19/09/2022
LONG POST ALERT! LONG POST ALERT!! LONG POST ALERT!!!
So Anita Erskine posted this on LinkedIn and Id like to share it with you.
Anita writes...
When an organization I worked for was forced to downsize, my middle management role in government and industry relations became redundant. I was given the choice to :
🤷🏽♀️ Take a severance and walk away
or
🤷🏽♀️ Accept a junior office assistant position - the only vacancy they had.
The fear of suddenly having to navigate a state of unemployment got to me, so I opted for the second.
In a matter of days, I went from coordinating Government projects and National implementation strategies, to managing the functions of the front desk, kitchen and supply room.
Listen ….. if I tell you about the harrowing low self esteem in my first month⁉️⁉️🥺🥺🥺
But one morning, some 5 or 6 weeks into my new role, I was setting up the coffee machine, when I had a feeling…
What if I could challenge myself in this junior admin space? What if I could be innovative? What if I could change some things to make a difference???
I got to work! I spent weeks👇🏽
💡Developing an IVR solution for our entire phone system so that callers on hold could access facts about the organization in a fun way!
💡Creating a birthday calendar so we could plan celebrations efficiently and well in advance
💡Coordinating special fun projects like “Healthy Lunch Day”, “Summer barbecue day” & others.
💡Starting an in house newsletter so everyone was up to date on all things.
💡Generally going the extra mile to ensure a fun, efficient and comfortable working environment for everyone!
⭐️In the months that ensued, I became a crucial contributor to the success of the business! I was a !
…..and many years after I had left, my strategy was every junior office assistant’s bible.
So my lesson today?
✅ Life will happen. It will challenge you. Challenge it back!
✅Embrace ANY and EVERY opportunity to grow mentally, professionally and spiritually. Make your « What » & « Why » count!
✅ Learn to make new rules as you navigate life. Run the damn thing…..don’t let it run you!
✅Whatever level you find yourself in, !!! Be the ! Leave big shoes to fill!!! status all day
E.V.E.R.Y.D.A.Y!!
Finally….
✨As the leader I am today, I harbour nothing but great respect for everyone along the value chain.
✨Yes, I hit rock bottom. But down there???? OMG!!! I found some of life’s largest gold nuggets…..you don’t get those ones up here 😉😉😉. If you find yourself in that kind of situation, look for the nuggets!
🍋ANNNNNND you know what they say about life and lemons right?
Well. I took my lemons, planted the seeds, nurtured the trees, plucked more lemons, squeezed the juice, added some sugar…..and that’s what you’re drinking now…….a lesson on manipulating adversity to suit the extraordinary person you’re becoming….sweet and sour, but refreshing!
Don’t let life intimidate you.
