The Measure of Success

Growing up I always associated success with winning. Being the best. Having the most. I thought success was titles and money and being a champion.

I realized the other day just how much my measure of success has changed.

Money matters to me. I like having a comfortable life. I like upgraded amenities and the ability to travel whenever I want.

I like titles. I love the reward that comes with working hard and being promoted. I enjoy the respect that comes with getting to the next level.

I also don’t need those things to consider myself a success. I don’t need them in excess to show that I have made something of myself.

I think I’ve survived a lot of adversity. The fact that I’ve chosen to commit to overcoming that makes me a success.

That I’ve worked my ass off and now work at one of the world’s most recognizable companies is a success. I never gave up and I never settled.

Success to me is emotional health. It’s financial comfort. It’s mental wellness. Success is love for myself.

Success of my past was entirely related to my career. It was climbing the ladder and never stopping.

Success of my future is joy. It’s confidence. It’s love. I

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t also driven by my career, but it is not the whole sum of what success looks like.

What does success look like for you?

Career Corner: An Update

It’s been awhile (I feel like I say this every single time) since I did a career update. It has been SEVEN months since I started at Google. Time flew by and at the same time I think about my life in Texas and it feels like it happened decades ago.

Where do I start? Short answer, I’m thriving. I love this job. I love this company. I love this team.

I have always thought that I would have to choose between loving my job and loving where I work and at Google, I don’t have to make that choice.

I’m going to caveat that no, things are not perfect rainbows and unicorns 24/7, but that’s not a realistic expectation to have in life; in any capacity.

Things are really shiny and sparkly though and I have all the boxes checked when it comes to what matters to me in a career.

Growth

Growth is really important here. There are endless opportunities to learn both online, out in practice, and from your fellow Googlers. And it’s all valuable. Every avenue for learning is beneficial to me on a personal and professional level. I have avenues to grow into within this company and those possibilities are endless.

Respect

I am respected. And at any point if I am not, it is addressed immediately and thoroughly. My supervisor has repeatedly had to remind me that I am not in my past roles and she does not tolerate abusive behavior from anyone - within Google or from outside visitors.

Challenge

I am challenged every single day. Truly, I learn about a billion new things each day and there is still so much more I have not learned. There’s no possibility of “I’ve learned it all” here. And the talent pool is so stacked that I’m forced to keep up if I want to stay relevant.

Time

My time is respected. I have a social life. I control my schedule and I’m allowed to say that I’m overwhelmed or burnt out and need support. This has vastly improved who I am as a human being. I’m finding that a lot of my cranky behavior in the past was due to being so miserable and unhealthy in the workplace. I don’t have that here

The bottom line is I’m so happy. I’m so thankful and I’m so encouraged by what I’ve found at this point in my journey. And I hope it encourages you to never settle for anything less than everything. It’s out there. And it’s worth the fight.

There's No Rules.

I like goals.  I have always set milestones for myself.  I'm really addicted to making lists and checking them off.  Timelines for achievements have always dictated my decisions.  But at the end of the day, there's no rules to this thing.

There's no law telling us when or how to do anything.  

In fact - most of the things I told myself I would do by now are in my past or somewhere in my future.  I've gotten big jobs before I thought I would.  I've not gotten married before I was 30.  And all that's taught me about the rules, is that there are no rules.

Getting my dream job also crushed me.  It taught me dreams aren't always what you think they are.

Not getting married at 23 taught me I am so much more than the relationship I am in.

All of the rules I set for myself, are teaching me that there are no rules to life.

When it comes to milestones, they are not always what you would expect.  

My career is the longest craziest journey I could never have imagined.  And I'm not done yet.  

My love life is every evolving and so much fun to experience as I decide what works for me.

When you think about it, really try to understand the rules society or your family or even yourself has set - do they make sense?  What happens if you don't follow them?  Does the world end?  Do you lose all hope of happiness?  You don't.  

