Rebooting your mindset. From assignment all-nighters, to days at the office.

Am I the only one whose original career plan went down the toilet? Don’t worry you can always re-write your sh*tty first draft, just like I did.

Everyone’s got a plan…until someone punches you in the face.

I think one of the most puzzling moments in my life (which I have many of) was choosing which course I should study at University. I still can’t understand how people can choose what they want to do in their life at the age of 15. It’s like having to choose between chocolate and vanilla ice-cream for the rest of your life.

So I chose to study European Studies, and I had it all planned out. I thought of building my career around EU funding projects. Luckily, I had a taste of what this work would look like... and boy was I surprised. It’s not because it’s European Studies, but I literally had no chemistry with the subject. I have friends working in that field and they love it, but it was just not for me.

Okay, so my plan at that point was that I had no plan. I had finished my degree in a subject I was not passionate about. Life is a b*tch at times.

Since I had a few job experiences up until that point, I had the opportunity to observe different roles. I asked myself which career I would see myself doing and I ended up doing a 360 back flip, twist, and turn which led me to the world of HR. Therefore, my first step was catching a flight to the UK and completing a Master’s degree in the HR field which thankfully exceeded my expectations.

Bottom line: If you’re brave enough to start, be strong enough the finish... (When possible).

When sh*t hits the fan.

While I was working on the last project of my Master’s degree, I wondered ‘Okay! So now I’m 24(ish) and finishing off my studies... Now what? What’s next? What if my Master’s Degree will lead me to a career path I don’t enjoy?’

Once I attended a few interviews, I made the decision to accept one of the opportunities and start my very first full time job. No matter how many times you have done it before, starting a new job can be daunting! What if I don’t like the people? What if I don’t like the job? What if I make a fool of myself on the first day?! I knew I was going to be judged on everything I said, how I looked, or what I ate!

Reality Check

I was surely not aware what I was in for. I came to the realisation that I had no more summer, Christmas, or Easter holidays but I just had work! There were many occasions where I stopped to think about the fact that I will be working for the rest of my life, and the most depressing part is that when I check my work profile, the retirement age next to my name is 65 years… 41 years to go Yay!

I still find myself thinking how this all came to be. Throughout my studies, I had a few casual jobs but continuing with my academics was always my main priority. Now I have no semesters to think about or final year exams. I started considering embarking on a PhD journey, but then again I am actually happy in putting my full commitment into my current role.

Do I really want to work for GO?

Just like you, since I was only a customer, I only had interaction with retail agents, contact centre agents, and technicians… most of the times because I didn’t try to restart my modem. My bad! As I had only dealt with these teams, I thought GO had nothing more to offer than client-facing roles. Who knew that these were only one third of the company! Here I am now recruiting Software Developers, Marketing Specialists, Engineers, and candidates for a gazillion other roles.

It’s not that bad after all

No, I can no longer sleep in all day and decide to miss a lesson here and there, but I have the chance to schedule my time as I please. When I get Monday blues and realise I have no meetings that morning it’s the best feeling, because I can keep pressing snooze and go into work an hour or so later, just BECAUSE I CAN.

I am my own time keeper. I know when I need to focus and I know when I can have a laugh. I also have the  luxury to work from home, but I honestly feel that I am the most productive and creative, when I’m on my desk next to my colleagues because they encourage me and push me beyond my limits. It’s a weird feeling, you’re working in a team but yet feel so independent.

The crazy thing is that I enjoy spending time with my colleagues so much, that I feel that the weekly 40 hours with them is not enough. So we end up planning things even after work (What the hell?!).

Don’t just pick a job. Pick a Boss.

Your first boss is the biggest factor in your career success. A boss who doesn’t trust you won’t give you opportunities to grow. Yes, when I saw the vacancy I had an idea of the role, but I honestly imagined I would be doing administrative work and basic tasks. Boy was I wrong! Most of the things I studied, I’m actually putting into practice. Who thought I would be given this much exposure and responsibility?! Yes, I had to prove myself, but my manager paved the way for me and challenged me to reach new heights in a short period of time.

Thought of the day: A person who feels appreciated will always do more than is expected.

Why am I studying again?

After my last exam, I called my parents to let them know that even if they paid me, I won’t be doing another exam in my life. Well the joke is on me because before I even finished my Master’s, I deliberately enrolled myself in another course, and after finishing it, I am doing yet another one out of my own free will (Why do I keep doing this to myself?).

I came to the conclusion that nothing will go as planned and I will welcome any challenge that comes my way with open arms. After all, if you are not ready to embrace change, are you really ready to grow?

written by:
Maria Cutajar