Do you ever feel like life throws you curveballs, but somehow you manage to find your way through them?
My Initial Challenges
The saying “bloom where you’re planted” has always resonated with me, but it took on a whole new meaning after I became a mother at 23.
My graduation, originally planned for 2018, got pushed back due to the arrival of my precious son, Genji Matthew. Motherhood was a whirlwind of joy and responsibility, and for a while, my career aspirations seemed to fade into the background.
But the truth is, motherhood didn’t extinguish my desire to grow; it simply reshaped it. I found myself juggling the first trimester of my pregnancy with a call center trainee position and spa therapy work. After Genji’s birth, I embraced the full-time role of a housewife, cherishing every moment with my little one.
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However, the fire of ambition still flickered within me. When Genji was ten months old, I decided to re-embark on my academic journey. I enrolled as an on-the-job trainee at a real estate company, eager to learn and contribute. A year later, they offered me an administrative position. While the opportunity was tempting, I had to decline. Leaving Genji in someone else’s care wasn’t an option for me.
Life Took a Good Turn
But fate, as it often does, had other plans. In 2022, my sister-in-law needed assistance with her digital marketing business. Thankfully, she offered me a work-from-home position – a dream come true for a mother like me. This flexibility allowed me to nurture both my career and my son, a balancing act I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Working as a Digital Marketing Executive has been an incredible learning experience. Over the past two years, I’ve immersed myself in the dynamic field of online marketing, mastering the art of social media management, content creation, and email marketing. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.
Looking back, my journey hasn’t been a linear path to the top. It’s been a winding road filled with detours, pauses, and unexpected turns. But through it all, I’ve held onto the “bloom where you’re planted” philosophy. It wasn’t about waiting for the perfect opportunity; it was about making the most of the soil I was already in.
This journey has taught me valuable lessons that extend far beyond the digital marketing world.
Some Insights I’ve Learned along the Way
🌷 Embrace Change
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the changes and adapt as needed. Each twist and turn in my journey has led me to where I am today.
Here’s a roadmap to help you actually embrace change, even when it feels uncomfortable:
Acknowledge Your Emotions
- It’s okay to feel hesitant or resistant. Change can trigger fear, uncertainty, and even grief for what’s familiar.Allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment.
Shift Your Perspective
- See change as an opportunity for growth. Instead of focusing on what you might lose, consider the possibilities and potential benefits the change might bring.
Focus on What You Can Control
- Empower yourself by identifying aspects within your control. Maybe you can’t control the change itself, but you can control your reaction to it, your preparation, and your attitude.
Embrace Curiosity
- Approach change with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. Ask questions, explore new possibilities, and seek out information to understand the change better.
Develop a Positive Mindset
- Focus on the positive aspects of change, even if they’re small. Look for the silver lining and remind yourself of your ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
Take Action
- Don’t wait for change to happen to you. Proactively take steps to prepare for the change, even small ones. This will give you a sense of agency and control.
Celebrate Small Wins
- Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This reinforces a positive attitude towards change and motivates you to keep moving forward.
Practice Self-Care
- Prioritize your well-being during times of change. Engage in activities that reduce stress, promote relaxation,and help you maintain emotional balance.
🌷 Resilience and Resourcefulness
Motherhood and career aspirations can be a demanding combination, but the challenges I faced made me stronger and more adaptable. When faced with limited options, I learned to think creatively and find solutions that worked for my unique situation. I’m aware that challenges are inevitable, but my outlook shapes how I handle them. I focus on the positive aspects of motherhood and believe in my ability to overcome obstacles.
As a young mom, I taught myself to think outside of the box. I try not to be afraid to improvise and consider unconventional solutions. In a crisis, familiar methods might not work, so be open to new approaches. In my case, the typical route after graduation was to get employed in a traditional set-up. I chose a different path because my circumstances were something I had to consider. Having a son and being a hands-on mom to him was a big deal to me back then.
I took the initiative to find ways. I didn’t wait for someone to tell me what to do. In life, we have to be proactive in finding solutions and taking steps towards recovery.
🌷 Prioritize
As a mom, my son comes first. Learning to prioritize what’s truly important has been key in balancing my career and motherhood.
Here are some steps to help you prioritize effectively:
Capture all your tasks.
Get everything out of your head and onto a to-do list. This could be a physical notebook, a digital to-do list app, or a whiteboard. Seeing everything you need to do in one place can help you organize your thoughts.
Evaluate importance vs. urgency.
