Career Wanderlust

Career Wanderlust

I was once told by a colleague that people could use some of my happy dust. My love of work started at a very young age and only grew from there.

I spent 10 years living and working abroad after graduating from university. I didn’t leave Canada because of a melting igloo crisis, a s’mores drought or because of our lack of Target and Trader Joe’s. I wanted to immerse myself in other cultures, grow through experiences rather than accumulating “stuff” and push myself outside of my comfort zone. There are three things that I believe played a major role in my career success so far:

1.??????Attitude: lead with a positive mindset, know that no job is too small, and always put in 110% as the skills you gain will be priceless.

2.??????Friendship: build friendships at work – it’s led to higher productivity, team collaboration and job satisfaction.

3.??????International work experience: it’s increased my creativity, allowed me to work in multi-cultural environments, and raised my awareness of unconscious bias.

Let’s turn back the clock to see how these apply to young Meghan.

The Northern Life: As a 10-year-old newspaper delivery girl, I earned CAD $30 per month for three deliveries per week. I mustered up the courage to go door-to-door once a month to collect $3 from my customers, even those hiding behind their blinds during collection week.

Key takeaway: be persistent, deliver exceptional customer service, and be committed.

Topper’s Pizza: At 16, I loved my job as a pizza “architect”. By the end of my 5-year run, I was a master of everything. I understood the business, knew the owners, worked the cash register, flipped pizzas, joined the delivery drivers and did the bank runs.

Key takeaway: wear multiple hats, understand all facets of the business, and build lasting relationships.

After graduating, taking a one-way flight to Phuket, Thailand, earning my TEFL certificate, teaching in Hanoi, Vietnam and backpacking across Southeast Asia, I landed in Sydney, Australia. I’d only recently graduated from university and with my pizza making savings, I was running low on funds. I sold my laptop for $700, booked a flight to Melbourne and lived in a 16-bed dorm in a hostel for 6 months – to this day, I’m incredibly thankful for this experience and meeting such amazing people from all ends of the world.

Tree Planting: To make ends meet, I decided to have a go at tree planting in a remote village in Victoria with a couple of Scottish friends I’d met at the hostel. It was 12-hours of hard labour per day, a ton of uphill climbing, a dash of tennis elbow and some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. As a group of 20 planters, we were constantly supporting one another. I still wonder how tall my trees have grown and how beautiful they must be today.

Key takeaway: contrary to popular belief, hard labour didn’t kill me. Teamwork really is dream work.

With my Australian visa coming to an end and hard-earned tree money in my pocket, I jumped at the opportunity to spend another year exploring and working in New Zealand.

Ministry for the Environment: As a receptionist, I was the face of the Ministry, the very first face that visitors and government officials saw when they walked in. I was always told to slow down. Things happened at a snail's pace in Wellington, like they have nothing but time on their side. And somehow between all the holidays, the weeklong rugby 7's celebrations and quiz breaks at work, everything gets done.

Key takeaway: chill out, focus on quality over quantity and first impressions really do matter.

As a Canadian citizen with Irish grandparents, I was able to apply for Irish citizenship and a passport. After a 2-year wait and as my adventure in New Zealand was coming to an end, my Irish passport was finally approved, so I jumped at the opportunity to experience life and work in the UK.

P&MM Experience Days: My first job in England was as a business development associate, selling experience days to customers – everything from skydiving, spa days and rally car driving. As a successful sales team, the vendors were always inviting us to try out their products – what a ride!

Key takeaway: it’s not all about compensation; opportunities and benefits outside of pay, can be just as lucrative.

Michael Page: This was my first introduction to recruitment and the wonderful world of logistics. Before this, I would have probably told you that a 3PL was part of the periodic table. I was able to make a living by doing what I love most – talking to people and networking.

Key takeaway: in such a KPI-driven sales environment, discover your competitive side, find joy in cold-calling and build a backbone. ?

XPO Logistics: Jumping into corporate recruitment, I learned to manage multiple stakeholders, set expectations, and find so much passion in helping people. I got the chance to fundraise for Transaid with 8 of my colleagues, by cycling from London to Paris on what has been one of my proudest achievements to date (physically, emotionally and mentally testing) – I was the slowest in our group, but with a ton of moral support, I learned that friendships can get you through anything.

Key takeaway: work friendships can last a lifetime (even after you leave) and take advantage of opportunities to give back to your community.

Slalom: After an amazing decade of “yolo-ing”, travelling the world based on where my friendships took me, and combining my free-spirited approach to life with my work ethic, I moved back home to Canada to be close to family. I’ve found an amazing home in Slalom. I’ve been able to apply all my skills in some way, shape or form, although I’ve yet to plant a tree on Slalom property.

Key takeaway: it’s possible to really love what you do and work-life balance does exist.

Career success is subjective and, in my opinion, measured by personal happiness. Take that leap to live abroad if you get the opportunity, don’t ever think any job is too small and don’t forget to make friends along the way.?