes I'd finish work at 1am and have to be back on site by 6.30am," he said. "Now I work Monday to Friday, 40 hours a week. I get to have breakfast with my family and I'm home in time for tea. It feels crazy how different life is now."
He made financial adjustments before starting, including giving up a £300-per-month lease car and a £50-per-month gym membership. He said his wife's senior position at her company helped support the transition. He has also shared his journey on social media, building a community of people considering similar career changes.
"We've never had so much time together. I honestly don't know why I waited so long to do it," he said. "And there was a time as well when I started my training and stuff where I would take them to school, do the school run. It's something I've not had before and it's great."
