Vice President of Creative Services ? Marketing & Communications Leader | Building awareness of organizations through execution of strategic initiatives
I was let go yesterday. I don't say this for sympathy, but because it was the first time in my career and it led me to three revelations that I feel compelled to share. First, you never know the impact you've made until you no longer make an impact. As word of my departure spread I started getting texts and DMs from colleagues and employees. What struck me was the emotional power behind them. People thanked me, not only for how I'd helped their careers, but for how I'd changed their lives. I'm not the most emotional person, but I'm not ashamed to admit that some of them brought me to tears. It was completely unexpected and more than a little overwhelming. Second, it's not about how your company says goodbye, but how you faced every challenge and said hello. I'll be honest that it was startling how a 22-year career could end unexpectedly, silent as a whisper. I know there's generally not a ticker-tape parade when you're handed a box, but it still left me in shock. Until this morning, when I reflected on my career and realized that it doesn't matter what?somebody else thinks if you can look at your accomplishments with pride and realize that there is far more to come. Those two thoughts led me to one more. We innately?love our family and besties, but sometimes see colleagues as competition or obstacles to our success. At best we might call?them friends. But when you consider the impact we?have on each other's lives, why not invest in loving them as co-workers? Every second you give to a colleague or employee is worth it. Years after it's all over, nobody will remember how great you were at your job. They'll only remember whether or not they loved you. #careers #motivation