You know that physical feeling you get when you “ace” a test? When you thought you got at LEAST a D+ and by the literal grace of God you somehow managed a B-???? It’s a physical feeling of relief when you suddenly don’t feel like holding your breath or balling your eyes out. WELL thats how I’ve been feeling lately because I did it again….GOT A NEW JOB. But this time is different, you know why? Because I feel like I aced my test. I physically feel like my muscles are relaxed and my lungs can fill with air.
I have worked many jobs over the last 5 years. Pretty much all healthcare (except for a minor stint at a karaoke bar LOL), wearing many hats and discovering the raw truth behind toxic work dynamics and systemic hierarchical bullsh*t. It has taken many years of fighting the good fight trying to manifest my dEsTiny or whatever working 9-5 for the mAn or some sh*t. AND LET ME TELL YOU THIS: with each additional row of “experience” added to my resume I have learned some things and also learned to recognize that feeling of when something is just…right.
As a 27 year old woman, wisdom is something I have been learning the hard way through the many ups and downs of young adulthood. There are a handful of takeaways that I can say changed the way I carry myself through the world, many of which have come from my experiences in the workplace. If you’re still reading then I love you and here is my list:
- SPEAK UP. Very important rule here. If you let them, they will walk all over you. Them being managers, coworkers AND patrons (i.e customers, patients etc).
- DON’T make yourself smaller to make others feel comfortable. People will want you to tone down who you are in order to cater to their feelings. If you ever feel this energy from the people you work with or are around everyday, that place is not for you. If you can, LEAVE…..
- …..so that you DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME. Time is the most precious thing we have in this world and it is priceless and irreplaceable. That job and those people will replace you in a heartbeat, don’t be fooled.
- DON’T BE SO QUICK TO TRUST. Many times it will seem safe. It will seem nice and the water might be warm, but always stay on guard until proven otherwise. People wear disguises all the time and try to be someone they are not. Do not fall for these tricks. Use your better judgment before bringing all your walls down regardless of how much “camaraderie” there may seem to be.
- Lastly, NEVER FORGET YOUR VALUE. You are bringing something important to this job or this environment. You were hired for a reason and you are skilled. Never let a job convince you that you are worth less. Ever.
As you can tell, my skin has become a little thicker these days from all the bullsh*t, but I am grateful for what I know now. You learn to appreciate the moments that do feel right. For example, personally, I know something feels right for me physically because my body has a reaction. I sometimes want to cry. I know that sounds corny and weird maybe but it means I feel relieved. Or there are times when I can actually see past my stress and anxieties to take in my surroundings for once like the storm has passed and I can see things make sense. I can actually smell the roses and appreciate the sun on my face or the leftover pizza I brought for lunch. Anyways, you get the picture.
So to this I say cheers friends and good luck. May your gut guide you! I hope wherever you are, it feels just..well.. right!?
“Follow your dreamz? Uh yeah.” – Mac Miller
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