Birthday Musings, Recruitment Adventures...Nando's.

Lessons I’ve Learned in My 30s: Personal Growth & Finding the Right Role?

As I moved into my last year of my 30's today, I found myself reflecting on life and my career in general over the weekend, whilst sulking mildly from a head cold knocking me out and my voice going missing!

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of personal growth ??. It’s in this decade that I’ve realised the power of letting go of unnecessary worries ?? and embracing a sense of peace. I’ve grown more confident in myself, my decisions, and my path—and I see how the right?job can have the same effect on someone’s life both personally and from the people I have worked with both previously and in the past few weeks. ??.

Worry Less, Live More - Not Always That Easy, But, Worth It.

One of the most liberating lessons in my 30s has been learning to worry less ??♀?. Whether it’s concerns about the future, the pressure to “have it all together,” or the fear of failure—it can hold us back. But with time, I’ve come to see that worrying rarely changes the outcome. Instead, it just steals joy from the present!

By letting go of this worry as much as I can (and sometimes I do well, sometimes not so much), I’ve been able to focus on what truly matters: building meaningful relationships, growing personally and professionally, and finding fulfilment in each moment ??. I’ve learned that not everything has to be perfect, and sometimes, the unexpected turns are where the magic happens ?.

Growth Isn’t Linear—and That’s OK! I'm Not A Rocket Scientist Remember!

Personal growth doesn’t follow a straight line ???. It’s filled with ups and downs, triumphs and challenges. The same applies to careers and well, life sometimes! As a recruiter, I often see candidates put so much pressure on themselves to have a flawless selection process ??. But the truth is, real growth happens when we allow ourselves to explore, take risks, and make a few mistakes along the way ???.If you aren't learning, you aren't evolving.

Sometimes it’s not about moving forward in a straight line, but taking those detours that open up new perspectives ??. In my 30s, I’ve fully embraced this mindset, and I encourage others to do the same. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint ??♂?. I wouldn't be where I am right now if I hadn't taken some risks and decided I wanted my 40's to be about what I needed from life and what worked for me in the long term.

The Right Job: A Catalyst for Growth AND A Game Changer.

Just as personal growth brings fulfilment, the right job can give you that same feeling of peace and balance. When you find a role that aligns with your values, strengths, and passions, you stop feeling like you’re just working to live—and instead, you thrive???.

At Rayner Personnel, I’ve seen this transformation first-hand. Finding the right fit isn’t just about ticking boxes on a job description—it’s about really understanding someone, their motivations, and what brings them joy ??. The right role can fuel both professional growth and personal satisfaction, just like I’ve learned to seek in my own life ????.

Well-being at Work - We Use #MakeMondaysMatter for a reason!

In our 30s, many of us start to prioritise well-being and happiness ??♂?. That mindset should extend to your professional life too. When you’re in a role that fits you, it’s not just your career that benefits—it’s your mental health, your happiness, and your overall quality of life ??. No one should spend their Sunday nights worried about what Monday brings. I know we all sit there and plan out what we will do, but dread and planning are NOT the same thing!

Being stuck in the wrong job creates unnecessary stress ??, but when you find that perfect fit, everything just clicks???. You’ll worry less about where you’re heading because you’ll feel more aligned with what you want and what makes you happy.

Whilst it makes me feel slightly ill sometimes; the fact I can go to the gym, walk the dog, be there for those that need me right now and still put in the hours - a.k.a being in control of my own destiny - is the route I needed for me. Self employment is JUST as much hard work - you have to hold yourself even more accountable to your daily actions, but the reward is in finding a balance I didn't even realise I could achieve - priceless.

Embrace the Journey—Both in Life and Career

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 30s, it’s that growth—both personally and professionally—is about embracing the journey ??. Life will always throw challenges our way, but learning to worry less and focus on what truly fulfils you can change everything ??. Just like in my role at Rayner Personnel, helping candidates find the right fit is about more than just placing someone in a job—it’s about guiding them towards the next step in their journey of growth ??.

So my advice? Don’t stress about having everything figured out ??. Focus on finding the opportunities that help you grow—both as a person and in your career. Because when you’re in the right place, everything falls into place ??. There is so much pressure to be perfect, but perfect for you is all that matters, it's not a one size fits all world. Just find the size that fits you. Build what you want, not what others think or tell you that you should have.

Want and Can - Use A Check and Measure!

One of the best people I worked for told me this - there is a difference between what you WANT to do and what you CAN do. Focus on the WANT. If you want to do it, odd's are you will make everything aligned with achieving this goal. Whether its financial, life related, even where you want to go for dinner.

If you want to go to Rome for the weekend, you will do what you can to make this happen, but the want is the driving force. Don't confuse the two. "What can we do this weekend?" is a very different question than "What do we want to do this weekend?". The reality is money and time are often a contributing factor behind these decisions, but if you want to get there - you will. I promise. I want to get you to the right place for you to be able to do all you want, not just what you can.

And talking of been in the right place - it was a pleasure on Thursday to spend some time with the Rayner Personnel Team, which led to the longest walk for food I have ever done and as you know I enjoy a story, I had to share this one with you.?Plus, it's my birthday today and well, this made me laugh.

The Longest Walk to Nando's: A Journey with a Twist ????

A team event that turned into?the longest walk ever?to Nando's! ??♂??? What should have been a quick stroll became an unexpected adventure, filled with plenty of laughs along the way ??.

To make matters worse, halfway through, we had to stop for plasters because one of us ended up with a?blister emergency (no not me for once)?????—a surprise none of us saw coming! At one point, the temptation to stop at a different restaurant was?so strong?????. But we were determined to reach our goal: Nando’s! ?? Despite the setbacks, we pressed on, knowing that nothing would compare to that first bite of PERi-PERi chicken ?????.

The journey to Nando's, weirdly enough, felt a lot like the process of finding the right job or sometimes, LIFE! There are moments when you think you’re on track, then unexpected challenges pop up ??—like a blister—or a tempting detour calls out ??. Sometimes, it feels like you’ll never make it ??, and other opportunities might look appealing in the moment. But when you stay focused and push through, the reward is always worth it ??. Reaching your final goal—whether it's the perfect job or the perfect meal—is what makes the whole journey feel so satisfying ??.

Just like our Nando's adventure, finding the right role can be challenging but rewarding. It’s about staying determined, being patient, and not settling for less than what you know is right for you ????. And when you finally get there? It’s every bit as satisfying as reaching your destination after a long walk—and maybe even better?- because - that's what you WANTED (see, I do think about these articles)????.

So if you are sat here today - thinking to what level will Team Rayner go to find you the perfect role or the ideal fit for your company - to #MakeMondaysMatter - miles, literally miles.

We will even stop and buy plasters to ensure we complete our mission for you. No person was left behind. #TeamRayner.