When I was 6, I wanted to be a teacher.
When I was 16, I wanted to be a pediatrician.
Now that I am 26, am I either of those professions? Haha! Nope.
Am I where I thought I would be in my career?! No, not entirely.
So, I didn’t become a teacher or a pediatrician. The 6-year-old and 16-year-old me might be disappointed, but 26 year old me is happy. I am happy with where I am in life currently. Though I did not end up on the career path I had envisioned, I wouldn't change any of my life experiences because they’ve completely transformed, created and shaped the woman I am today.
So where did I end up? Get some tea, while I share a bit of my story.
I work for a business and financial information company that focuses on business, financial and legal publishing, and events. Being in the publishing industry, I have gained so many skills that have helped me develop professionally and on a personal level. Working in this industry even gave me the confidence to establish Phenomenelle Life. Look at how God works wonders!
“Personal development is the belief that you are worth the effort, time and energy needed to develop yourself.” ―Denis Waitley
A few things I've learned in my industry:
How to be commercially aware of a publication and business;
How to manage a brand;
The value of editorial integrity and the importance of sales and editorial working collaboratively;
How to write for an audience;
How to edit and design for a publication;
Gained knowledge on an industry I had no experience or expertise in before starting the role;
You can learn anything in one industry and transfer those skills if you step into a new industry.
So, my current role is a million miles away, ok, maybe not millions, but it's far from my teacher and pediatrician aspirations. But how did I get here? Well, in all honesty, I like to say I stumbled upon my company, but I know God led me here. I started in a junior role as a copywriter, but once I got my foot in the door, I worked my way up to become the Editor of my publication.
I'm a firm believer in growing in anything you're doing, whether it be work and career-related or personal pursuits.
“Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.” ―Stephen Covey
So let's backtrack a bit ... I went to university and studied English Literature and Philosophy because at the time, I didn't know what I wanted to study, so I chose to study subjects I liked, enjoyed and performed well in. Try explaining to African parents that you're not going to be a lawyer or a doctor or an engineer. Studying non-vocational degrees means you can end up working in a job that has no direct correlation to what you studied ... and that's okay. We all have to start somewhere.
Grace got me through the door but faith kept me.
By the grace of God, through working at my company, I’ve been fortunate enough to work directly with my company’s CEO, and I have become accountable for decisions I never thought I’d have the opportunity to. These are not things I thought I'd have the opportunity to do when I went to university and studied for my English and Philosophy undergraduate degree. I say this to say -- your starting place does not define the rest of your journey. You can end up in a place you never thought you’d be, and be equally as happy or content with the outcome. I believe in being the best at whatever you want to be in life. I'm still on my journey, but I know that as long as I continue to work hard, and remain consistent, I will do well. And if you do the same, you will do well. So don't give up on pursuing the things you want to do, especially the things that bring you joy in life.
So if you’re reading this and you’re not sure what you want to do with your life or perhaps you want to change your career path just remember ...
There’s no wrong or right path to follow in life.
Strike a balance between following your passions, doing something you enjoy, and doing something that can support sustainable living (the type of life that you want to live).
Phenomenelle Life Tips
While we respect the advice of our loved ones, please do not live your life for your parents family or friends;
Be respectful of your parent's support, advice and guidance concerning your career;
Be courageous enough to talk to your parents about what you want to achieve in life and how you want to get there;
Learn from your mistakes; you will make some along the way, but do not let them define you.
Back to my story ...
While I did not end up a doctor or a lawyer, I know my parents are proud of the life choices I have made. Whilst figuring out what I want to do with my life, I have given my parents peace of mind by including them on my journey and reminding them I have to be in control of my choices for my life. As young adults, we have to remember that parents worry about their children’s future. Keep your parent's minds at rest and their anxieties at bay by showing them you have a plan. Along the road you will make mistakes (and that’s okay). You will learn from them, and you will find out what you want to do in life along the way.
Your starting place does not define the rest of your journey.
So, am I where I thought I’d be? Not at all. We will always need Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers and Scientists in life, so for those reading this with the passion to pursue those careers, please do! And for those of you who want to explore other options, or even what people may consider "unconventional", remember that life in 2020 has shown us you can make a career of pretty much anything. Today’s young adults are finding jobs, careers and salaries in things that never existed 5 or 10 years ago.
I’m certainly not where I thought I would be, but by the grace of God, I am further than I could have imagined. I am proud of the decisions I’ve made and the bold steps of faith I’ve taken to work towards creating the type of life I want to live. There have been stressful moments, and moments of failure ( I'll discuss in a separate post .. watch out for it), but I take the time to remind myself every now and again, that I am growing and learning. And as I continue to grow, I want to keep pushing myself to do what brings me joy and a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
Phenomenelle Life tips
Living a phenomenal life is about living your life. Yours. It’s not about living life according to the way society has told you to, or because you’re trying to keep up with the standards of the world.
Make your own standards and live them well. Live them phenomenally.
To be phenomenal is to be exceptionally good.
So do that -- live an exceptionally good life.
"Be exceptionally good."
Don’t settle for less ... you deserve better.
Remember, we’re all called to do different things and we all possess different talents. When you accept this, you'll run your race and run it your way. You'll start to shine and exude newfound confidence you didn't know you had inside of you.
So what does life look like for you today? What are you going to do to live your phenomenal life?
If you would like to know more about my career and development stages or would like some advice if you're still figuring out your career path, feel free to send an email to : contact@phenomenellelife.com
Let's stay connected and network - Connect with me on LinkedIn
Phenomenelle Life tips
Practice your passions;
Find a job that supports sustainable living for you;
Check out free courses online;
Make use of LinkedIn learning;
Keep educated (formally and informally);
Invest in yourself;
Connect and network with people;
Start out as a student. Be eager to learn from all sources and people;
Once you become a master, share your craft and expertise with others so that they can learn;
Be happy with the choices you make in life. It's your life.
Sending love and positivity your way
Danielle
XO
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