“New Year’s” Reflections/ Resolutions

For me, new year’s reflections and resolutions are no longer reserved for January 1st.

If COVID taught me anything, it’s that I could use some more space for frequent reflection.

So here I am reflecting at the start of a new (financial) year about where I’ve been and where I am. Growing up I always said that I didn’t want to be in “sales” because I’m not one to push products or services onto people if I don’t think they actually need them.

Fast forward to my first job where I worked in retail and quickly formed a passion for customer service. I was far from one of those aggressive sales reps who greets you with a scripted compliment, follows you around the store and pops out from behind a clothing rack to gush over your selection. Instead, I welcomed people with a smile and provided assistance, space and honest feedback when necessary.

A short lived career in fashion PR taught me to be resilient, and a stint in insurance sales challenged me to find ways to keep customers at the core of my work, even in an insanely competitive environment. Most recently, taking the leap of faith into the tech industry proved to me that even when I have a nagging case of imposter syndrome or think that I’m in over my head, that I can make mistakes, accept that I don’t know everything and learn from those around me.

Today I sit here reflecting on my career and realize that somehow each step has clearly landed me in the next position that I’m meant to be in. “Que sera, sera,” as my grandmother would say.

If I were to tell my younger self that one day you will find a company that will empower you to play to your strengths, create opportunities to work with people who feed your passions and challenge you to grow in ways you never thought possible I am not sure I would have believed it. Luckily for me I am not that young womxn anymore and I do not have as many trust issues. ??

Recruitment came into my life at a time when I was looking to combine my loves for customer service, strategic problem solving and helping people. But now recruitment stays in my life because it allows me to pioneer my own path and continue to do just that.

My New (Financial) Year’s Reflections and Resolutions

1) It’s honestly okay, to not be okay. (Seriously Alex, do not put more pressure on yourself when you’re not at your best)

I’m starting on a vulnerable note here so bear with me. It’s taken me 31 years to come to terms with the fact that I am still finding out ways to balance my mental health, life and work. ADD, Generalized Anxiety and living with a chronic illness left me feeling like I could never be successful in a high pressure/demanding career. I suffered in silence and spiraled into a place where even leaving my bed was a massive effort. Thinking about how I would tackle things like self care let alone my job felt impossible. Until recently, managers didn’t know how to support me because I didn’t even know how to support myself. I cannot stress enough how important it is to find ways to communicate what you’re going through (in your own time) to those around you to enable them to help. Over the past 3 years I’ve found internal and external support systems to help me take a step back and remind me that I am OK and I don’t have to operate at 150%. I have coworkers who are accredited in Mental Health First Aid but more importantly, they’re also my friends who have my best interests at heart.

2) Prioritize culture and personal growth in a company

I didn't realize how little emphasis I placed on identifying what type of work culture was best for me. To me, a company's culture and values are a key indicator of what 80% of your life will look like and if they don’t align with you then your life will feel out of whack. Being able to bring my full self to work every day and have that be more than enough is something I’ll never take for granted ever again. I’ve learned how to balance my work and my personal life so that I can be proud of the work that I do. Being a Talent Advocate is so much more than what people typically think a recruiter’s job is and I love to talk about my work. I constantly find new things that I’m passionate about and can add value to. Being able to test the waters brings me satisfaction way beyond what a salary or?job title brings.

3) Imposter syndrome is real so find a team that supports you when you fail?

Historically I’ve undervalued my abilities so that I did not set myself up for failure. Having “off” days or weeks is something that I’m all too familiar with. The idea of cracking under pressure and having people there to witness it has been debilitating. That was until I found a team that has literally seen me at my worst (cheers, COVID) and hasn’t even missed a beat to help me get back on track. We’re all human and we are not perfect but as long as you have the space to be persistent and the north star of creating a positive impact, then every mistake is a lesson and a growth opportunity.

4) Create healthy boundaries

This is one that continues to be a struggle for me. I’m not sure if it’s the American in me but work was always my one true love -?that was until I met my wife. I’ve always poured everything into my work and created little space for anything else. It’s easier to fall into that habit when you love what you do but it’s important to create boundaries for yourself so that you continue to love what you do. After nearly 6 years of living in Melbourne, my wife and I made the decision to relocate down the coast for a lifestyle change. We moved into our current house right before COVID hit and it has been a place where I have felt trapped by lockdowns and associate with work and not much else. I’m not suggesting uprooting your life in order to find balance, but rather find a place to create space for more than work. I’m looking forward to being closer to the ocean, not having to sit in traffic, making new friends and finding new places to venture to on the weekends. Being surrounded by nature is a beautiful way to motivate yourself to get out of the house or office and recalibrate.

5) Success is multifaceted?

Success is not just the end goal. There can also be 100 different points along that journey. Realizing that small wins can feel just as good as more substantial achievements has honestly given me a new lease on life. I’ve always compartmentalized success. Once it was achieved there was always something else I could be working towards and it felt like satisfaction could never be truly achieved on that hamster wheel. I’m proud of myself when I wake up and take time for myself instead of diving straight into work. I’m proud of myself when I speak up in a meeting to ask questions rather than worry about how silly people may think I am. I’m proud of myself when I make mistakes and learn from them, and I’m proud of myself when I take a chance on myself and I am able to help people because of it.

So there you have it. A look into my recent reflections and resolutions. Now I’d love to know, what reflections have you been making lately?