August 27, 2020

by Melanie Reed

Today I am taking you on a journey through some key moments in my career and life with the hopes of inspiring you to carve your own unique path, regardless of whether or not it seems right to others or the easiest road to travel. I can honestly say that it was through my toughest decisions and the most challenging experiences that I learned the most. 

These are my key messages:

1. Your career is not going to be a straight upwards line
2. Follow what interests and excites you
3. Be willing to start anywhere
4. You are not a job title or position

Here is a summary of this episode:

• [03:03] - Growing up in a small town was a great experience for me, but when it came time to attend Unviersity, I chose one that was as far away from that small town as possible.  I worked hard to get into UVIC in Victoria, BC, but enrolling in a General Arts program was not my best decision.
• [05:40] - Although I previously enjoyed school, I did not enjoy the courses I was taking in the Arts program and I was incredibly home sick. In the third week of September, my father also had his second heart-attack, which was a major catalyst for a major shift in my educational and life direction.
• [08:43] - One of my toughest life decisions was to quit University and leave UVIC before I finished out my year. The support of my family was huge. 
• [10:20] - This experience really taught me that it is important to ask for what you need and to follow your own interests and likes when it comes to choosing an education and career path. I also learned that shifting gears is ok! And my path is may path, it doesn't have to be ok for other people.
• [11:39] - Fast forward a number of years after completing my business degree at TRU, I have started my HR career. But, this didn't happen over night. I had four years experience in related roles before I even succeeded with securing entry-level HR roles. It then took a number of years before I was being offered more advanced roles and the pay and lifestyle that this afforded my family. 
• [12:53] - Then one day I realized that the lifestyle I was living in the suburbs of Vancouver, was not ideally to having a family and not spending most of my life in my car! It was then that I realized it was time to move back to Kamloops.
• [13:43] - I did not expect that moving to Kamloops would mean major career and financial changes for our life. We knew there was going to be sacrifices if we made the move and when we eventually moved, it was definitely a step backwards. But in my heart, I knew I would eventually make my way back to the same level of role I was when I left. It was scary, but I was hopeful and believed in my skills and experience.
• [15:20] - Although I didn't know it at the time, this move was totally worth it. We made the move, better roles came along, I started my MBA and we navigated another unexpected life change - divorce. This time of my life really taught me that I am capable of handling a lot of tough stuff and a crazy schedule.
• [16:58] - I don't recommend taking on what I take on, but I did learn that I need to care of my own emotional and mental health. Humble the Poet said, "we can do anything, but not everything. And that realization will save a lifetime of grief and frustration."
• [18:20] - After a number of years as a Generalist I had a great opportunity to work in Talent Management and Workforce Planning. It was a perfect role for me and I felt like this had me in a position that not only suited me, but also I felt like I had advanced to a place that was beyond where I was when I left the Lower Mainland.
• [19:56] - Then, I had the rug pulled out from under me when I was restructured out of that role. It was devastating for me and choosing to leave and not take on a different role was a really tough decision. Again, the support of my family was instrumental in making this move.
• [21:49] - But leaving this organization gave me the opportunity to start Unicorn Group and I returned to teaching at TRU. Then, the best opportunity possible came along. It was completely unexpected, but I was thrilled! I was now a University teacher. Yes, ironic! I didn't want to be a teacher, but ended up doing just that, and love it!
• [22:51] - So what does this have to do with you? A lot of new professionals see career paths as straight lines that are always going up in title, salary and responsibility. But, my path and many others are very twisted and crooked. Sometimes you have to go back to go forwards or make lateral moves. This is all ok! There isn't one right path for everyone. You have to decide what is the best path for you.
• [24:15] - Again, here are my key takeaways:

1. Your career is not going to be a straight upwards line
2. Follow what interests and excites you
3. Be willing to start anywhere
4. You are not a job title or position

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