Remember who you were when you valued your awesomeness
In her 50’s, she began to feel that she was treated differently because of her age. “I’m too old to be hirable.” “No one will give me a chance at a new job when they see how old I am”. These and other thoughts had begun to kill her hope and passion. Starting to feel left behind, left out, and not important, she knew she should try another organization in her company. An organization that valued experience was what she thought about. But no, over time she resigned herself to the realization that she would probably be retiring at this position.
The position wasn’t a bad one. It had actually had been a choice several years earlier to join an organization outside of her area of expertise. Exciting to try something new and spread your wings. She started out excited and learned a lot of new skills and tools and enjoyed the people for the most part. To be honest she sometimes didn’t feel she fit in this group because of her age.
Have you ever felt this way? This is my story.
Then I was approached by a manager outside my organization about a position she thought I would be perfect for. Well let me say that even though I did not think it was the right position for me, it changed my entire outlook. I suddenly felt valued. I believe I even walked with more confidence. I shared my thoughts more freely at meetings. Quite shocking to look back and see that I had been my own enemy.
Over the next few months I was approached several more times. I began to listen to my intuition in part because I had my confidence back. The right opportunity found me. This was within my area of expertise and in a specialty area I had not worked in before. This was a real wow for me. Not only could I bring my experience but could learn something new.
Recently I had my one year anniversary in this new position and I also celebrated a promotion. Two years ago I would have never imagined being where I am today. As I recognized my anniversary in this new position, I also took time to recognize my journey there. To be honest with myself I realized that I couldn’t entirely blame the other organization. I had allowed it. I didn’t stand up and say “hey what about me, I’m pretty fabulous even though I’m not right out of college”?
Here are a few things I learned about myself and life. First is that yes I am still a work in progress. No matter how far I think I’ve come in some areas or how many years I’ve been on this planet, there are other areas that need growth or at least tweaking. Secondly, I get to be in charge of how I am treated and I have the power to do something about it. The power to say something. The power to walk away. The power to change my environment. The power to walk with confidence and speak my mind. Huge, right? You too have all this power! Remember who you were when you valued your awesomeness. Never let that be taken.