Working Girl

This week marks 4 years in my current job managing a private medical practice. Working is important to me and it's something we all do. What's interesting is how the meaning of work has changed for me since I had my first job 30 years ago.

In my teens I babysat, gave music lessons and worked at a local dry cleaners my junior and senior year of high school. In college I was pursuing a career as an Optometrist and worked at an eye clinic for 4 years realizing it was not a fit for me long term. I stayed another year in school and worked in high end real estate sales hoping it would open doors into the field of medical device/pharmaceutical sales. That did not happen.

I moved back to home to Charlotte, NC at a time when the economic and job market were at their worst. I was fortunate to earn a position as a chemist with a large global company.

I worked hard and moved up rapidly into a business role as a Marketing Product Manager for polymer dispersions in construction adhesives/chemicals. I’m going to be honest, I’m really really proud of that for many reasons, the number one being I worked really hard for it (it was the largest promotion they had awarded at the time and I was the first female in this role). I’ve maintained relationships with some colleagues and have learned that things are much different in that industry now.

I later went on to a similar role at a life science company where I departed for motherhood. And now after a 4 year break, I’ve been working part time from home and added public speaking and personal styling to my list of roles.

Note: That 4 year break on my resume was NOT a break from working!

Along the way I’ve served several non-profits, including the role of president for a year and currently hold a seat on a board of directors.

Some of us land somewhere and stay, others have lots of movements and some have blank space. But one thing’s for sure, work isn’t isolated to our resumes.

My desk area that's actually in my closet

Here are 4 elements to describe what work means to me:

SOURCE

All good work comes from our hearts. With love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our hearts we can use our time and talents to contribute. It is who we are on the inside that makes up what we do on the outside.

SERVICE

Work is a platform to serve not just within your role/responsibilities but as a light. Your attitude and drive in which you approach your tasks is what creates a valuable work ethic.

‘Service with a Smile’ is truly the best. Whether you’re part time or full time, on your feet or behind a desk, at the front or behind in the corner office or providing precious care of others, your service impacts others.

SETUP

Work requires tools. This comes in many forms: people, environment and actual supplies. I have found in every single role these are essential. The support of my relationships personal and professional have been impactful and necessary to guide me along. Work spaces aren’t limited and consist of anywhere you’re serving. Create an environment that is clean and equipped to allow you to service at your best.

SEASON

Work looks different depending on your season of life. Our priorities and capabilities may change but the value we offer should grow. Your worth isn’t measured in a quantity but in contributions your unique skills provide. Embrace the opportunities you have now, right where you are!

You can find Trixie under my desk while I work

The work I’ve done over the years has drastically changed but each role has shaped me for the next. You are designed for such good work - don’t forget to dress beautifully while you do it!

Dress Beautifully Doing Good Work