I haven't followed a lot of the rules I set for myself.  And the truth is - a lot of the rules I in fact have set in place for me.  Nobody has set them for me.  My parents never told me I had to be a Doctor or a lawyer or anything but what I wanted.  They never threatened to withhold love because I wasn't the best at something.  I put myself in these situational expectations and have told myself if I don't achieve them, I am not following the rules of my life, and thus failing.

But here I am - breaking almost every single rule I ever set - and I didn't die.  I am not failing.  I'm not miserable.  Nobody shames me.  I've not lost my opportunity at having it all.  The odd thing is - I've created a new chance at a new future.  With no rules to follow, just dreams and joys to chase.  Without the forced set of constraints, I'm free to see what I'm really made of because I can venture outside the expectations I held myself accountable for.  Without the rules, there are no limits.

The rules of life are different for everyone.  And they aren't set in stone.  The rules are what you decide they are.  They are ever evolving.  And they are damn sure meant to be broken.  And if you're bold enough, erased.

Don't ever let someone tell you that there are rules to anything.  The only rule is that there are no rules.  Get out there and prove it.

The Power of Culture

I've spent a lot of time in work environments that were unhealthy.  Between working 24/7, being verbally harassed, and colleagues pitted against each other - I've never been part of a work culture that I enjoyed.  Being in sports I mostly assumed this was what I was going to have to deal with if I chose to stay in the entertainment events world.  But I also knew that I couldn't sustain a life where I felt exhausted, discouraged, and physically unhealthy. 

Flash forward to February of 2016.  I was yet again in a position that wasn't fulfilling and an environment that made me miserable.  At this point I even started to think I may be the problem.  I had been unhappy in my new role since about the second month I arrived.  I began looking for a new job about month three.  And in month six - I was "laid off due to budget concerns."  Realistically it was the only way they could get rid of me because technically I was doing a great job but I was pushing back against the culture and the role that was not as promised.  As stressful as it was to be in the position I was in, I felt relief not having to go back to that job for one more day.

The day I was let go I made myself a promise.  I was going to focus my efforts on finding a role with a company that was the right fit culturally.  I was going to ask more questions, do more research and refuse to settle until it felt right.  I was turned down for jobs I thought were perfect and I turned down jobs that would have been just fine but weren't going to provide me the environment I craved.

Six months later I accepted a position with a company that I spent a good four weeks interviewing with.  I researched the company on Glassdoor, I reached out to contacts and learned firsthand what the company was like to be at, and I asked the questions they say you're not supposed to ask in interviews.  I made it clear a work life balance was important to me.  I spoke openly about my past environment issues and emphasized the importance of being somewhere with a culture I believed in and felt valued in.  And when four weeks later, on Christmas Eve, when I was offered the position - the way in which it was offered - the offer itself that the team worked hard to be able to offer me - the emphasis on how even though the other candidate has more direct agency experience but they felt a better connection with me - everything about it felt right. 

Almost three months later I still feel that same confidence in the choice I made.  From day one the responsibility I've been given, the way in which my personal time is respected, the way people interact with each other - is a complete 180 from anything I've ever experienced in a company.  I work a lot, especially with my travel schedule recently, but I don't feel the same emotional exhaustion that I've dealt with in the past.  The standards are high, the expectations even higher, the level of talent in one place is above and beyond anywhere I've been - and it creates a level of trust, competition, and excitement that makes coming to work fun.  My days fly by and are often chaotic, but I'm never bored and I'm always learning.

Sure, it's early in the game.  I've made the mistake of thinking things were rainbows and unicorns too early before.  And this could be something that doesn't workout.  But now that I know the possibility of happiness at work is a thing - I'm even more determined to stick with my never settle mentality.  Because its not me.  I am good at what I do, I'm a MF delight to be around, and I work hard.  Of course I still have a little PTSD and have my moments of doubt in myself.  And no, contrary to popular belief, I am not perfect, I screw up.  I still stress myself out for no reason.  And I am learning to get my confidence back in who I am at work.  But all the abuse, the misery, the years of never giving up - they're worth it.  My journey isn't traditional.  My path is often lonely.  But it's something I fiercely believe in and each day of happiness reinforces my belief that the dream is worth fighting for. 

