The Other 5 Things I Need Young Professionals to Know
And we continue…
6. Beware of the company potluck!
Now this is more of a pre-COVID issue, but just in case we actually return to “normal,” I must warn you. I have literally seen people enter the frigid realm of death because of Bridget's Famous Egg Salad. So, I ALWAYS proceed with caution. You should too! If Tom doesn't wash his hands, I won't eat the cookies he made. If Margaret is always sick, then it's likely that her food will make you sick. If Cooper has six pets, I will not be sampling his Ham Surprise. However, Patty has OCD, so I will help myself to whatever she brought, especially since she wears gloves, a mask, a chef’s hat, and she serves her own dish. Get my drift? Ok good!
7. Don’t go to work if you're sick.
I grew up seeing my parents go to work irrespective of the weather or how their bodies felt. I entered the workforce doing the same thing, believing that it represented stellar work ethic and devotion. Then, one year, I got a promotion and transitioned into another department. I had a wonderful boss and coworkers who, when I got sick for the first time, made it very clear that I needed to use my sick time and "stay TF home!" It was simple: NONE of them wanted my germs or to bring whatever I had to their families. They are right…stay home. It is your boss's job to know how to navigate things if something should happen to you. That's what they get paid the big bucks for. Don't kill yourself. They'll be alright. Stay home. Rest.
8. Remain open to mentorship.
I've seen the value of a great mentorship, so I encourage young professionals, especially, to remain open to it. The good ones often begin very organically—bits of shared advice, here and there, from a trusted, experienced colleague. If you're really lucky, they blossom into a relationship where there's regular coaching, advisement and strategizing. Bottom line, no one knows everything. There will always be someone with more insight. Take advantage of that free "wisdom" and use it to further your efforts and career goals, as well as your network. You'll be glad you did.
9. Sponsor your own development.
It hit me one day: Years as a professional and I've only been to two work sponsored conferences—one in Oklahoma City, the other in Dallas. I've never been to a training outside of the region. There I was: A marketer whose perspective AND network was limited because I didn't have the opportunity to venture out. You know what? It was my fault. Listen, as professionals, we are responsible for maintaining our own relevance. It is on us to make sure that we are abreast of what is happening within our field and within different markets. We must remain competitive; and to do so means that we might have to sponsor our development. Whether it's another degree, a certification, a conference, etc., be willing to use your own coins and, if need be, a little paid vacation time.
10. Document, document, document!
My friend, Lauren, has been shouting this phrase since we began our careers. And, she's right! God forbid, there comes a time where you are falsely accused of something, or you find yourself in the throes of an ongoing altercation with a supervisor, coworker, etc. Whether you decide to seek justice as a result of being wronged, or have to defend yourself against an erroneous claim, make sure you have your documentation! Keep a journal, save the necessary emails and texts, and maintain an updated and accurate calendar just in case you have to sink a ship! Hear me clearly: PEOPLE LIE!
Now, go forth and do great things!