Goodbyes they say are hard, It doesn’t matter if it is, see you later or never to meet again. Do you think so or do you have a different opinion?
Adulthood…
When you start getting conscious of the Quarters in a year, just know adulthood has hit you properly. Some 10 years back, I had no business with taking note of Q1, Q2, Q whatever and I’m sure you can relate to this. However, now you have to keep track and start thinking about the story to tell your manager during the MPRs, and QPRs (Monthly/Quarterly performance review). Life comes at us very quickly, because really how did we go from singing Holiday is coming! Holiday is coming! No more clanging bells! No more teachers' whip!… to saying Can you see my screen? okay, this is a breakdown of deliverables…
Personally, realizing that to be wealthy, you need to do the work (trust fund babies can’t relate 🌝) is what has kept me grounded, because the lifestyle I’m eyeing is expensive ooo☺️. This is the story of many young adults, regardless, please take it easy on yourself, you’re doing well, stop comparing yourself to the people who seem to be doing better than you, don’t forget you’re doing better than so many too. Rather, you should compete with yourself, in a pursuit to get better and grow at what you do, also learn to extend grace to yourself the same way you extend to others (laslas, we’ll be alright).
New beginnings, Announcement…
Pouring out my heart on a screen, not minding who gets to read it is a level of vulnerability I can’t express. Being willing to share my big wins, dark moments or even little wins with people I don’t know or haven’t met in person can be a little difficult, but here we are anyway.
A warm Friday morning in December, I turned in my resignation letter, in a company I’d spent four years of my life working diligently for. This wasn’t spontaneous, I had spent the two months preceding that day thinking about that moment. I just felt that it was time to move on. I had a mental note before joining the organization to spend three years and move, a few months into my third year, I transitioned into Products and I was opportune to be able to move departments without having to be demoted or anything of such, It was such a great deal.
My resignation came with mixed feelings but something was certain, I was leaving for good regardless. I say at every opportunity I get that this organization gave me the wings to fly. I learned doggedness, perseverance, and integrity, my emotional intelligence was put to test. It was an all-rounder and remains a major phase of my career.
Anyway, I was poached! I was actively applying for jobs because like I said I knew it was time, and I had told God to back me up. Then I got a random call one Saturday morning from my former manager that I worked with 16 months before that day and she goes “Hi Sukurat… Do you mind coming to work with me at XXX, I have a vacancy and I believe you’re a good fit'..” and that was it. The back story is I worked with her for just 4weeks and I remember sending her a heartfelt text when she left about how in my very short encounter with her, I had learned so much from her.
Over the years, I’ve learned from personal experience that hard smart work pays, my watchword has always been “What is worth doing, is worth doing well”. Three and half months ago, I resumed in a new organization, blank but of course, well equipped for the task ahead. The team I joined had high expectations because someone had chosen to place a bet on me and sang my praises(you already know who). One quarter down, and I must say I do know what I do do actually 😂. It’s been weeks of adjusting to a new system, chewing deliverables, and delivering them like it’s nothing lol! it’s not been that easy, I remember writing last month that Q1 stressed me, it took my sweat and blood literally, however, I am enjoying it, I like this new phase of my career and I am looking forward to making the most out of it.
Q2 begins…
April started on a celebratory note filled with lots of public holidays for those of us living in Nigeria. I can’t lie, it was such a good time, celebrating with friends and family and soaking in the beautiful memories was so heartwarming. As for work, I think I’ve gotten a hang of my new job/environment.
Being a Product Manager is something I enjoy doing a lot. A friend once said to me, “You speak so passionately about your job every time”, truly, if you hear me speak about product management, you’ll be impressed not to blow my trumpet but yeah I just did😂.
I was so neck-deep at work last quarter that I almost didn’t remember anything else. I plan to romanticize myself more this quarter, go on solo dates, spend time with the ones that matter, and just soak in all the softness in this life as much as I can.
Did you enjoy reading? Did it feel like we were gisting? Does it feel like we’re now pen pals? Also, can you relate to my stories? Let me know in the comments.
Cheers!
Shukky (Chief storyteller LWS)
Yes ooo
Felt like we were gisting
So inspired🥰Indeed , at anytime we put our mind to, we can dare to be more 🥂
Absolutely loved reading this and appreciate you sharing your journey! I have to say that 90s babies are living the same life just in different corners of the world because why can I relate so much? 😂
Anyway, well done! Congratulations 🎊 on the new job and so proud of you! Keep breaking ceilings!
X.
T.