Whatever the dream job and environment is for you - it's out there.  It's not easy to find.  It's often long and exhausting.  But giving up, taking the easy road, staying in the bad situation - that's not how you achieve the dream.  Don't give up.  Don't stop showing up.  And don't ever let anyone keep you from what makes your soul shine.

A Guide to Job Hunting

In the 10 years I've been working, I've held 7 jobs in 5 states.  Whether there be no room for growth, an unhealthy culture, or not what I want to be doing - if I'm unhappy at a job, I leave.  Because I spend so much time at work, I believe that I should be passionate about what I'm doing, with a company I believe in, surrounded by an environment that supports me and encourages positive teamwork.  And while not a lot of people choose the journey I do, most people can agree that being at a job you love is a lot easier than dreading going to work everyday. 

I have no interest in competing with anyone.  If I can help someone else grow and flourish, I'm going to help them do so.  When others grow, I grow, and that creates a cycle of knowledge and success for everyone.  Unless you're just a jerk, then you're on your own.

Having had so many jobs, I've spent a lot of time researching, interviewing, and discovering what works in job hunting.  While most of my experience is within the sports, entertainment, and University setting - a lot of the tips and tricks I have apply to the general process. 

Getting Started

Find your passion

Before you can work on your resume or begin to even search for jobs, you need to narrow down what it is you're looking to do.  Make a list of what you love, what you hate, where your skills lie, and what your 5 year plan is.  Keep in mind if you're early on in your career, this may be a broader spectrum but you should still have a general idea of the field you want to be in.

Perfect your Resume

As someone who's been a recruiter as well as participated in the hiring process at various organizations, I can attest to the importance of a good resume.  For most positions that are your "dream job" there are hundreds of other applicants to be sifted through.  If your resume is a dud, you will be passed over in 30 seconds.

• Create a clean and professional template that isn't boring.  If you choose to utilize a little color, make sure you're mindful to go with cool appropriate colors (blues are the best)
• #1 rule for content?  Make sure your name and contact information is clearly labeled and correct.  If it's not easy to contact you, you're not getting an interview, let alone the job
• Entry level candidates your resume should be one page.  Mid-level and above, two pages maximum.  Technical fields, this doesn't apply to you.
• Forget an objective, its a waste of space.  Your objective is to get the job, duh!
• For each position, bullet point accomplishments, skills developed, and numerically measured contributions.  Never write "I did this or that" always ensure each bullet gives value to you as a candidate.
• Be mindful of word tense.  Be consistent and use appropriate tense for each position.
• Give your resume to at least two people you trust to review for spelling, tense, and overall readability.

The Job Hunt

Job hunting needs to be strategic.  You need to do your research and actively look for positions in companies that match your career goals.  Just because you find a position that seems like a dream does not mean its culturally a good fit for you.  I can attest to the fact that a job could be your dream but if the environment isn't right, your dream becomes a nightmare.

• Create an excel sheet.  Organize the companies you've researched and that fit your checklist and put them in this document.  Include your top requirements for a good fit and use these as headers to your excel document.  Put check marks for each quality that company fits. 
• Utilize broader job search sites.  I highly recommend Indeed and Glassdoor as well as LinkedIn.  Those are the only three generic job sites I use.  For sports, Teamworkonline is the place to go.  But unless you have a contact inside the company, your chances of getting a phone call are slim.
• When finding positions you're interested in, save those jobs so that you can apply later (see the next step for why!).

Applying to the Job

Do not apply to any and every job in hopes of increasing your chances for getting a position.  You are your own brand.  If you're out there applying to jobs you aren't qualified for or have no interest in - that will come back to haunt you.  Only apply to a job you have genuine interest in and are genuinely qualified for.

