Today Melanie is taking you on a journey through some key moments in her career and life with the hopes of inspiring you to carve your own unique path, regardless of whether or not it seems right to others or the easiest road to travel.
These are her key messages:
Your career is not going to be a straight upwards line
Follow what interests and excites you
Be willing to start anywhere
You are not a job title or position
Here is a summary of this episode:
[03:03] - Growing up in a small town was a great experience, but when it came time to attend University, Melanie chose one that was as far away from that small town as possible. She worked hard to get into UVIC in Victoria, BC, but enrolling in a General Arts program was not my best decision.
[05:40] - Although she previously enjoyed school, she did not enjoy the courses she was taking in the Arts program and was incredibly home sick. In the third week of September, her father also had his second heart-attack, which was a major catalyst for a major shift in her educational and life direction.
[08:43] - One of my toughest life decisions was to quit University and leave UVIC before she finished out my year. The support of her family was huge.
[10:20] - This experience really taught her that it is important to ask for what you need and to follow your own interests and likes when it comes to choosing an education and career path. She also learned that shifting gears is ok! And her path is her path, it doesn't have to be ok for other people.
[11:39] - Fast forward a number of years after completing her business degree at TRU, and starting her HR career. But, this didn't happen over night. She had four years experience in related roles before she even succeeded with securing entry-level HR roles. It then took a number of years before she was being offered more advanced roles and the pay and lifestyle that this afforded her family.
[12:53] - Then one day she realized that the lifestyle she was living in the suburbs of Vancouver, was not ideally to having a family and not spending most of my life in her car! It was then that she realized it was time to move back to Kamloops.
[13:43] - She did not expect that moving to Kamloops would mean major career and financial changes for her life. We knew there was going to be sacrifices if we made the move and when we eventually moved, it was definitely a step backwards. But in her heart, she knew she would eventually make my way back to the same level of role she was when she left. It was scary, but she was hopeful and believed in her skills and experience.
[15:20] - Although she didn't know it at the time, this move was totally worth it. Better roles came along, she started her MBA and navigated another unexpected life change - divorce. This time of life really taught her that she was capable of handling a lot of tough stuff and a crazy schedule.
[16:58] - She doesn't recommend taking on what she took on, but she did learn that she needed to care for her own emotional and mental health. Humble the Poet said, "we can do anything, but not everything. And that realization will save a lifetime of grief and frustration."
[18:20] - After a number of years as a Generalist she had a great opportunity to work in Talent Management and Workforce Planning. It was a perfect role for me and she felt like this had her in a position that not only suited her, but also felt like she had advanced to a place that was beyond where she was when she left the Lower Mainland.
[19:56] - Then, she had the rug pulled out from under her when she was restructured out of that role. It was devastating for me and choosing to leave and not take on a different role was a really tough decision. Again, the support of my family was instrumental in making this move.
[21:49] - But leaving this organization gave me the opportunity to start Unicorn Group and she returned to teaching at TRU. Then, the best opportunity possible came along. It was completely unexpected, but she was thrilled! She was now a University teacher. Yes, ironic! She didn't want to be a teacher, but ended up doing just that, and loves it!
[22:51] - So what does this have to do with you? A lot of new professionals see career paths as straight lines that are always going up in title, salary and responsibility. But, her path and many others are very twisted and crooked. Sometimes you have to go back to go forwards or make lateral moves. This is all ok! There isn't one right path for everyone. You have to decide what is the best path for you.
[24:15] - Again, here are my key takeaways:
Your career is not going to be a straight upwards line
Follow what interests and excites you
Be willing to start anywhere
You are not a job title or position
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