Our ‘Love What You Do’ series is a collection of interviews with the Sidekicks who make up our casual workforce, and the Sidekicker HQ staff who support them
Cassie Hamilton is a New Zealand based Sidekick who has completed a number of Sidekick shifts and written a wellbeing ebook in her spare time.
Where Were You Working Before you started Sidekicking?
I was studying at Pacific International Hotel Management School in New Plymouth (NZ). We study for 6 months then complete 6 months placement before starting the new study year. For one placement I moved as far as Alice Springs to work at Lasseters Casino Hotel in the middle of the desert. Studying this way has really opened my eyes to the world.
What Was Your First Sidekicking Gig?
In 2016 I joined and took some shifts folding cardboard bunnies and working in the freezer packing boxes of chocolate milk for Lewis Road Creamery in time for Easter. I had a great time and met a lot of other Sidekicks with similar interests to me.
Tell Us Something Unique About Yourself
I am getting into modelling, social media, promotional work and have written my own health ebook to sell online. In the future, I would love to merge all of my skills, experience and passions together to create something incredible!
What’s The Coolest Thing You’ve Done At Sidekicker
I’ve had three favourite shifts since working for Sidekicker –
#1 Working for Anise Private Chef. It was so interesting going into people’s homes and helping them to relax in their own environment.
#2 I worked as a private bartender in an art gallery event creating gin cocktails for the VIP guests.
#3 I worked at The Food Show selling sparkling wine in a can which is a new concept. I had a lot of fun promoting something I was interested in myself. The consumers loved it!
What Was Your First Job?
My first job was at Burger King. It was definitely a learning curve for me and although it’s not glamorous I am grateful. I think everyone should start off in a customer service job.
What Do You Hope To Do in The Future?
I would love to combine my hospitality knowledge, passion for health and modelling. I want to be my own boss and work on my own terms in the future. I find it a lot more fulfilling when you have created something for yourself and worked hard to achieve a big goal.
What Advice Would You Give Someone Who Wants To Be A Sidekick?
Be a team player and have a good attitude. It’s also important to pay attention to small details like personal presentation and posture. SMILE.
Why Do You Love What You Do?
I am now working about 30 hours a week for one of the best hotels in the country – quickly building my career. I am a lot younger than everyone else in my office so I am grateful I was able to get my foot in the door this young – thanks to all of the experience I’ve been able to pick up through my studies and Sidekicker.