An Update from an Early Career Perspective

Thought I share things I have been working through and the experiences I have been traveling through in this stage of my career.?

Since graduating in the Spring of 2020, seemingly, life has been a rollercoaster in ways that were expectedly and unexpectedly dissimilar than my collegiate experiences and preceding collegiate years. I have doubted more than I ever have before my worth, the value of my unique capabilities and experiences, and my “career” choices. I have struggled with the very definition of a “career” and what that even means to me. I have suffered my first load of mental breakdowns, anxiety, and depression. I have worked through the weight of deciding whether or not to quit workplaces, asking for help, confronting the realities of the times where I just don’t feel good, ok, or fine—coming to terms that it’s ok to not be ok.?I have found peace in working with people who do not have my best interests at heart. I have dealt with co-workers attempting to and eventually sabotaging my reputation, name, and work. I have managed unrealistic client and internal workplace expectations. I have confronted the conversations wherein my actual needs, desires, and interests are simply just not met. I have mustered up the courage to discuss compensation and promotion progressions that work best for me unapologetically. I have worked through finding the balance between just saying “yes” to every ask that may come my way and saying “no” when I need my space, know it’s not attainable, or just because I don’t want to.?

More optimistically, I have learned to listen moreso to the message that is being invoked versus the tone that is being conveyed with the message. I have learned to be truly authentic with those that will positively accept my authenticity. I have learned to be kind to those who are not kind to me regardless of the affliction of their harmful actions towards me. I have learned not to bad-mouth individuals that have done me wrong professionally—whether just inform others, when asked, to just be cautious. I have learned to find a middle ground of enjoyment when it comes to work—a balance of clients, co-workers, content of work, and overall company culture. When all 4 of the aforementioned categories are positively in swing then it is an outstanding place to work at and be in. However, for me when at least 3 of the 4 are not going well that is the time to seek immediate change. I have learned I can still find peace when at least 2 of the 4 are going well. However, that metric is different per person. I have learned to seek mentors that have walked through the minefields that I am interested in. I have lastly learned to be unapologetic—still respectful—about the methods of engagement that truly bring me clarity, peace, and high-performing. For instance, I know that when I know the “Why” / purpose for the task, project, activity I performed with a higher level of resiliency, fervor, quality, and speed. Furthermore, I’ve recognized that every now and then I just need a Friday and/or Monday off—not often, but occasionally. I used to ignore that. I recognize that having that little break helps me be rejuvenated for about 3-4 months before another one is needed. To that similar point, I’ve recognized that just because it’s noon or a holiday doesn’t mean I actually need or want a break then. Sometimes I’m hungry at 10 am; sometimes I’m hungry at 3 pm; sometimes I want to take a break on Labor day; sometimes I don’t. Just the mere acknowledgement has been freeing.?

Ultimately, journaling more and giving myself the time to reflect, center myself, and focus on the day that lies before me has been critical to me stabilizing myself in this fast-paced, high-performing, and weird world. Furthermore, I also feel that it is not only me, those who are similarly early in their career or of the like, that can feel as though I feel. If you feel or have felt this way, know that you can make it through—don’t hang it up and quit on it all!

I, ultimately, wanted to share these reflections to provide someone with hope and company in a darker time they may find themselves in. Hopefully, this connects with someone to be a whisper of encouragement in a space where they may feel alone in this fast-paced, high-performing, and weird world we all find ourselves in. Keep moving forward! Know you are special! Move with compassion and love!

#Compassion #Love #Strategy #Perseverance #Consulting #Corporate #Professional #Selfgrowth #Millenial #GenZ #Babyboomer