Growing, loving and learning- Getting to know me AGAIN

Learning never stops

With all of the life changes going on from breakups to a new job, there is a lot that I have noticed and I am learning a lot about myself during these past couple of months.

It is never too late to learn and use situations to grow and adapt. School is a great place to learn and grow, but I believe that life experiences have taught me a great deal more than necessary but that paired with life lessons can show you more than teach you if that makes sense.

• School taught me how to balance my books, but experience taught me how to manage my money
• School taught me the importance of speaking/debating with others but being in a different environment taught me (forced me) to ensure that my voice was heard.
• Schools taught me which chemicals react well together, but experience taught me that just because one has qualities on paper, it doesn’t mean that you will along!

I can go on, but I am sure you get the drift.

Now, I am going to talk about the things I have realized about myself

I am resilient

No matter how many times I have fallen, I have, and I will always get back up. Last year, like many, I lost my job. Although I was completing my master’s degree at the time, I felt pretty down. I had to stay at home; I had to figure out how to complete my dissertation, I couldn’t see my loved ones. It wasn’t easy to navigate.

Throughout summer, we went into lockdown, and it was lifted a couple of times. Thankfully, I found a temp job in September. It was a temp job; it didn’t stick, so I was back home towards the end of the year and after lockdown. I applied and applied and applied for jobs, but nothing… no response. It went radio silent.

At of the blue, I was contacted by an agency. I had an interview at a school, which went well, and I was hired, yay! But it was another temp job; it didn’t stick either. After a few weeks, I was fired…on my day off! Imagine that. It was a hard pill to swallow, but I got over it quickly as I had another interview the following Friday to work at another school. I got the job on the spot, but…you guess it, it was another temp job. But this time, I knew better.

While I had this job, I decided to continue to look online and apply for a more permanent role that made sense for my career. Within a couple of weeks, I landed a job as a support worker, caring for young people in semi-independent accommodation. Some young people had challenging behaviour and mental health conditions, so it was difficult to cope with at times.

Yes, it was a permanent job which I am grateful for, but the hours, the pay and the politics made it more stressful than it already was. I could have just sat down and complained, but that wouldn’t have solved a thing. So, I took the initiative and decided to keep on searching. I deserved to be paid what I believe I am worth. With the power of manifestation, I was able to find my new role, which I am excited about; I’ll tell you guys more later.

Do not give up on yourself.

I can adapt

When I first started working as a support worker, I was pretty much thrown in the deep end and had to jump on the learning curve immediately. I had little training plus the training that I did have to do was online, which I didn’t have any time to complete at work. On my very first day, there was an incident with a young person. It was a lot to take in. My manager would meet me the first day, but he didn’t as he was busy, which I understand, but I was left to figure everything out.

I don’t recommend this approach as it can put some people off. Within the first two weeks, I worked 100+ hours. Yes, you read that correctly. It was a lot to take in, and my body was feeling it too. That experience alone proved that I could adapt to pretty much any situation quickly.

I am hardworking

Leading on from my last point, I am a hardworking girl (maybe too hardworking). I went above and beyond, over-extending myself when others told me not to, while others took a more chilled approach. Perhaps being a hard worker is embedded in me. My parents moved to England from Guyana in the 90s, which taught me a lot. They were hustlers.

My dad has worked 40+ years and was unemployed maybe six months max out of 40 years. And my mum, I don’t know how she did it. When my parents separated, it was like she went on overdrive; she worked two jobs to bring in money to put me through dance classes and Saturday school, tutoring, presents…I didn’t lack because of her work ethic. Just the determination alone and seeing how much she had to sacrifice gave me a kick up the bum.

They sacrificed so much to have a better life for themselves and me, so working hard is the least I can do.
I have done it. Now it’s time to work smarter but make sure you never stop learning.

I am passionate

I am a Leo; I am passionate about learning and passionate by default (101). Well, when it comes to topics of interest. What I love is helping people. Nothing beats putting a smile on someone’s face and giving them a confidence boost. I believe that it is my purpose to do acts of service. Maybe in a past life, I was doing it too because it feels so natural. I love helping; I love being a support system. I love offering a helping hand. Life is too short to focus on your needs and wants 24/7/. It is vital to have a balance. What are you passionate about?