• Do your research on the role.  Checkout potential salary and benefits using Glassdoor.  If you know anyone at the company, ask questions and potentially ask for a reference when appropriate.
• Before you apply, tailor your resume to fit the role.  Use some target words from the job description, research the company and incorporate words from their mission statement.  Show that you've gone the extra mile and you care about this opportunity and what the organization stands for.  Cover letters are huge.  Make them eye catching and specific to the role.  Don't ever just list your qualifications. 
• After applying to jobs, create a document to keep track of your applications.  Note the date, the company, the role, and insert the job description wherever possible.  If you do get a callback you want to be able to have all the information at your fingertips to remind yourself of the opportunity.
• Use your network.  If you have a connection to the company you're applying to, reach out to your contacts.  Be sure its appropriate to do so.  I can't tell you how many people have reached out to me for sports opportunities and I haven't spoken to them in 5 years.  Be aware and know what's appropriate to ask of your network.

The Interview

An interview is a test.  It's an opportunity to showcase yourself as a brand and its absolutely something you should study for.  I don't care if you're taking part in a 20 minute phone call or a full day interview, preparation is the key to success.

• Create a highlight reel document (sensing a trend?).  This should have information about your accomplishments in each role, facts and figures supporting achievements and include some of the standard interview questions and your answers to them.  This document serves as your basis for all interviews.
• Research the role an the organization you're interviewing for.  Crate a supplementary document specific to the role and the industry you're interviewing for. Have a one sheet with pertinent basic company information.  At any given time you should be able to comfortably talk about the company purpose and values, the CEO, and have knowledge of the product or services it represents.  Include specific questions relating to the role and industry and your answers to those questions.
• PRACTICE.  Study up all of your documents.  Get in front of people you trust and talk.  Get comfortable with the awkwardness that is an interview.  Ask for feedback.
• Remember that an interview works both ways.  Learn as much as you can and ask real (not stock) questions about the role and the culture of the organization.  Be diligent in finding the right fit.
• If you're offered a second interview, go back and add to your document and keep practicing for the second round. 
• If you are not offered a second interview, reach out and ask for feedback.  Most hiring managers are impressed by this and happy to help you in your growth. 

Post Interview

• The thank you.  I'm so sick of the standard thank you email.  If you've got the opportunity, send a note card.  But read the situation. Often times a thank you is stupid and if the process is moving quickly or its early on - expressing gratitude during the interview is enough.  If its deep in the process - create a unique thank you that showcases your excitement and why you think you're the best fit.
• Evaluate the fit.  If this is a position you're still heavily interested in, keep working for that next step.  If its not a match, don't waste your time or the time of the company.  Be thankful and gracious for the opportunity but let them know its not the best fit for you.  Do not blame the company or say anything negative about them. 
• Get back to studying if you've been offered another interview.  Talk to your network for information.  Do more research.

The Offer

• You made it!  You got an offer!  Congratulations!  Don't take the first offer.  Be comfortable negotiating until you're happy with the overall package.  If you're afraid to ask for what you deserve, you'll never get it.
• It's ok to ask for time to consider the offer.  Talk it over with the people important to you.  Make sure you're excited about the opportunity and its a company you believe in.  Taking a job is a personal and important choice.  Don't take it lightly.
• Don't be afraid to turn down an offer.  If you don't feel right, if they can't offer you what you're worth, don't settle.  I just spent 6 months looking for the right fit.  It wasn't easy but I'm so happy that I didn't accept something and get myself back in a miserable situation.
• If you choose to accept the offer, be excited.  Be proud of yourself.  Take time to celebrate. 

Certainly this guide requires a lot of work.  Job hunting is a lot of work.  I'm probably overly prepared and OCD about the process, but if you're familiar with my resume, you'll understand why.  The coveted roles I've been in are because I'm diligent and prepared.  Success is not an accident.  Success and creating a dream career is about organization, preparation and careful planning.  I can attest that although a role might be your dream job, if the culture isn't right, it will quickly become a nightmare.  Finding happiness in the workplace is not luck.  It's opportunity and hard work.  Give yourself the best chance at achieving your dreams by actively participating in the journey to making them a reality. 

Happy Hunting my Sequins!

Career Journey

I'm 31 and I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. 