Not all tasks are created equal. Distinguish between tasks that are urgent (have a pressing deadline) and important (contribute to your long-term goals). The ideal situation is to focus on tasks that are both urgent and important, but sometimes you’ll need to make choices.
Consider effort and time.
Once you have a sense of urgency and importance, factor in the estimated time and effort required for each task. You might want to tackle the most difficult or time-consuming tasks first when you have the most energy, and leave smaller, quicker tasks for later in the day.
Be realistic.
Be honest with yourself about how much you can realistically accomplish in a given amount of time. Don’t overload yourself, or you’ll set yourself up for failure.
Schedule your tasks.
Block out time in your calendar for specific tasks. This will help you stay focused and avoid procrastination.
Be flexible.
Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to adjust your priorities as needed. New deadlines or unexpected events may require you to shift your focus.
🌷 Seek Opportunities
Even when things seem uncertain, keep an eye out for opportunities. My work-from-home arrangement with my sister-in-law was a dream come true, and it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t kept an open mind. Never stop learning. Whether it’s through formal education or on-the-job experiences, every opportunity is a chance to grow and improve.
Here’s a roadmap to find opportunities and become a lifelong learner.
Network actively.
Attend industry events, conferences, or workshops. Connect with people on LinkedIn or professional groups. Strike up conversations with colleagues from different departments. Expand your circle and let them know you’re open to new challenges.
Become visible.
Don’t be shy about showcasing your skills and accomplishments. Volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone. Publish articles or participate in online discussions related to your field. Make your expertise known.
Be a go-getter.
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Research companies or positions you’re interested in. Proactively reach out to hiring managers or decision-makers. Express your enthusiasm and highlight how your skills can benefit them.
Embrace continuous learning.
The more you learn, the more valuable you become, opening doors to new possibilities.
Develop a growth mindset.
Believe that your skills and knowledge can improve with effort. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Find your learning style.
Do you prefer reading books, watching videos, or taking courses? Experiment with different formats to find what keeps you engaged.
Take micro-courses.
Short online courses are a fantastic way to learn new skills in a time-efficient way. Many platforms offer micro-courses on various topics.
Read industry publications.
Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in your field by subscribing to relevant blogs, magazines, or newsletters.
Learn from others.
Seek mentors who can guide you and share their expertise. You can also learn from colleagues or friends with different skillsets.
Challenge yourself.
Step outside your comfort zone and try learning something completely new. This will keep your mind sharp and open doors to unexpected opportunities.
🌷 Gratitude
Be grateful for the opportunities that come your way. I am incredibly thankful for the chance to work from home and be there for my son every step of the way. Life isn’t always perfect, and that’s okay. Gratitude is about appreciating the good, even amidst challenges. I appreciate the everyday blessings that make my life good.
I find it helpful to write down a few things I’m grateful for each day because it significantly boosts my happiness. I reflect on positive experiences, people in my life I appreciate, or even personal qualities I possess. I train myself to appreciate the positive aspects of my life, big or small. It could be a beautiful sunrise, a delicious meal, or a kind gesture from a stranger.
🌷 Find Your Support System
It’s true that struggles can make you feel alone. I’ve experienced it myself and so I recommend everyone to build their support system. A support system provides a sense of belonging and connection, reminding you that you’re not alone in your challenges.
Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, a strong support system can make all the difference. Sharing your experiences with supportive people can lift your spirits and improve your overall mood.
Depending on your situation, your support system might be able to offer practical help. They can offer different viewpoints and suggestions you might not have considered.
A support system doesn’t have to be large. Even having one or two reliable people you can confide in can make a significant difference. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help – it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
My Newfound Confidence
Today, as I stand here, a mother and a digital marketing professional, I can confidently say that “blooming where I’m planted” has been the guiding principle in my career journey. It’s not about waiting for the perfect conditions; it’s about nurturing your potential with the resources you have, embracing the present moment, and finding joy in the process of growth. And who knows, the most beautiful blooms often emerge from the most unexpected places.
This journey has been a roller coaster of emotions – the frustration of missed opportunities, the joy of unexpected breakthroughs, and the overwhelming gratitude for the flexibility that allows me to be both a successful professional and a present mother. It’s a clear example of the resilience and resourcefulness that motherhood often fosters.
Today, as I watch Genji play, I know that the seeds I sowed in the fertile ground of motherhood have not only nurtured him but also blossomed into a fulfilling career. And while the journey continues, I’m confident that with dedication and a little bit of adaptability, we can all bloom beautifully wherever life plants us.
What specific strategies or mindset shifts have you found most effective in nurturing your career growth despite facing unexpected challenges or changes in your circumstances? Share in the comment section below!
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