The 30s Crisis: Redefining Professional Success Chapter 2

Today, in this second chapter, I want to talk about what success meant to me when I began my professional journey. Like many others, I didn’t know what to study and felt confused. However, I come from a very traditional and conservative family, so taking time off from studying was not an option—nor was it common at that time (15 years ago).

I decided to pursue a degree with various areas of focus, thinking it would help me discover what I wanted to do. It turned out to be a very interesting program, and I realized that, thanks to my social skills and my interest in connecting with people, human resources would be a great opportunity to capitalize on those strengths. And that’s how it began: I started a beautiful journey in recruitment, changing people’s lives with a phone call, learning about their experiences, and identifying whether they were a good fit for specific roles.

I was fortunate to gain insight into all types of positions at every level, which allowed me to understand businesses from a different perspective—through the work people do. I came to appreciate the value of each position, its unique needs, and its key role within the company.

For me, gaining insight into different industries has always been essential, and it still is. I believe this helps you grow significantly by understanding various cultures and business models. Over the years, I became a specialist in this area of human resources. However, I began to wonder if I could take on a different role—whether I had the skills and competencies to contribute to another key area that works with and for people.

That’s when, for the first time, I wanted to step outside the bubble and specialization of an area that, in my opinion, is both imperative and strategic. Yet, in some of my experiences, talent acquisition was often viewed as a transactional function—focused on deliverables, lacking strategic depth, and overly operational.

Gradually, I began to showcase my talents, aiming to become a more well-rounded professional by exploring areas such as employer branding, HR generalist roles, and internal communications. However, I often received feedback that something was missing: experience, seniority (a topic I plan to write about in the future), strategic thinking, assertive communication, emotional intelligence... the list could go on.

This feedback, combined with my own doubts, led me to question myself. Even though I felt confident in an area where I considered myself skilled, the corporate world can make you feel insecure. The pace is fast, competition is fierce, talent comparison is constant, and people develop skills and learn in very different ways. I began to feel like I didn’t fit in.

That’s why, today, as I navigate a career crisis, I’m redefining what success means to me. I grew up believing that success was about climbing the corporate ladder, but now I understand that, at this stage of my life, success means identifying where I can maximize my skills, diversifying my competencies, and applying them to different aspects of my life. Success means turning ideas into businesses or projects—even if they don’t turn out as expected—because the process will always help you grow.

This brings up an important question: how can organizations create spaces, programs, or leadership environments that allow every employee to experience this kind of growth?

That’s where I am right now. Of course, I want to continue working in human resources, but I don’t believe that just because I’ve worked in recruitment, I should limit myself to it. This kind of thinking boxes people in and suppresses the potential for fresh, innovative ideas, as well as the opportunity to invest in teaching and sharing knowledge. Leaders are often too busy to focus on this, but I firmly believe it’s essential.

I hope you enjoyed today’s chapter. See you in the next one!