Full-time worker for 5 years, how further?

After the euphoria of graduating from the university, I immediately started with working. Eager to explore the world, ambitious to make a skyline career and most important; to prove myself to rest of the world. It feels like yesterday, but I’ve been a full-time (40+ hours) worker for almost 5 years now.  How did I navigate myself through all those years? What can I share – from my experiences I had so far – with you?

The idea of working 8 hours long, sitting behind your desk, entering every workday the same space, and looking forward for the weekends gave me from time to time shivering body reactions. I told myself: this monotonous life will not continue until I retire! Therefore, I needed to make some small adjustments in my newly kicked-off career. I started to talk with people and had brain-picking sessions , I also kept continue with personal and profession developments.  I can imagine that most newly-grads would not be jumping to continue with post-school educations/trainings, but for me this topic was essential. It’s even great when your employer pays for it! Well, not to give you a wrong impression, the first 3.5 years of my working life, I paid for my own development needs.

During my first two years at my (now former) employer I quickly determined I wanted a pursue one specific financial training. With my educational background, this was the most ‘ logical’ step after graduation. However, I gradually learnt – from experiences – that this was not my dream. But I kept telling myself that I needed to have these credentials behind my name, otherwise I wouldn’t never be successful! Well, after an employer switch plus a department change – which took me around 3.5 years – I could finally admit: it doesn’t really matter, as long as it makes me happy.  Besides, I still need to work for another 4 decades, I’d better live and work happy.

Okay, to make this column a bit more interesting for you, I will give some bullet points which you may consider to have a thought about it now or in the near future.

1. If you can determine on your own pace what you like most of your job and your employer;
2. Be cautious by not following the crowd. Be unique for yourself;
3. Sign up for courses/trainings/network events. Sometimes they can be free of charge. Otherwise, you can always ask to your manager. Give it a shot;
4. Promote, with modesty, your knowledge and skills to others. Of course, don’t exacerbate;
5. Offer to volunteer some time with different departments. This way you will build relationships;
6. Be willing to take chances and try to be more visible within your organization;

I’ve survived my first 5 years, now 40 years to go. If I look back, I don’t regret the path I’ve chosen. Although I have to admit, after seeking for 3.5 years, I finally found my place where this idea of working 8 hours long, sitting behind my desk at the same space and still look forward for the weekends , it’s not giving me nightmares. I think I can live up with that..