Okay, ladies, let’s get real for a second. 👋 Ever felt like the workplace is this giant maze where everyone else seems to have a map except you? Yeah, me too. I’ve been there, done that, and let me tell you, it’s not just about working hard—it’s about working smart. So, grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here 🍷), and let’s dive into some career advice that’s helped me navigate the workplace and actually enjoy the journey.
First off, let’s talk about confidence. I used to think confidence was something you were born with, like good hair or the ability to eat an entire pizza without feeling guilty. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Confidence is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. One thing that changed the game for me was learning to own my achievements. I used to downplay my wins, thinking I didn’t want to come off as boastful. But here’s the thing: if you don’t celebrate your wins, who will? Start keeping a “brag file”—a list of your accomplishments, big and small. Trust me, when it’s time for a performance review or a job interview, you’ll be glad you did.
Now, let’s talk about networking. I know, I know, the word alone can make you want to run for the hills. But networking doesn’t have to be this awkward, forced thing. Think of it as making friends who happen to work in your industry. I’ve met some of my closest mentors and allies just by striking up a conversation at a conference or even in the office kitchen. The key is to be genuine. People can smell insincerity from a mile away. So, instead of thinking, “What can this person do for me?” try thinking, “How can I add value to this conversation?” You’d be surprised how far that mindset can take you.
Another thing I’ve learned is the importance of setting boundaries. Early in my career, I was that person who said yes to everything—extra projects, late-night emails, you name it. I thought it would make me indispensable. Instead, it just left me burnt out and resentful. It took me a while to realize that setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s self-care. Now, I’m clear about my limits, and I communicate them respectfully. And guess what? My work has actually improved because I’m not running on empty all the time.
Let’s not forget about the power of mentorship. I can’t stress this enough—having someone in your corner who’s been where you are and can offer guidance is invaluable. But here’s the twist: mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal. I’ve had mentors who were senior leaders, but I’ve also learned a ton from peers who were just a few steps ahead of me. The key is to be open to learning from anyone and everyone. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people are flattered to be asked for advice, not annoyed.
Now, let’s tackle the elephant in the room: imposter syndrome. Oh, the number of times I’ve sat in a meeting thinking, “What am I even doing here?” Spoiler alert: everyone feels this way sometimes, even the people who seem like they have it all together. The trick is to recognize those thoughts for what they are—just thoughts, not facts. When I start feeling like a fraud, I remind myself of my “brag file” and all the times I’ve proven myself capable. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being persistent.
Finally, let’s talk about failure. Yes, failure. It’s not fun, but it’s inevitable. The important thing is how you handle it. I used to see failure as this huge, shameful thing. Now, I see it as feedback. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. And honestly, some of my biggest career breakthroughs came after what felt like massive failures at the time. So, when things don’t go as planned (and they won’t), give yourself grace, figure out what went wrong, and move forward.
So, there you have it—some of the lessons I’ve learned on my career journey. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it. Remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re all figuring it out as we go. And hey, if I can do it, so can you. Now, go out there and slay, queen. 👑