My Career Journey: From Packer to Assistant Cost Controller Manager
My name is Ganesh Ram Shrestha, but I’m commonly known as Manish by those who know me. I currently serve as the Assistant Cost Controller Manager at Sunset Hospitality Group in Dubai—a city known for its ambition, diversity, and rapid growth. With more than 14 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, I’ve had the opportunity to work with seven different companies since 2010. My journey to this point hasn’t been straightforward or easy. It has been filled with challenges, learning experiences, setbacks, and small victories that have all played a role in shaping who I am today.

I was born and raised in Khilji, a remote village in Arghakhanchi, Nepal. Growing up in a rural setting meant that access to education and resources was limited. But despite those challenges, I always had a dream. I wanted more than just a life defined by the boundaries of my village. I wanted to prove to myself—and to others—that I could achieve something greater, no matter where I started.

A Bold Step Toward the Unknown
In 2010, I made the life-changing decision to leave everything behind and move to the UAE. Armed with little more than hope, determination, and a dream of a better future, I arrived with no network, no job prospects, and very little experience. My first role was as a Packer at LULU Hypermarket. It wasn’t glamorous, but I knew this was only the beginning.

The first few months were tough. Everything felt unfamiliar—the people, the culture, and even the pace of life. I was starting from scratch. But instead of feeling defeated, I chose to see this as an opportunity to learn and grow. I knew that success doesn’t come overnight; it’s built by taking the first step and showing up every day with a commitment to work hard and learn from every experience.

Learning and Growing
I quickly realized that progress comes not from the job itself, but from what you do with it. I didn’t just show up to complete tasks; I made it my mission to learn the “why” behind everything I did. I took every opportunity to observe, ask questions, and absorb whatever knowledge I could. Whether it was a colleague teaching me something new or a challenge that tested my patience, I saw each moment as a chance to grow.

In 2012, I joined Wafi Hospitality as a Storekeeper. This move was a turning point in my career. For the first time, I was surrounded by experienced professionals who had years of knowledge in the industry. I wasn’t an expert by any means, but I knew I had a lot to learn. I would finish my tasks early and spend time with my colleagues, learning from their experiences and listening to their stories. They became my mentors, and their guidance helped me take the next step in my journey.

A Major Breakthrough
In 2015, my hard work and dedication paid off when I was promoted to Cost Controller. It was a huge step forward—one I hadn’t even imagined when I first arrived in the UAE. The role brought its own challenges, but I embraced them with enthusiasm. I had prepared for this moment by learning, growing, and building relationships with those around me. It was clear that success wasn’t about knowing everything—it was about being open to learning, having a strong work ethic, and facing challenges with resilience.

The Journey Continues
From that moment on, my career continued to evolve. Each role I took on was an opportunity to learn something new and push my limits. Along the way, there were times when I faced setbacks, rejections, and self-doubt. But I learned to see these moments not as failures, but as lessons that helped me grow stronger and more resilient.

Today, I look back with pride—not just in the title I hold, but in the journey that led me here. From packing goods in a hypermarket to managing costs for one of the leading hospitality groups in Dubai, I’ve experienced it all. The journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me the value of persistence, adaptability, and hard work.

Advice for Newcomers

1. Your Journey is Just Beginning: Your path is only just starting, and where you begin does not define where you can go. The job you have today isn’t the one that will shape your future; it’s how you approach it that matters. Embrace every step and understand that each experience has value, regardless of the role or the challenges you face.
2. Embrace Learning and Growth: Whether you’re new to a country, a city, or even a new industry, there is always something to learn. Stay open to learning from those around you—your colleagues, mentors, and peers. Every interaction and every task has something to teach you, so absorb as much as you can.
3. Build and Nurture Relationships: Your network is invaluable. Build strong relationships with colleagues, mentors, and even former coworkers. Maintain those connections, as they can offer support, guidance, and opportunities in the future. Surrounding yourself with a strong network will open doors you never imagined.
4. Stay Committed and Resilient: The road to success isn’t always smooth. There will be setbacks and moments of doubt, but stay committed to your goals. Don’t let challenges discourage you. Trust the process, keep moving forward, and believe that your hard work will eventually pay off.
5. Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Never hesitate to ask questions or seek advice from those who have more experience. Mentorship can accelerate your growth. Learn from the experiences of others, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance—whether it’s from a senior colleague, manager, or even someone in a different field.
6. Take Initiative and Be Proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—create them. Be proactive in seeking new challenges, offering solutions, and showing initiative. Taking responsibility and ownership will set you apart and help you move forward in your career faster.
7. Be Patient and Persistent: Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey made up of small, consistent steps. Stay patient, keep putting in the effort, and trust that progress will come. Your persistence and determination will be the key to achieving your goals in the long run.
8. Never Stop Learning: The world is constantly changing, and continuous learning is essential. Whether it’s formal education, on-the-job experience, or simply learning from those around you, never stop improving your skills and knowledge. The more you learn, the more equipped you’ll be to take on new challenges and seize opportunities.