As a kid - I wanted to be an actor, an athlete, a doctor and at one point a lion tamer.  As I grew up the doctor stuck, I added lawyer, got injured enough to rule out athlete and considered interior design.  College came and went and my passion for sports stuck.  I also began to realize I loved to plan events and I was really good at the creative details.

It took me five job changes to land my dream job planning events for a professional sports team.  I had the creative freedom to produce some incredible events, I was immersed in a field I loved and I was building relationships that continue to thrive today. 

Within a year I realized that although I loved what I was doing - I wasn't happy in the organization.  I dreaded showing up to the office, my mental and physical health suffered and I was just plain miserable.  A year and a half in I left.  And that left me at a really scary point in my career: if my dream job isn't making me happy, what will?

 A few months later I was offered a leadership role at a prestigious division one university - the winningest D1 school in history at that.  When I arrived I was invigorated with the possibilities of working with the best of the best and excited to advance my career. 

Very quickly I realized this role wasn't what was promised when I interviewed.  I was bored.  I had less responsibility than advertised.  I was micromanaged more than anywhere I'd ever been - including my time as an intern in college.  I left.  And again - I was at a standstill.

Fast forward six months - I left my job in Los Angeles almost six months ago.  I've interviewed, I've turned down opportunities, I've been turned down for opportunities.  I started a website.  I've been a guest blogger.  I've traveled.  I've spent entire days watching TV.  It's been a really long six months of self discovery, struggle, excitement, fear, risk taking, and growth.

And this month - I'll take a leap of faith and start my next opportunity.  I say opportunity because it is - it's a chance for me to find somewhere I want to put down roots.  To expand my resume and my creative mindset. 

Not a lot of people understand my journey.  Some of my closest friends and family question my decisions and consider me failing in my life.  And that's ok.  That's why it's MY journey.  Part of the journey is not just finding your career or even building your life - a big part of that journey is accepting yourself along the way. 

I am not a failure.  I'm incredibly brave.  I'm incredibly talented.  I'm incredibly high achieving.  I ran division one track.  I got my degree at one of the best universities in the world.  I wanted to be an event planner - I am.  I dreamt of working for a professional sports team and I did.  I vowed to start and maintain a blog - I am.  I moved to a state I'd never been to and didn't know a soul.  I know who I am, what I'm capable of and I refuse to ever settle. 

I'm a success because I take chances, I work hard, I follow my passions and I continue to grow.  I know I'm not the best because the best means there's nothing left to do.  I know my journey isn't traditional.  It's not safe.  It's not even easy to follow as an outsider.  I often have doubts about what I'm doing - but at the end of the day - I don't doubt myself.  Because I don't fail.  I can't fail.  I don't know how to fail.  I may fall, but I will always get back up and come back stronger.

I'm a mentor to some of my former students.  It's my favorite thing about my career journey and the most rewarding "job" I could ever have.  I truly believe in these students and encouraging them to focus on their own journeys.  And to never settle or give up on their dreams.  I continue to remind them that its a journey, a process and its not always enjoyable.  But at the end of the day - it is always worth it.  I like to think that my nontraditional journey serves as a guide for them.  To see that you don't have to do the expected.  It's ok to take a left instead of a right.  And it's encouraged to take the calculated risk. 

Careers are hard.  What you do doesn't define who you are - but it sure as hell shows a lot of your character and takes up a lot of your time.  It shows you who's ok being comfortable and who likes to push boundaries.  It makes clear who needs the 8-5 routine and who craves the all over the place no two days are the same culture.  Personally - I could never understand the tradition of the 8-5, the routine of the annual review with the promotion to the next level at the standard two year intervals - it's not for me.  I need to feel passion for what I do - I need to have the opportunity to break through the standard promotion structure - and I'm willing to say thank you for the chance to be here but I need to move on. 

So I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.  I know I want to be somewhere long term, I know I want to grow with a company that I believe in - with a team that believes in me.  I want to wok hard every day with people I know want to do the same.  And I'm willing to continue on my often complicated - yet always sparkly - journey until I get to that ultimate dream.  You don't have to understand my career path - and I don't need your approval.  Just know I'm not a girl who settles and neither should you.