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If I could take back some of my college antics way back in the day (I’ll refrain from providing details), I so would. And if I could have an unadulterated, honest one-on-one with my younger, more vibrant, corporate self, I’d have a thing or two to say too…
We’ve all done or thought things we’re not exactly proud about, at one point or another in our careers. I distinctly remember sporting way-too-high stilettos, saying exactly what I thought (hello political correctedness), and treating the very concept of punctuality worse than my most resilient plants. And since I can’t exactly go back and fix it all (neither do I want to revisit my heavy eyeliner and lip pencil days), here are 10 things I’d happily tell my younger corporate self to skip at work:
1. Skip the “entitlement” seat! It’s easy to get out of college, all fresh and full of head knowledge, new suits and shiny shoes, and think we know it all. As much as I hate to give the millenial “entitlement” talk any more ammo, I’d nevertheless advise you, my younger, cooler, self, to take it easy. You’ll soon realize all you know is you don’t know all that much…
2. Life isn’t fair, and neither is work! This ain’t the United Nations of Fairness, and not everyone is going to like your savvy, educated self. Let me rephrase that, it’s going to suck, and some days, it’s going to suck even more! You may work late, miss a promotion (or two), be slighted or ignored, or even told where to go…Yet it’s not the end of the world, and you may smile about it fondly when you finally make partner…
3. Don’t talk about it, be about it! You’re going to have to prove yourself, especially as a woman, and even more as a minority woman. Don’t overpromise, over-deliver! Bring your best, all day, every day, no slacking allowed…
4. You’re not here to make friends! Stop worrying about who likes you and who doesn’t! You may be able to ride on the popularity contest thing for a while, but ultimately, it’s about work! Work is your friend here…
5. You can’t avoid the political BS! Don’t fool yourself, there is political BS behind every single cubicle! Get used to it, even better, learn the art of it! It’s not about being dishonest and conniving, it’s about being savvy enough to navigate the corporate world! So toughen up and bite back…
6. Do not tolerate disrespect! I learned a bit too late keeping quiet and accepting disrespect kills you inside. Stand up for yourself, no job is worth the psychological damage. Besides, you will get more respect for yourself this way…
7.You’re not going to make it alone! Yes, you are smart, very smart! You may have all the credentials and some, experience to boot, and even more flair than the next gal! Yet you’ll do better with people and support than all alone…So find your own way of networking, get yourself a mentor, and get the support you need!
8. Be real! As much as you may have to be aware of the political BS (please see item 5), don’t let it sway you from telling, and living your truth! Integrity matters!
9. Relax…but not too much! Yes, the corporate jungle is not exactly the most relaxing place. Yet don’t allow stress, worry and anxiety to take over your life. Relax, take a deep breath, it will all work out in the end…but please, hand in your monthly report by the deadline!
10. Failure is OK! Last but not least, get comfortable with failure! It’s not always going to work out, actually, it may only work out a few times! And that’s ok, because that’s how you learn, and improve, and find your way in the midst of the mess. Chill out, it’s alright…
What would you tell your younger corporate self?
The Corporate Sis.
