Don't Settle For That Mediocre Job! 5 Things I've Learned Since Landing my Dream Career

You know that saying, "slow down to go fast"?

If there's anything that I've learned over the past two months since beginning my career with Grade A, it's that I shouldn't have rushed into prior jobs before figuring out what I wanted and needed as an employee. To successfully land your dream career,

"You need to go slow to go far."

Job searching is a lot like dating. Some people are lucky and marry their high school sweetheart, but for the rest of us, we jump blindly into that first romantic relationship with zero expectations.  Sometimes, you realize that it just isn't meant to be and move on. Other times, you carry the emotional baggage from a failed relationship into the next. Worst of all, though, is when you settle.

Careers are no different. Unfortunately, universities don't teach you how to say no, or how to ask for a raise. You need to learn it as you go. You need to navigate coworker relationships and learn how to avoid office politics. As a woman, you need to learn how to stand tall in male-dominated industries, and what to do if lines are crossed in the workplace. 

Most people get so distracted with trying to get a handle on the company culture, that they forget to consider how the company culture fits into their own happiness. 

I made this mistake multiple times. As a job seeker, I was encouraged to jump at every opportunity and told to be grateful to find work after graduation. I ignored happiness red flags. I consistently burned out after about 2-3 years, and then rather than reflecting on what had gone wrong, I rebounded with a new job. 

That was, until, about 3 months ago, when I had become fed up with wasting my own potential. Within my two-week job search, I received 4 job offers. I declined three of those offers, feeling absolutely nauseous every time I did.  

We (hopefully) all have high standards when it comes to our romantic life, so why are we so hesitant to turn down job offers that don't suit our needs as an employee?

If you want to land a job for life, not just for right now, you need to pause and reflect on what drives you, your values as an employee, and what kind of environment will foster your growth. 

Here are 5 things that I've learned since starting my dream career! 

1. Sunday nights don't suck. 

You know that awful feeling that you have on Sunday night just thinking about the start of the work week?

I thought that was a normal reaction until I started at Grade A. In two months, I haven't had that queasy feeling. Sundays are now awesome from start to finish! 

2. I don't count down the days until Friday. 

 When I worked jobs that I disliked, I had to pep talk myself into getting through the week, mentally ticking off the days left until Friday or the weekend.

That is a coping mechanism that doesn't exist when you enjoy your job. The weekends are still great, but my happiness levels are just as high throughout the rest of the week.

3. I take better care of my appearance. 

I've lost 15 pounds since I joined Grade A, and I wear suits, dresses, and skirts every day.

Why? I sleep better.

I'm able to get enough shut-eye that I can wake up early and spend more time getting ready. Also, because my workplace values their employees, I'm able to hit the gym after work or go for a run nearby during lunch without my phone blowing up.

Grade A encourages their employees to live healthy, and their commitment to my health has, in turn, made me value it more. 

4. I am more productive.  

The owners at Grade A, Mathew and Allan, have a ton on their plate, but they make mentoring employees a priority.

It's not uncommon to work in jobs where you rarely see your boss, except for at meetings and/or reviews. But great managers invest their time back into making sure that their employees are happy and confident, and as an employee, when you believe that others care about your work, it increases your motivation to get stuff done.

5. I am better equipped to deal with life struggles.  

We try to compartmentalize our lives, but the truth is, our worlds bleed into each other.

You know that guy in line at McDonalds that's screaming about the pickles that weren't supposed to be on his Big Mac? That guy probably hates his job. 

Your emotions don't just refresh once you leave the parking lot of a crappy job, your day follows you home, and can affect your relationships and sensitivity to inevitable life struggles. 

Having a great job, frankly, makes me feels like an emotional badass. 

In short, if you're currently wondering if this is the way life is supposed to be, the answer is no. When you find "the one", you'll know it instantly, and wake up every day grateful for the opportunity to be your best self. 

Thank you so much for reading! If you like this post, please share it with others that would enjoy it as well! 

Missed my original post about my new job? Read it here: 

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/how-i-landed-my-dream-job-two-weeks-top-5-linkedin-tips-alexis