For 26 years, I have been a hairdresser. I have held other amazing roles during my career, including traveling internationally in a global educating I.T. one. I have experienced career thrills and highs and the feeling of “oh yeah, I am FINALLY going somewhere!” I have also experienced absolute and complete professional loss too, as in no job, no money, no seemingly visual way forward.
- I know what it’s like to be starting from scratch professionally.
- I know what it’s like to be in a professional spot at 43 years old, that I NEVER imagined for myself
- I know what it’s like to have way less than zero amounts of self confidence and belief in my professional abilities
- I know what it’s like to feel like I have lost my entire life’s work and purpose.
While all of that is so so awful for me in loads of ways, it’s hugely brilliant for me too.
So what would I tell my younger 17 year old self, 26 years ago?
“Don’t be ashamed about doing a hairdressing apprenticeship upon finishing year 12 at private school, when all your friends are doing dentistry, engineering or economics. Trust in who you are and your inner knowing that holding off on uni because the professional development of working for and learning from a big brand as a school leaver (@stefanhair) will guide you to where you need to be. Know this of yourself … you are a worker and you are committed, it’s in your DNA. You are also really great with people. You are a treasured friend. Be kind to you. And aside from your experience and learning along your career way, it really will be the personal stuff that sees you blossom – the people you connect with, the relationships you form and most importantly your integrity.
If you were 43 and looking back on your life today and saw no burnt bridges with previous employers, but rather incredible friendships and mentors and lifelong relationships, you have actually experienced true career success.”
I bring this up to let you know, I get you. I get why it’s so hard for you to see the forest for the trees sometimes. Don’t you? What would you tell your younger self?
I would love to know how you feel.
Blessings Hxx
P.S. Thank you so much @unsplash @eugenio.mazzone for the gorgeous photo of yours I used here on my blog – simply stunning.