VICTIMS OF WORDS

It is every young graduates dream to complete their qualification and start their careers in the different fields. More often than not, many of us had to prove ourselves to a panel of interviewers that grilled us with many tough and often confusing questions. One would think our university professors had already done a great job in that regard, but I had since learnt that the corporate sector was a totally different experience all together.

It is common knowledge that work experience forms the bulk of the weight in the corporate sector, or at least this is what we are told. It is also a well known fact that the more senior colleagues often brag about how hard they had to work to get to where they are,sometimes reminding us of how little we know and how far we still need to go. Well this maybe a  bit of stereotype because not everyone does this, but I am sure many can relate.

I start my mornings with three things in mind- to offer value and quality to my client's business, to add value to the lives of the people I work with and lastly to add value to the business and the bottom Line.  I regard these my 3 rules of value adding, hoping they will generate me long term benefits. I know I do not have enough experience to be as efficient as I'd hope to be , but I have drive that keeps me motivated  to learn and improve my skills.

 However there seems to be a trend in many organizations across different industries where more experienced colleagues continually make it their core business to break younger colleagues with words. Having met many young people working within different industries- Mining, Consultancy, Insurance and Retail to name a few; I was sadden by some of the things people say to young people.

I've been told that words can shatter dreams and inhibit growth. I've also been told that these hurtful and negative words can destroy ambition and drive, especially if they come from a person you looked up to.

We have all been victims of this situation- yes I know that the corporate sector is no place for a baby; but it was until I fell victim that I realized that words could destroy ones career, their drive and growth.  I was a victim for a while because I allowed the bitter words of other people become relevant in my own life; I was a victim for a while because I allowed their perception of me over shallow my ambition and hunger to succeed. Yes I played victim because I allowed someone's insecurities become my own insecurities, not realizing the damage this was doing in my life.

I woke up today, and I took charge of my own future. I woke up today and remembered my 3 rules of value adding. I woke up today and remembered how badly I have been grilled to get to where I am today, and I embraced the opportunities that lie ahead within the industry I work within.  Yes, I may lack the experience (for now), but I have dreams and ambitions that cannot be stopped by anyone but myself. So I am done playing the victim.

Are you still playing the victim in your own life? If yes, the time to take charge is now.

Smile. Laugh. Live