I'm writing this post the week before I retire from StationeryHQ and my life as a professional in the creative world. I announced my retirement on LinkedIn a few days ago and gave a well deserved shout-out to some people who had a big impact on my career. Within hours, each of my mentors had messaged me privately to congratulate me and set up a coffee/call/cocktail situation so we could catch up.
My mentors pushed me to think bigger, make bold moves and also cut myself some slack occasionally. They inspired me with their intelligence and the risks they took. They authentically shared about the times they screwed up too.
My mentors were proud of me for making the big decision to make a change. They asked me how I was really feeling about letting go of my professional identity (realizing already how much of my ego is attached to my work) and whether I could give myself time to just "be" before getting pulled into new obligations. And they reminded me that they are here if I feel like I'm gonna lose my shit.
I've tried to mentor others with the same compassion and energy. I always knew that my real job while I'm on this planet is to uplift people and help them get where they need to go. I'm sure I've been too direct at times, I've been told that I'm intimidating and I definitely dropped more f bombs than strictly necessary. Whatever. I'm okay with who I am and if the choices are dimming my light or occasionally being "too much" for someone, I'm gonna choose shining my special brand of sunshine every time.
So I've been thinking about what I want to share on my way out the door. As I consider my career, there are projects that stand out and big name brands. There are financial highlights and awards. But what keeps coming up are the people I've met and how we affected each other. I chose my mentors carefully and was always grateful for their time and wisdom. I helped women who I saw so much potential in and who just needed to be reminded of their power.
My wish for you is that you surround yourself with people who will be straight with you while they root for your success. Gather friends who make you laugh and are proud of you when you get a win. Seek out the ones who know something that you don't know and share info and energy with each other. Learn from your mentors and pay it forward. And most of all, enjoy the ride, it goes quickly.
XOXO, Erin