Beyond the Like Button: Why Dislikes Are the Hidden Gems of Career Navigation

From a young age, we all grapple with the question: why should we do things we don't enjoy? This recently resonated with me when my son resisted helping around the house. After explaining to him about responsibility and organization, he eventually listened and helped. But it bugged me because I wanted a better answer for next time.

The next day, during a workshop at George Brown College led by Wendy Greenwood , with special guest Cathy McKnight, PMP , VP of Strategy and Consulting, The Content Advisory, offered a surprising perspective: sometimes, doing things we dislike is crucial for discovering what we truly enjoy. Cathy McKnight also shared with us about her "Yes Year," which resonated deeply. It's the idea that embracing even unappealing experiences can lead to a fulfilling career path, one that ignites our passion and makes every day feel meaningful.

Let's explore this concept through my own experience. In my second year of college, I took a job as an Accountant Assistant at a small business. Initially, I enjoyed it, getting to know how everything was recorded and understanding the professional everyday environment. Data entry, payroll, invoices – it all seemed exciting!

However, over time, the repetitive nature of the tasks became monotonous.? I questioned if this was the kind of work, I wanted long-term.? This reflection led to a conversation with my boss about improving task efficiency. For the next six months, I actively pursued opportunities to streamline processes not just for myself, but for the entire accounting team.

I learned that monotonous activities aren′t activities that I look forward to so when I investigate a new role or project, I′m always looking if my tasks are going to be monotonous or not, and if I have any, I am going to be thinking if there is a way to improve them. I love being proactive and that is something that I learned from that experience.

I discovered from this experience that one of my dislikes was repetitive tasks. I believe that they can be automated. Now, when considering new roles or projects, I prioritize variety and the potential to improve workflows and experience.? Furthermore, I discovered a love for proactiveness, a valuable trait I continue to cultivate.

The Impact of Technology on Career Paths.

Technology's persistent evolution significantly impacts career paths. While some of the media consumed in social media picture AI as a potential threat, I believe it's a powerful tool to streamline tasks and enhance productivity. It does, however, intensify competition, making it essential to stay ahead of the curve.

Cathy's words resonated again:

"The more you lean into technology and drive its success, the more value you will add to the business."?

Since the dawn of my career, I've viewed technology as a critical asset for companies and the global economy. This belief has guided my professional journey.? Since college, I've consistently chosen courses that explored technology's application across industries.?"Management Information Systems" and "Electronic Business" provided insights into how businesses leverage the internet and ethernet. Additionally, I pursued certifications in Microsoft Office (including Project Management) and training in data analysis tools like SPSS Statistics.

As I transitioned into marketing, I dove into creative software like Adobe Creative Suite. Today, I have acquired expertise in dozens of programs and applications, constantly seeking new tools to optimize results for myself and the businesses I work with.? I'm currently learning about Artificial Intelligence and understanding its capabilities to gain a competitive advantage.

Content Marketing: A "Yes" or a "No"?

The workshop presented a case study on content marketing for Girls Inc., a non-profit empowering girls through various programs.? After finalizing and presenting our case, Cathy McKnight provided valuable feedback.? She emphasized the importance of target audience awareness in crafting compelling content.? Effective content reaches the right people at the right time, on the right platform, to evoke emotions, spark thought, or inspire action. Measurability is also crucial, achieved through timeframes and data analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses for continuous improvement. She highlighted some examples such as "multivariant testing" and "A/B testing headlines" as valuable tools for content optimization.

So, after this experience, is content marketing the right path for me? Absolutely, yes!? As marketers, we understand the importance of delivering valuable content to establish brand value. But the most compelling reason for my "Yes" lies in embracing Cathy's advice: to continually explore new experiences.?In the end, it′s about enjoying this journey of discovery!