Building a Career You Love: Lessons in Growth and Adaptation

The Journey of Career Alignment

Mercedes Swan, "The Career Love Coach",

Joins The Risers Hub

mercedesswan.com

Finding a career that truly aligns with my passions and skills can be very  challenging for me. Often, I tried to merge multiple interests into one career path, leading to a lot of frustration. I never imagined that I could truly do what I loved and make money doing it. A key moment of clarity came when I met Mercedes Swan and she pointed out that trying to force different interests into one career was preventing progress. I needed to focus on what I was really good at and when I talked about it, I would light up the room.

At first, it was very difficult to accept and I was afraid that if I let go of what I had been doing most of my life, product development, I would be lost and jobless. I was resistant, frustrated, and even angry when confronted with hard truths about my career. However, taking the time to sit with these realizations, process them, and ultimately make a decision based on logic rather than emotion led to a huge breakthrough.

Taking Control of Your Career Growth

Career transitions and improvements often require an investment—whether time, energy, or money. While career coaching can be beneficial, not everyone can afford a professional coach. However, there are alternative ways to take control of career growth:

1. Self-Reflection: Start by understanding what you truly want. What are your strengths, and what kind of work excites you?

2. Leverage Free Resources: Utilize career-related journals, videos, and online materials. Many career experts provide free tools that can guide self-coaching efforts.

3. Confidence in Your Abilities: Often, it’s not just about perfecting a resume but seeing yourself in a way that aligns with career opportunities.

4.  Prioritization: Consider what investments in your career will bring long-term benefits. We often spend money on material things but hesitate to invest in our professional development.

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The Importance of DEI in Career Growth

With the rise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in recent years, many professionals have benefited from fairer hiring practices and workplace improvements. However, as DEI programs face reductions, particularly in government and corporate sectors, marginalized groups are feeling the impact.

What DEI Truly Means

DEI is often misunderstood as a process that benefits only a select few. In reality, it is about ensuring that every individual has the resources and opportunities to succeed. Diversity recognizes the uniqueness of individuals, equity provides the necessary tools to level the playing field, and inclusion ensures that everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.

Moving Forward: Career Strategies in an Evolving Workplace

Given the shifting career landscape and potential challenges, here are some ways to stay ahead:

• Stay Educated: Keep learning about industry trends and workplace policies that may affect career growth.

• Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to adjust career paths based on new opportunities.

• Networking: Build strong professional connections that can provide guidance and potential job leads.

• Self-Advocacy: Take charge of your career trajectory and seek opportunities that align with personal and professional goals.

Building a career you love requires patience, introspection, and a willingness to embrace change. Whether it’s through self-coaching, strategic investments in professional development, or staying informed about workplace shifts, the key is to take proactive steps. Your career is an investment—make sure you are making the right choices for long-term success.

To learn more about Mercedes Swan, visit her at mercedesswan.com and you can follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn! If you. have any questions about the latest blog or wellness questions, email us at [email protected]!