By finding your identity.
« Always remember that you are the Queen of your own world — it might just take a second for everyone else to notice. » Lena Dunham
When I first read this quote, I though about my story and my growth those last 7 years.
I began my career as a consultant in 2010 and I was one of the employees, like I was no one. One of them. I couldn’t find my place and my identity in this environment — all my fault. It didn’t stop me from being a good employee (I think so). I went from mission to mission, working for super clients who liked my work. But I wasn’t myself. I tried to be what I though they wanted me to be.
Bad mistake!
I lost myself after 2 years of good work, and it took me multiple years to find my identity in this work… by changing drastically my life 3 times.
On my resume, you can read: 3 years of consultancy, 1 year of project management and 3 years of entrepreneurship. Through this adventure I created my identity and chose a job for myself and not because I was supposed to. Then I came back to consultancy in 2017 because I chose it (I needed money obviously).
Here is the main lesson I learned: « Constraints are your cards, become the best player at it. »
Yes! Become a player in charge of your life and let no one else break you.
I don’t know yet how to help you find yourself but what I can share with you is how I’m able to stay myself and get integrated fast in any job.
Observe & learn
Staying humble is the most important thing. So first, observe and teach yourself with the new corporate manners. That’s the easy part.
Test & evaluate
As you understand the rules, show them what you can do within the rules. And why not trying things that are out of your confort zone?! Take opportunities.
Share & grow
Work on yourself by sharing your analysis with your colleagues. That’s the hardest part, the look of the others. Your pears and your managers. Learn from the people around you how they see their work, and listen carefully. In their speeches, find your own way.
Did you happen to have lost and found yourself at work like me?
Take care
Photo by Matheus Bertelli from Pexels