Hello, wonderful people! This post is truly something to celebrate as it is the first episode of the Career Buddy Podcast 🎊 Like any good host, this episode dives into the story behind the podcast and my career journey that inspired its development. The college student fantasies, workplace realities, and of course, some juicy tea. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and tune in below👇
Career Buddy Unveiled✨: Behind the Podcast and My Career Journey – Career Buddy
Key Takeaways✨
Let’s be honest most of us don’t have over an hour to listen to a podcast, no matter how AWESOME it may be, so I’m doing you all a favor and giving you the highlights!
#1: Every Experience Matters 👍
Can you relate to this? No matter how many times I may read about something or watch videos, the best way I learn is through experience – you know, ‘getting my hands dirty,’ well, hopefully not too dirty. In the podcast, I shared how I ventured into the worlds of sports management, healthcare, food services, electronics manufacturing, and even interior design. And yeah, they are as different as they seem, but the most important thing that happened when I was in those worlds was the experiences I gained. I know it may seem like not much happens day after day, but over time, I guarantee you will learn things about yourself, others, and the world around you. Even the jobs you might not enjoy right now, to be honest, those were the jobs that taught me the most – even if it’s what to avoid in the future 😉.
#2: Moving Forward May Look Different 🤔
Expectations from Youth
Growing up, most of us expect life to follow a certain timeline. You know: elementary school, middle school, high school, college, the first job, climbing the corporate ladder, and so on. There always seems to be a next step, and it often looks linear. I had this mindset growing up, and it stuck with me until I started working. I thought growth was tied to everything external: accomplishments, network, salary, and title. While it might be true in some cases, I never took into consideration the unexpected nature of life. There are struggles and changes we can’t plan for.
Redefining Growth
As I mentioned in the podcast, growing and moving forward sometimes means pivoting or taking a step back. Leaving room for the unexpected is okay, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I might even dare to say that some of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences aren’t visible externally; it’s what’s happening underneath that’s developing the person you are becoming.
#3: There’s a Difference Between a Manager and a Leader 🙏
Your Relationship with Your Boss Matters
Something I never really thought about was the type of person I would want to work for. In my mind, I thought all that mattered was what my job was and working towards being successful in my role. While that does matter, something that can also hinder or build your success is your relationship with your boss. In the podcast, I recalled how, when I started working, I would hear people say, ‘People don’t leave places; they leave bosses.’ That made me pay attention to the people I was working for. I quickly realized that there seemed to be two distinct types of bosses: the manager and the leader. Sure, on paper, they have the same responsibilities, but it’s how they manage their responsibilities that makes them different.
Leaders vs Managers: The Difference that Counts
To clarify, I’m not getting into formal job titles; instead, I’m talking about leadership styles and what I’ve noticed from working with them. I find that leaders operate out of a sense of security within themselves, enabling them to trust and connect with those around them. They provide vision, structure, support, and cultivate an environment that promotes open communication, respect, and appreciation. Leaders often work towards things beyond ‘the numbers’ or what we can see.
On the other hand, manager types may aspire to be leaders, but they get trapped. They seem to operate out of a place of lack – things are never good enough, people can’t be trusted, and they are stuck in what seems like endless chaos. The strange thing is, these people are just as capable, knowledgeable, and successful as leaders, but their energies are spent maintaining expectations no matter the cost. And the costs are often high, at the expense of themselves and those around them.
Who are You Working For?
So, what’s an easy way to tell if you’re working for a manager or a leader? Well, that’s tough, but I like thinking about whether you would feel comfortable sharing concerns or difficult feedback with them. Do you think they would listen to you? Notice I didn’t say agree with you, just listen and have an open mind. It may seem small, but I find it’s through difficult situations and conversations where people’s true nature are revealed. So, notice the leaders around you, learn from them, and help the managers too – most of the time, they are well-meaning.
#4: Find Your Potty 🧻
I know this one seems random, but I had to put a silly one in. In all seriousness, I think it’s wise to have a place in the office (if you work in an office) you can retreat to if you need a moment, perhaps to clear your head or take some breaths. In the podcast, I shared how I got food poisoning after lunch, and I was very grateful I already had a private potty I could retreat to. If possible, find one that isn’t shared with too many people because it’s kinda awkward hearing people you know ‘do their business’ when you’re in there. Just keeping it real!
#5: Be an Advocate for Yourself🗣️
What’s the secret to a successful career? Some people prioritize experience, while others emphasize networking. While it’s true that both are valuable, I believe there’s something just as crucial as competence and connections: your character. It’s who you are when everybody and nobody is watching.
Some of the most character-defining moments for people are when challenges arise. It could be a difficult situation or conversation that happens at work. And you have two decisions when that happens: either tolerate it and suffer silently, or communicate and try to resolve the situation. But here’s the thing – whatever you decide, just remember you are teaching someone how to treat you. So, choose to be an advocate for yourself. Because if you won’t, then who will?
How Can You Be Advocate for Yourself?
I know I just pumped you up in the last paragraph, but I wanted to provide you with some practical tips. Advocating for yourself can be scary and intimidating. So, what does this actually look like? Reflecting on my own experiences, I find that the greatest opportunities to advocate come through difficult conversations and setting boundaries.
If you’re anything like me, the thought of those things already sounds uncomfortable. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but embracing these practices is crucial for a healthy life, as you’re likely to encounter challenges sooner or later. Therefore, it’s best to learn how to overcome them. I plan to go into more detail on what these conversations can look like in another blog, but overall, these are my tips.
- Be Mindful: Reflect on the situation. Ask yourself what the underlying issue is—whether it’s a behavior, a decision, or miscommunication. Identify the impact of the issue. This step is crucial as it involves recognizing how the problem is contributing to undesirable outcomes, affecting your productivity, well-being, or those around you.
- Prepare: Consider how you want to communicate the situation and identify potential resolutions. Resolution may involve bringing awareness to the issue or setting boundaries, depending on the issue. During this step, it’s important to seek support from others. Reach out to a mentor, a trusted colleague, a loved one, HR (if available), or even a therapist. Others may have gone through similar experiences, or they can provide insights we might not have considered ourselves.
- Stay Strong: After you’ve taken the time to prepare, it’s time to communicate! Ultimately, it should be a conversation, but remember, you don’t have to be perfect; you just need to be present. Once you’ve shared, leave room for a response, and if possible, work towards an agreement or determine the next steps
Honestly, there’s so much more I could add, but in a general sense, that’s how I’ve been able to have successful, difficult conversations. It’s not easy, but I assure you that over time, it won’t feel like such a burden. It’s through those situations that you’re becoming a stronger and healthier person.
Everyone, I think I’m all out of words! Thank you for supporting the first episode! I’m so excited to start bringing on guests! To stay updated on the latest, you can follow our social media pages!
Career Buddy Podcast 