8 Years And Counting

This week marks a milestone for me.

On November 9th it will be 8 years since I joined HPE/HPE Financial Services. It is also the longest I have EVER stayed with one company (previous record was 7 years 8 months with Insight).

Maybe I Just Can't Keep A Job

When I look back over all the companies I have worked for it has been a cornucopia of industries, locations and skillsets. Whenever I talk to others about my long and winding road... I often joke that maybe I just can't keep a job. How else can you explain the mismatch of roles I have held every 6-7 years or so?

Another way of looking at it I guess is that I have been a bit of a restless spirit. I have craved adventure... continuous learning and a place where I felt my talents could be put to good use.

To be honest...a few times I left companies earlier than I had anticipated due to acquisitions or other factors outside my control. In each case it was tough.. but I know in hindsight it future proofed me and made me stronger. It also softened me with empathy, humanity and humility. It made me more aware of the age old saying "everyone is going through a struggle no one else knows about". It also gave me great learning into how I could help others...even though at times I struggled to help myself.

It led me to where I am today... for without leaving all those other companies I wouldn't be here.... with the people I have the privilege of working with right now.

Random Thoughts...

I am now in unchartered territory and to be honest I don't know what happens from this point on. Do I spontaneously combust next week...lol?

As I reflect on getting to this point here are a few random thoughts that come to mind...

• Continuously chasing titles, compensation and bigger opportunities is exhausting
• Changing companies and starting over is exhausting
• Being out of work for 7 months prior to starting this role left a mark that I won't soon forget. As the sole breadwinner... each day I wake up grateful that I have an opportunity to earn a living for my family
• I have moved countries, industries, had a VP title, had amazing perks, had large teams and each time I reached a "peak" it felt hollow and like more people were cheering for me to fail than succeed
• True happiness comes from within and a company isn't responsible for it and it won't provide it. That doesn't mean you won't find happiness at a company it means that happiness is up to you
• I believe you should always have "your to go bag" packed in case of unexpected company shifts - it doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy where you are and make the most of it... it just means nothing is promised or forever
• A company isn't a family... it is a collection of people who all agree to do the work and in return the company pays you
• Some PEOPLE you meet along the way can... and will... be your FAMILY. They will make your life journey that much richer. I am SO grateful for the family around me today from all the roles I have held over the years. Thanks for keeping me (and my family) as YOUR family well beyond our years of working together

What Makes This Possible?

I also reflected on what makes it possible... that I stayed this long this time.

• I was ready to settle down for a while and stop climbing the ladder
• The pandemic put a lot of things into perspective and changed how I looked at my career
• I did not come from a background in financing and asset management. This has left a lot of room for learning and personal growth
• This is one of the most unique cultures I have been a part of. The executive team (for the most part) has all worked together for 30 years+ so there is a track record of longevity to model against
• HPE/HPEFS is a global melting pot of backgrounds and diversity. I feel it has a corporate conscience that aligns with my core values

Last... but certainly not least... I feel I can bring my whole self to work. I appreciate that my voice can be heard... even on the days when I may not have it all worked out. A special shout out to those who "speak fluent Marcie" and can interpret my intent even if I didn't say it just right. That is a special and unique gift and I hope everyone has a chance to find a place where they can experience it too!

In Closing...

I have said it often...and I will say it again..."Life is the No Regrets Tour".

• I have no regrets about the path I took even though it doesn't logically make sense on paper or even to me
• I don't regret making the changes I made...even those that were beyond my control
• And at the top of the list is absolutely no regrets that I took a leap of faith when HPEFS took a chance on me to join the team

Can I make it to 10 years? Who knows...but I will wake up tomorrow and give it a try!

Leadership Questions of the Week for YOU:

• Do YOU celebrate work anniversaries or take time to reflect on your journey?
• What is the longest YOU have stayed at a company? What do you think contributed to that?
• If YOU have stayed in one place a long time... do you wish you had moved around more and be more adventurous?
• What do you think of the reflections above... anything else I should consider?

Thanks for reading….and remember…YOU make a difference!

Please continue the conversation by liking…commenting or sharing this article. You can also find other stories at www.marciedwhite.com.