Tag: Career

What Makes A Successful Millennial

There is a certain assumption about my generation that I do not agree with. Well, there are probably numerous assumptions, but there is one in particular I want to talk about. The notion that everyone who is between the ages of 20 and 35 are all interested in getting rich quick by being an entrepreneur. Let us take a moment to unpack that.

It is true that a lot of buzz words are being thrown around to embellish reality. With hyphenated titles and fluffy online bios, I can kind of see why older generations assume we do not know what we want to do. The truth is, we are multi-talented and have more access to inspiration and resources to believe we do not have to confine our lives into a box for a 30 year pension plan. It is not that we do not know what we want to do, it is that we do not want to settle for mediocrity. There is also this great article from Quartz that speaks to this and job hopping.

The entrepreneur bandwagon has over saturated the career sensation discussion. It is great that so many people have truly created something out of nothing and are being innovative with how they implement that in their business. There are a lot of digital boutiques, e-courses, and coaching sessions out there. However, this type of job is not for everyone and should not weigh more or less than the traditional professional career path. It is ok if some people are not interested in kicking the 9-5 to the curb or want to spend more time in school or want to be their own boss. Some of us can do both. Your choices should not be determined on what is most popular. There is also no need to look down on someone who chose differently than you.

This past year I made a point to meet more people in real life. I wanted to get a better understanding of this city I am living in and where I could fit in it. I attended networking mixers, happy hours, brunchs, and work shops for creatives, law students, and just young professionals. To be honest, I was disappointed. Yes, everyone was nice. Yes, each event had a hashtag to share photos or posts with and a swag bag to take home. Still, there was something missing. The discussions were empty and the food was bland. I did not learn anything new. I got the sense everyone else attending felt the same, but still pretended to look excited for the selfie they posted to not allow their time to go to waste. It got me wondering if my standards were unrealistic. Is this really all there is to adulthood? Am I naive in expecting more? I have yet to find an answer to this, but I feel this is part of the problem. How can we successfully navigate our careers in an environment that is not promising? If you have any ideas, I would love to hear your thoughts.

The key to being a successful millennial involves strategy and priorities. Regardless of which path you choose, you cannot cruise into it willy-nilly. Be strategic with your time and who you interact with. Step outside of your comfort zone and be open to opportunities. Be proactive in how you maneuver your path. The beauty of this era (as confusing as it is) is that the hustle does not have to be torture. You can create a lifestyle that benefits you and your family in a wholesome way. You can create a reality you do no want to escape from.

How are you navigating your career? What do you think is the key to success for our generation? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: T.J.Maxx blouse; New York & Company skirt; DSW heels; Vinti Couture earrings

October 15, 2016
How To Build Your Lane

Has anyone ever told you to “stay in your lane”? Depending on the circumstances, it might have been a word of encouragement or caution. Your “lane” can be your field, specialization, experience, or status. Defining your “lane” is very helpful to recognize the steps and skills needed to move in that “lane.” What if your “lane” does not fit an established category? What if you feel like your “lane” is more like a highway spaghetti junction. That is when you need to build your lane.

We who are multi-talented can find this “lane” dilemma frustrating. We are usually encouraged to master one thing and cast everything else as hobbies. Sometimes, we are taught to choose between what can pay the bills and what makes us happy. But what if you don’t have to choose?

As you may know, I am a journalist, artist, and law student. I do a lot of pretty cool stuff with the little time I find in-between studying. What is the key to not suffering from an identity crisis, you ask? Being clear on where my destination is and trusting my journey. Success is relative and its meaning evolves with time and experience. However, paying attention to how I internalize rejection and compare myself to my peers is what enhances or hinders that evolution.

Earlier this semester, I started falling deeper into self-doubt. In law school, your summers are supposed to be spent interning or working at a law firm, courthouse, or legal department. After submitting several applications, sending cold and warm e-mails, and attending networking events, nothing seemed to stick. I started to panic. I felt like a failure. I felt like nobody wanted me. I felt foolish. Then, I started comparing myself to my peers. They all seemed to be picking up opportunities in their sleep…at least that is what my mind was telling me. While sitting in that cloud of negativity, a light bulb turned on. I needed to let go.

When it comes to my work and my life, I can be a bit of a control freak. Ok…a lot of a control freak. Everything is planned strategically with back-up plans stacked. I rarely ask for guidance because I have an unfortunate history of receiving more confusion than help. This light bulb I am referring to came about when I had a serious talk with myself. I realized that my “lane” is not featured in any pamphlets at the career center or in any resumes among my peers. Maybe the reason why I am only receiving rejections has nothing to do with a lack in qualifications. Maybe those positions are not for me.

I am an artist and I am sensitive about my “ish.” (Kudos to Erykah Badu and her wisdom) I was taking the rejections too personally and had lost sight of the bigger picture. I chose not to study the arts for a degree because I believed my purpose entailed more than fighting to be on stage or in front of a camera all the time. I resented the notion that I had to depend on others to tell me what I am capable of based off my looks instead of my talent. I wanted to be in the position to have the resources and status to tell the stories that I felt needed to be told and cast the talent I felt needed to be seen. I wanted my work to always fulfill a bigger purpose. With a J.D., I can also provide a service to those who think like me. I can protect their work and business and advocate for their rights and money. I can provide empowerment to communities that are underrepresented. I can provide insight to groups that are overrepresented. There is nothing wrong with being multi-talented. There is nothing wrong with having big dreams. There is nothing wrong with committing to a higher purpose. I do have something to offer.

I needed to re-clarify my purpose. I needed to let go of control and let it flow. Do I know exactly what is going to happen this summer? No, but I trust it will be what is supposed to happen. Part of that will be continuing to build my “lane.” I’m sharing part of my story to show you how important it is to be honest with yourself. It is really easy to get caught up with feeling you need to always keep up with people around you. Here is what I have been working on to build my “lane.”

1. Clarify your purpose: Work at being clear on what you want. List what influences your choices and filter out what is hindering your progress.

2. Think out of the box: Let your imagination flow. Be open to using your skills in different fields. Create your opportunity.

3. Nurture the present: Appreciate the challenges, lessons, and celebrations you are experiencing now. Trust your process and learn as much as you can.

This “lane” is a work in progress and will continue to evolve. Building the foundation is not easy, but is possible with self-discipline and patience. I have found the bigger challenge is finding the support system. You know those quotes that encourage you to surround yourself with people who support and challenge you? It takes a lot more time and patience to find people who understand a non-conventional path to success. One can’t really follow someone else’s footsteps when your building your own “lane.” Finding your tribe is key.

I would love to hear how you are building your “lane.” Let me know in the comments below.

Wearing: Forever 21 blazer; Marshall’s maxi dress; DSW heels

April 20, 2016