Fourteen

Today is my 14th anniversary with my current employer. I can still remember the first day and how it felt like I was drowning in new faces, unfamiliar acronyms, HR forms and orientation meetings. I wasn't sure how I'd ever learn everything it felt like was being thrown at me. In some ways, it feels like that day was last week. On most days, I feel every one of the days between that one and today.

I resemble the person I was that day but I'm not her any longer. Years at any job, but I think particularly a large corporation that spans the globe, will do that to you. I've done things I never dreamt I'd do, talked to people in places I never thought I'd have the opportunity, learned things that my university courses and MBA just couldn't teach. I know the amazing feeling of being part of a team that functions like a well-oiled machine and I know the misery that comes when you aren't. And I know that if you work hard and are patient, your career will flow through both of those situations over and over again. The trick is to learn something from it all so you can face the next time wiser and more resilient. 

While I've worked at the same company for a lot of years, my job has been constantly changing. What I do today wasn't even a role in the company when I started. That's the best part and the part I enjoy the most about working where I do. If you have the inclination and the drive and a bit of luck, you can invent and reinvent your career path. I'm excited to see what I may be doing when I celebrate my 15th year.

Comments

[Kellee]

Good for you, love! 14 years, that is quite impressive. I hope each year you choose to spend with your company brings you something new and something to learn. :)