How many of you ladies go through university thinking that you will be that next Oprah, Carol Bartz, or Indra Nooyi?
I know I did…
I had always thought that as soon as I graduate, I want to get my dream job; something that is interesting, challenging, and rewarding, I wanted to be in on time, do a little over time, and deliver a little extra to set myself apart from the rest. I wanted to wear my heals, pencil skirts and blazers, sit in important meetings, and have my lunch brought to me desk. I wanted to be given the hard tasks because I’m simply the best, get recognition for what I do, and be on my boss’s good side so I can skip that career ladder and use the career elevator.
How things change…
After sending endless CV’s to almost every employer I can get my hands on, going to endless interviews, and waiting patiently for a call back, I found a job (scratch dream). At first it was great! I was finally living the dream! Until interesting became boring, challenging became a routine, and rewarding became pocket money. Then getting out of bed was a drag, doing a little overtime was torture, and delivering a little extra…why should I bother! Then heals gave blisters, skirts were too up-tight, and blazers looked better on Jeans. And the career elevator, more like climbing up Mount Fuji, barefooted, and pulling a wagon of boulders behind you!
Being Optimistic…
I still want to find the dream job, and be all that I can be. However, having a lenient work schedule, moderate work load, dressing casually, and leaving early are much more valued than anything else. No matter how much time and energy we give into work it will never be enough, the job will never be done, and it might save you a year or two on the promotion, but being able to spend extra time with friends, family and soon children is worth much more than having a corner office.
Unfortunately what you wrote is true. I was just discussing it with my friend yesterday and how only "exceptions" are fully satisfied with what they are doing and how only "exceptions" get on the right track from the beginning.
ReplyDeleteStay optimistic, that's the only advice I have, try to work around what you have to get what you want, and if you can't then you should start in another way.
And as you said, work either can be your life and you would be devoted to it, but what the hell, work sometimes is just work and your life is outside your work; enjoy your family, your friends and loved ones. It can be just a mean to survive & enjoy your day to day life, and that's it.
So enjoy your life whatever it was and stress on the part that makes you fulfilled the most, whatever it was.
It is never too late to change your career because what is "a years or two" to having a better and more interesting job.
So yes, it is all very blurry and makes you feel unstable, but we all are in the same pot. No one said we can't feel another way about our career, we just need a leap of faith and some courage.
Thank you for the advise! But what makes it hardest is that our economy is at a standstill! People are thinking twice before buying some new clothes, let alone hire people! We all have to hang on and try for something better!
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ReplyDeleteThat's true also; we always have to take into consideration that, especially if we have responsibilities. But you never know, sometimes you just need a small change that could make all the difference and not a major one.
ReplyDeleteAlso, now you can change things if you want, later, your responsibilities will grow and let alone your capability to change won't be on your side. Maybe now the impact on your life is much smaller than to make a change 8 or 10 years later. It's something to think about...
You are sooo right about the impact and time thing! I can only imagine the how hard it would be if more time passes.. without making any advancments academically of professionally! Employment in general isnt appealing! I'm thinking of a little project for me, like a small business.
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ReplyDeleteThat's never a bad idea. You just need to ensure good execution. That's what makes a good entrepreneur! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSince this will be my first post on your blog, it's gonna be quite "contructive" :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you said, and I can honestly say that I'm in your shoes right now.
That being said, what I suggest is the following:
* Academic improvement: Register with me for next September's Certificate in Marketing Class at Morgan International. If this won't get us better jobs, at least we would achieve self fulfillment.
* Let me know what your little business idea is, maybe you can use a partner, in investment and in experience.
Cheers!
Hey there!
ReplyDeleteU have no idea how many academic improvement ideas are flowing through my mind! a part of be wants that certificate, another part in interested in getting a masters in English...yes. Turns out i really love writing. n some other times i think of getting a teaching diploma! I'll figure it out n let u know!
About the little business! We reaaalllyyy need to sit n talk!