Welcome back.
As you read in my previous post, ‘The day I had the courage to say No to fear and Yes to my dreams’, I walked away from Nando’s, determined to find a professional position in the UK.
Next stop: The University of Brighton International College (UBIC).
I was over-prepared for the interview, even though it was only a part-time job. I wanted to get my foot in the door at the University. I was wearing a brand-new black and white formal outfit and black heels. I was in my element.
The interview went well, and I impressed the panel. They called me the next day for a second interview to offer me a full-time job. I shook hands instantly with the hiring manager who became my manager after that.
And the rest is history.
My manager was a young, well-dressed man who was highly motivated with a good work ethic – the perfect role model for my first professional position in the UK. I wanted to impress him.
Going back to the Nando’s training day, I remember that I felt afraid, worried and embarrassed for walking away.
Today, I can see how courageous I was to realise that Nando’s was not the right path for me. I trusted my instincts. Although it felt difficult, it wasn’t a setback at all, rather an important detour on the road to where I truly belong – in the education field, where I continue to work today.
That day, I also realised that transparency and honesty are virtues and I realised that I had a lot to offer recruiters.
I had so many professional qualifications. Why bury myself in a job that would not feed my soul?
From that day onwards, I kept my eyes on the prize. I kept focused on the jobs that would allow me to wear my pencil dresses and my favourite heels, so to speak.
Having the courage to say No to Nando’s and the fact that they didn’t tell me off for speaking up shifted my mentality. I was no longer afraid to go after what I wanted and needed in my career.
This experience taught me so much about the UK culture – and that knowledge is power. I have continued to learn and to grow as my career has progressed.
Now, every time I want something, I do my research, read widely and ask people for advice. I then decide the right path for me.
Albanians have a famous saying: “Pyet shtate a tete e bej si di vete”. This translates to, “Ask seven or eight (people) but do as you think is best.” It’s about being firm in your decisions whilst also taking other people’s opinions into account.
My advice:
You always have a choice. In every dark situation you might find yourself in, there is always another, better choice for you. The fact that is not obvious at that moment does not mean it does not exist.
Additionally, never be afraid of change or the unknown. Change is the heartbeat of progress and growth. Embrace it as an opportunity for new experiences, learning, and self-discovery.
Whilst you embrace change, make sure it’s pleasant to a certain extent – it has a good reason behind it and is in your best interests. Never push against the impossible because then change becomes an obstacle as opposed to a miracle.
Additionally, if you want to build your career in a certain industry and become the best in your field, just focus and work towards that goal. Avoid ‘consuming’ yourself with other jobs that might seem easy and can bring you money now, but in the long-term, they actually keep you far away from your real career goal and the progress you truly want.
Take care out there, everyone.
Lots of love,
Electra
