#TGIF: I am rooting for you, always

What makes you stand out isn't your success or the accolades you receive.

It's your empathy, your willingness to listen, and genuine care for others.

It's the light you bring into every room and the comfort you provide in times of need.

Disclaimer, this entry is going to be messy and everywhere and possibly, non cohesive so please bare with me. 

Last week I wrote about how lately I have been feeling so overwhelmed professionally. How work has been tough, and demanding and I’m struggling to make sense of everything. At times I feel I’m on autopilot, just cruising through day to day, figuring things one step at a time. 

And because I feel overwhelmed, I sense my team feels the same. At least some degree of it. So, I took time this week to speak to them separately. To hear what they have to say, and at the same time, to share my own struggles. As steady and as calm they see me, I am internally struggling too. I believe it’s alright to be vulnerable even in front of people you’re supposed to act cool. It shows that you are human after all. 

Through listening, I felt appreciated. Through understanding, I felt validated. Through problem solving, I was injected with a new sense of purpose. I was reminded again on why I am here, why I do what I do and it makes all the struggles, the overwhelming feeling and headache so so worth it. Our relationship is symbiotic. They need me just as much as I need them. 

After the call I was washed with contentment and immense gratitude as I realise — this is a part of growth I wanted. This is the kind of influence I hoped to have on my life in general, but specifically in my career. I wanted to be able to look back and know that I have left a mark, imprints of my contributions visible in the people I’ve worked with. Hoping they will carry that in their next chapter too. The knowledge that I am an added value and a positive influence to someone’s career, or better yet — someone’s life. 

2 years ago, I couldn’t even imagine myself being in this position. Leading, mentoring, steering the ship. It happened so effortlessly I didn’t even notice until I stop and look back at how much things changed. Grateful and gratitude couldn’t even begin to describe what exactly I’m feeling. It’s so many emotions. I have hopes so big for each of them. Their success will feel like my own and I foresee that I will cheer for them for many, many years to come. 

p/s: I know I use em dash (—) in my entry, I promise you, it’s my writing, no ChatGPT here. Need to make this clear, lol.