Career resilience or simply career?

This month is #careermonth in Canada. The theme is Career Resilience. I originally wanted to write about professionals' resilience during the pandemic and overcoming adversity but as I reflected on the topic and the definition of career resilience. I realised that career resilience for me has simply been my career.

In high school, I was told by the guidance counsellor to pursue the college course stream instead of university course stream. As it was better suited for 'someone like me' (thankfully I did not listen).

Similarly in CEGEP (pre-university program in Quebec), I was told by a teacher I didn't belong in a Liberal Arts program and I should consider a program that would allow me to generate income faster to help my family. (I was 20 and my biggest responsibility at that time was getting a fresh pair of kicks. I even had a pair that glowed-in-the-dark!)

In the Canadian public service, I was told by a Director, I was moving up too fast and I would not make it past the certain level. Another gave me a bad reference for a competition as I was doing great work but did not feel "someone like me" should get the promotion.

As a career strategist, many of my clients are BIPOC and daily I hear similar stories regarding their career paths and the resilience required to sustain it. Yes, resilience can be developed, but many have had no choice but to be resilient in their careers.

For many, career resilience is not something required in a season or in a moment. Career resilience has simply been our career journey. 

If you are facing similar challenges in your career, reach out for help. Let's talk. Here is the link to my calendar, I am offering a free 30 minutes consultation: https://bit.ly/32K87rY

#careerresilience #careermonth #thisismycareerstory