Well, it’s been a minute since I last posted. I’ve tried plenty of times to sit and write but, when I do, my motivation fizzles out and all I manage to jot down is a few paragraphs here and there. Nothing ever feels substantial enough (good enough) to share. So, I end up having these intermittent, pop-up blog posts followed by long absences. For me, it boils down to part procrastination, part perfectionism, part indecision and part exhaustion. And perhaps heavier on the exhaustion bit because I’ve been managing a lot these last 5 years. In gearing up to write this ‘return’ post, I did a look-back at all the major events that occurred in my life since I first established this site in 2017 and I must say, it’s been a helluva path. I left a toxic workplace, did a career pivot, lost a parent to cancer, endured a global pandemic, landed a new job….and that’s not even all of it. Every step of the way, though, I’ve scribbled down my thoughts and now I’m resolving to share them more.
I started this blog because I kept bumping up against the ‘worker bee’ archetype in the workplace. I’m sure I’m not alone given most companies are structured as hierarchies and have their fair share of power-trippin’ managers. The thing is, though, I never viewed myself as a worker bee nor moved like one. I was never one who strove to be tucked away, nose to the grindstone, hoping management noticed my efforts. I wasn’t particularly shy or afraid of sharing my thoughts on matters. I didn’t side-step opportunities to gain visibility with leadership. My personality and behavior didn’t fit the stereotype.
And beyond the label, there was also the attitude people had when they wanted to treat you like a worker bee. This sense of unsubstantiated superiority coupled with the expectation that your purpose is to serve them. Not to mention a desire to minimize your contributions, downplay your hard work and box you into a role that suited only them.
But they’ve got it all wrong.
I did not embark on my career with the intent of enriching and serving others more than I do myself. I am focused on what satisfies me professionally. I’m interested in growing my knowledge, money, skill sets, opportunities and networks. I’m trying to materialize personal goals. And those ambitions transcend some measly box others want to keep me in.
So I decided to channel that sentiment into a blog. This piece of internet real estate is my self reminder to be the primary beneficiary of my labor. A self reminder that a satisfying work life is a worthy pursuit. A self reminder that I am not my job title or profession. A self reminder that ample rest, play and exploration are necessary for my well-being.
If you resonate with any of those sentiments, you’re in the right place.