Reflecting on Career Mistakes: Valuable Lessons Learned
Despite the countless successes and achievements in my career, there are a few significant missteps that I wish I could change. Each of these missteps has taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me to this day.
Failing to Seize Opportunities in Youth
One of my biggest career regrets is failing to recognize and seize opportunities early in my career. When I was in my 20s, I had the chance to work in a hotel on Vancouver Island, a role that would now be difficult for me to obtain. This decision not to take the opportunity is something I deeply regret. If I had accepted one of these positions, chances are I would be in a managerial position at a hotel on Vancouver Island today. Instead, I found myself in Edmonton, a city where I do not personally enjoy residing.
Looking back, if I could turn back the clock, I would embrace the opportunities that presented themselves earlier in my career. This would have likely led to a more fulfilling career path and a better quality of life.
Overcommitment to Caring for an Elderly Relative
Another significant mistake I made was dedicating a considerable amount of time to caring for a elderly relative. For the first two years, I enjoyed this role, but as time went on, I found it increasingly difficult to balance my work responsibilities with this caregiving role. Eventually, it became clear that this was a mistake. Prioritizing the care of a relative over the advancement of my career was a sacrifice I was not willing to make indefinitely.
The decision to take on such a role out of personal obligation, rather than a career-driven choice, ultimately hindered my professional growth. However, leading to the silver lining of being close to my family during challenging times provided a sense of fulfillment that financial success alone could not match.
Joining a Toxically Managed Company
My worst career move, to date, was leaving a fantastic role at Honeywell to work for a mismanaged and toxic Swiss company called GF Georg Fischer. Having already turned down an offer from GF Piping Systems Academy twice, I eventually accepted the position only to face a series of challenges and injustices. At the core of these issues was a lack of clear leadership, accompanied by infighting, backstabbing, and outright lies.
My manager, a German individual, accused me of something he had previously approved, and then reinforced his claim during an uncomfortable meeting with HR. This situation escalated to an appeal, and despite having clear evidence to the contrary, GF’s legal team sided with the German manager. This resulted in immense stress and distress, leading to my resignation after just two years at the company.
Looking back, if I could go back in time, I would have heeded my initial instincts and never joined GF. Honeywell, with its amazing people and clear leadership, provided a stark contrast to the toxic environment at GF, making this decision even more regrettable.
These career missteps have shown me the importance of recognizing opportunities early, prioritizing personal and professional growth, and making decisions that align with my long-term goals and values.