Ten Things I Learned a Decade on the Job

This past fall I received a notification, 10 years ago today, and it was a picture from the first Oklahoma State home football game. Then, it dawned on me, I will have been in the working world for a decade here in January. Which went a lot faster than I ever could have imagined.?

Later that week on a Friday afternoon, three Iowa State students came down to help work sale cattle. One, a senior and committed to a great career in agriculture, and two freshmen with the world at their hands. They stopped in my office to say hi before heading down to help with chores, which turned into general chit chat. One of them asked what was on my white board. It was a list of the 10 things I’ve learned a decade into the working world that I quickly jotted down after that notification popped up. It sparked a lot of great conversation about how agriculture is so small, yet with vast differences in companies, jobs, titles, and everything in between.

I talked through the list with them, and to my surprise they started asking more questions. It left me thinking, I do have some things to share, but of course, so much more to learn.

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1.?????? People are in your corner. Whether you know it or not, there will be people in your corner to back you up, support and encourage you to keep going. Keep those people close and don’t ever be afraid to lean on them when you need to. “It’s not about what you know, but who you know.” A great interaction with one person, one time, could lead you to the next thing to excel your career. The best relationships are the most authentic ones that flow as you need them, or they need you.? ?

2.?????? Be authentically yourself but remember there are times you’ll need to read the room and the situation. It’s hard to do this and something that’s built overtime. If you can’t be your full self at work, consider if that’s the place you should be? ?

3.?????? Keep working hard and be patient. The wait can be very hard and discouraging at times, but soon there will be a moment that it all comes together. It will never be when you want it, but when the time is right. ??

4.?????? Hard times will only make you stronger. We often forget that we lose nine times out of 10. And, when we do win, it doesn’t last very long. So, it’s about the ride and the journey that needs to be worth it. Remember, you’ll never see it until you look back.

5.?????? Keep learning, always. There is no individual that is truly at the top of their game. The greatest will tell you, they lean to others to be the best where they lack. If you are always learning, you continue to challenge yourself and the others around you. Learn in a way that allows you to absorb the information. If you don’t love reading books, listen to podcasts instead, or find a way that allows you to gain more knowledge. ??

6.?????? Use your voice when you know it’s right and remember that silence is just as impactful. Another one that must be learned and earned over time. You’ll make mistakes and speak when you shouldn’t, but you will know when your voice is powerful. ?

7.?????? It’s not about balance. It is about work/life harmony. At times one will have to give more than the other, and vice versa. That harmony will come at different times of the year, seasons of life and work projects. Lean into working hard, 12-hours days, so you can leave early on those other days. So, it’s okay when you need to just be fully present with a sick kid and not monitor email. Those baby snuggles don’t last but emails always will.

8.?????? Mental health matters. Take the day off, go to the show, calve cows, or clean the house. Heck, if you go to the show, you’ll end up working anyways and you never know what ideas might spark from it. Really, do what you need to so that you can be at full mental capacity at work and at home.

9.?????? There are companies willing to invest in remote workers. Find the companies that allow you to live your personal dream of owning a ranch and working cows with your husband. Remote life isn’t for everyone, but if it’s for you, don’t get lost in the idea that this lifestyle isn’t possible. You will have to work harder to earn trust and build relationships, but past that initial connection, you can be a great team.

10.?? Embrace change. Keep a historical perspective and continue moving forward. Change is inevitable. Sometimes you’ll be on the back end of that curve and sometimes you might be leading it. Either way, embrace it. Find the people to help you move through it and keep driving forward.

I’m sure I could come up with a few more for this list, but 10 for 10 years seemed appropriate. I hope it brings courage, peace, understanding and relevance to what some others might be experiencing.

If I could sum up my 10 years, it would look something like this: I started my career, got engaged, changed jobs, got married, had a baby, changed jobs and had another baby. We also added new members to our family through marriage and birth. We also lost incredible people too. I could have never dreamed of the life I live. I remind myself daily, that everything happens for a reason, and for that I am very grateful.

Who knows where the next 10 years will lead me, but what I do know is this list will continue to grow. What is something you would add to this list from your first 10 years?