That Thing Around Your Career
May we not choke before we enjoy our hustles
Hey Superstar,
Do you ever feel like your career is on the move, like you're making moves but at the same time, you feel... stuck? Progressing, but with a sense of being choked, as if something is holding you back?
Lately, I've been reflecting on a childhood story—the one about the lizard and the tortoise. It may sound strange, but trust me, there's wisdom here.
For those unfamiliar with this story, let me take you back to when African folktales were our version of Wikipedia. These stories held the answers to all of life’s mysteries. Why does the leopard have spots? There’s a tale for that. Why is it bad luck to look at someone's feet while walking down the street? Yup, there's a story for that too.
And then there's the story of the lizard and the tortoise. You see, the lizard thought the tortoise was his friend. But one day, tortoise deceived him, giving him the wrong time to attend the king's grand feast. By the time the lizard finally arrived, the food was gone. Everyone else was full and satisfied, while the lizard was left staring at empty plates.
But the lizard, driven by ojokokoro (which the Yorubas call greed), refused to leave empty-handed. He scavenged for leftovers and in his haste, swallowed a massive bone that got stuck in his throat. Ever since then, the lizard nods as though he’s trying to cough up that bone.
Now, why am I telling you this story?
Because in many ways, our careers can be a lot like the lizard’s journey. We hustle, we show up late, or sometimes we feel like we’ve missed out. And instead of walking away or re-strategizing, we end up settling for the scraps, forcing ourselves into situations that don’t really serve us. We nod our heads in frustration, thinking we're pushing forward, but in reality, we're just trying to dislodge the ‘bones’ of bad choices.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be the lizard.
You can choose to arrive at your own feast, in your own time, with your own plan. Don’t let impatience, frustration, or the fear of missing out lead you to settle for less. And if you do find yourself with a ‘bone’ stuck in your career path—whether it’s a bad job, a stagnant project, or a toxic work environment—pause. Don’t just keep nodding along, pretending everything's fine. Reevaluate, adjust your strategy, and make sure you're aligned with what you truly want.
We all deserve to enjoy the feast of our careers, not just nibble on the leftovers. So, take a deep breath, lift your head high, and make sure that every nod from now on is one of confidence, not frustration.
10 Powerful Steps to Move Your Career Forward with Purpose
Here are 10 unique steps to help you hit the reset button on your career and navigate your way to the next level. Ready? Let’s dive in:
1. Hit the Pause Button and Reflect
We’re all running so fast that we forget to stop and think. Sometimes, like the lizard, we keep nodding along without realizing we’ve been swallowing the same old bones of frustration. Set aside just 10 minutes a day to reflect. Journal your wins, your challenges, and any lingering frustrations. It’s amazing what clarity can come from simply pausing and checking in with yourself.
2. Get Crystal Clear on What You Want (and What You Don’t)
Have you ever stayed at a job just because it felt like the “right” thing to do? You knew it wasn’t the best fit, but you stayed out of habit or fear. Sound familiar? Let’s change that. Create two columns—on one side, write what excites you about your career. On the other, list what drains your energy. These aren’t just preferences; they’re roadmaps which you can use to steer your next move.
3. Think Milestones, Not Just Big Goals
We’ve all got big dreams, but the trick is breaking them down. Big goals can feel overwhelming, so let’s make them bite-sized. Choose one major goal for the next 6 months. Then break it down into smaller, achievable milestones. Need a new skill? Schedule time to learn it. Want a promotion? Identify specific tasks that will get you noticed. Focus on one small win at a time and you’ll be amazed at how far you’ll go.
4. Feed Your Curiosity: Learn Something New
Feeling stuck often means you’ve outgrown your current skill set or perspective. And guess what? That’s exciting! It’s time to learn something new. Identify one skill you’ve been curious about. Whether it’s a tech tool, an industry trend, or a leadership technique, make time for learning. Take an online course, read a book, or reach out to a mentor. Invest in yourself, and watch how quickly doors open.
5. Seek Guidance and Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Even the most successful people didn’t get there alone. Sometimes the path forward isn’t obvious until someone else helps you see it. Reach out to someone you admire—whether it's a mentor, colleague, or career coach—and ask for feedback. An outside perspective can give you the clarity and direction you need to take that next big step. You can reach out
6. Surround Yourself with a Power Network
They say you are the sum of the people you spend the most time with. So, why not build a circle that lifts you up and pushes you to new heights? Join communities, attend industry events, or simply connect with inspiring professionals on LinkedIn. Don’t just network, nurture those relationships. The right people can help you see new opportunities and bring out the best in you.
7. Don’t Fear the Pivot—Embrace It
Sometimes, growth looks like a complete change in direction, and that’s okay. If you feel like the lizard at the feast, stuck with the leftovers, it might be time to leave the table. Ask yourself if your current path is truly serving you. If not, start exploring new roles, industries, or even businesses that light your fire. Remember, every pivot is an opportunity for reinvention.
8. Celebrate Every Win (No Matter How Small)
Here’s a truth: Progress isn’t always measured by giant leaps. Sometimes it’s the small steps that count the most. At the end of every week, write down at least three things you’ve accomplished—no matter how tiny they seem. Maybe you had a breakthrough in a meeting or finished a challenging project. By celebrating these small wins, you’ll keep your momentum alive.
9. Stop the Comparison Game—Run Your Own Race
The lizard missed the feast, but you don’t need to compare yourself to others to measure your success. Social media can make us feel like we’re behind, but everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your lane. Unfollow accounts that trigger doubt or jealousy, and remember—your timeline is your own. You are right where you need to be.
10. Learn from Setbacks—Don’t Let Them Define You
Setbacks are not failures; they’re stepping stones. Just because you stumbled doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it’s an opportunity to learn. Next time you face a setback, instead of dwelling on the mistake, ask yourself: “What’s the lesson here?” Every misstep holds a valuable takeaway. The faster you learn it, the quicker you’ll move forward.
It’s Customer Service Week🎊
To celebrate, we at CareerswithMary are excited to announce the launch of our Career Academy—a dedicated blog section created to empower job seekers with essential tips and insights for finding remote jobs and thriving in their chosen careers.
In honor of Customer Service Week, we’re thrilled to release our in-depth Customer Support Career Guide, designed to help you break into the field or elevate your skills to the next level. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance, this guide has everything you need! You can read more about it here 👉🏽 Link
Latest Customer Service Roles to Apply For on InclusivelyRemote
Resources to Help in Your Remote Career Journey
Our Resume Templates: Each template is accompanied by a comprehensive customization guide to assist you in tailoring your own resumes. Additionally, editable versions of the templates are provided for your convenience. Link
Our Social Media Handles: For daily tips on navigating your remote work career or tips to corporate success, check out our social media handles here Link
Introduction to Remote Work: Access our free ebook on what remote work is and how you can get remote jobs, especially other platforms to check out. Link
The ABC of a Successful Remote Job Application: Access our free ebook on how to tailor your resume and apply to remote jobs. I have tailored a resume template you can use as well as cold mail messages in drafting your cover letter. Link
The Remote Salary Handbook: This is the first published guide on remote work. Having been a remote worker from Africa, I know the struggles of getting good pay, I have been paid less countless times. This ebook lays down tips as well as templates to ensure no one gets to be like me. It’s currently on sale and would go a long way in your career journey. Link
Yours truly,
Your Career Cheerleader,
Mary-Esther Anele
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