'If someone offers you and amazing opportunity and you're not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it.'
(Richard Branson)
There are people with a clear career plan in their mind since kindergarten. They know they want to become teachers, policemen, doctors or pilots....and they just follow their dream. Some drift away in the process but those who pursue this childhood dream have a benefit of that clear goal, shining light at the end of the tunnel during their studies. All decisions about and during their career paths seems somehow easier because everything is focused on that goal.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I have never had this clear lifelong career dream. So as I went through my studies - which many people would argue were fluffy talk and 'bit here and bit there' - I was more and more conscious of this big crossroad at the end of it....and with all the turns, hill climbs and rocky roads I had behind me, I felt the pressure and expectation to 'make the right choice'.
From rather early on I knew the directions where not to go, the steep downhill that would follow turn into exact science direction was big enough warning to stay away from it. I also knew I want to do something rewarding, exciting, something that will influence things and people. Something to head off to sleep feeling I am making this world a bit better place for me, and for others.
Sustainability seemed like a good fit, ticking all the boxes, right?
....but who would ever guess I will be figuring out how to recycle paper cups or speaking at conferences about responsible forest management?
I certainly didn't (and I know about quite a few others who would raise their hand for this)...yet it has been already 3 years!
It was last Friday, 9th February 2019, when a notification popped up on my phone saying 'HAVI anniversary'. Caught me by surprise, I have clearly must have put a note in my calendar some time ago. And here we go, I am sat here in Singapore, looking at my new shiny box of business cards stating 'Sustainability Project Manager' on my desk. Coincidentally right next to a scratched, almost empty box of old, 'Sustainability Analyst' ones.
Not that the job titles would be everything and to be truthful I was never much bothered. Business cards culture is very much an Asian thing, anyhow, so just make sure you have some if you're heading this way. But back to the essence of this and the lifelong dreams.... I said I am in Singapore which to some people clearly comes up as one of the number one career destinations. It is undoubtedly a professionals hub in Asia so I get that, but for me, that was never 'a dream'...not even a plan!...it just happened. Sounds weird maybe, but that is - in simple terms - exactly how I ended up here. There was bit more to it so let me maybe backtrack, and maybe explain how I got through three different job titles on the way.
'All things are difficult before they become easy'
(Thomas Fuller)
It was January 2016 and during my endless browsing for full time jobs one popped up in my LinkedIn search: Sustainability intern, 6 month contract
... well, initially I was not a massive fan of going for an internship having just completed MSc degree from LSE with distinction (this is not meant to come across elitist). But with the massive competition in London, it felt it is just a part of the process. It is 6 months, let's see where will that take me, find out if that is something I like.
I also felt I need to be humble...at the end of the day degree from LSE doesn't mean anything if you don' prove yourself.
And we all need the opportunity to do so.
Looking back, I was maybe too harsh on myself. I remember feeling I am letting people down, that I am not aiming high enough. I felt the expectation is to get this great job and and rocketing career ......which during the never ending job hunting felt totally impossible. Maybe I was partly creating this pressure in my head....But whatever, this looked interesting I decided to give it a go and applied.
When I was sitting in the train towards Hayes and Harlington that day, I had no clue I am heading for the worst interview performance of my life (I sincerely hope this was the worst one!), but also towards one of the best decisions and opportunities I ever got.
I remember leaving that office thinking there is no chance I am getting the job.
But I did.
I didn't know much about sustainability, let alone about packaging. But I was excited to learn. I knew I need to be like a sponge and learn fast. And I was lucky and very grateful to have a great boss who was prepared to invest the time, effort and energy in my development. And it is very easy to claim it on 'my success is his success'.... but I always felt he did not look at it just like that. He valued people and was prepared to give them a chance to prove themselves. I am sure getting me where I am now cost him few wrinkles and grey hair but I think we ended up working like a good team.
In April 2016, an earthquake in my personal life suddenly thrown everything up in the air... When the tears dried and I looked around, there wasn't much and many to lean on being in London, far from everyone, so I was grateful for helping hands to get myself back on track. While my body was occupied with running, I had to keep my mind busy so I refocused on work. Not because I would want to chase career but because things that were reassurance and priority over work were suddenly gone...whether I liked it or not. My contract got extended for further three months which was great, Phil got me involved in couple more projects and although I was going through a rough time, we had a good laugh at times which helped me to keep my head above the water.
'Ship is safe in the harbour....but that is not what ships are built for.'
(John A. Shedd)
Managing APMEA from London was tough, and to be truthful - unsurprisingly - didn't really work. So there came the plan to have someone based locally, and the famous question Phil asked me:
'Fancy going to Singapore?'
If things were different on non-work fronts, I would have probably dismissed the whole idea of moving to Asia. But then... circumstance were as they were and although I did think about it for a while, and had pros and cons list, at the end of it came the famous answer:
'Okay, why not!'
...and I signed a permanent contract for 'Sustainability Analyst' role, packed my life in two big suitcases and got on the plane towards a whole new challenge. Yes, it was exciting, but scary too. Yes, it is a nice tropical lifestyle here, but it is a tough job, far from everyone - both on time and distance. That makes it tricky for both work, and non-work aspects. You are starting from scratch, in completely different environment and working culture. People don't know you so you need to earn their trust and build your place. I was again very lucky to have people that helped me to settle in the new role to get me off for a good start. I am not making myself sound unique. It is no different in any other new job or environment, and yes Singapore is very westernised...but then that is not the only market I have responsibility for! Sustainability is still much younger, new concept in this region which is a really great opportunity but hell of a challenge at the same time.
But overall, I am lucky. Despite the downsides of this job (and every job has some!) - and no, it really is not always rainbows and unicorns and no, I am not working from a pool or a bar drinking cocktails as some may think - I really enjoy what I do.
And I enjoy talking about it.
If you are a teacher, a policeman or a pilot, what you do is clear to everyone. With my job I find it is different. Not many people know or understand what I do....
Some don't really care which is fair enough (shame though).
Some feel I am career hungry businesswoman jetting around the world on expense of a global evil corporation.
Others think I am making paper boxes for McDonald's...and promoting growth of fast-food industry. For many my job is just writing emails and being on calls, just like any other 'management type of job'.
And then there is a group of those, who actually get over the fact I do work for a 'global supply chain management company' and that the main client we work with is 'McDonald's' and show interest in understanding what do I actually do.
There was a time I was quite sad about the perceptions some people have about me, and my job. I was disappointed they dismiss it or judge it without really looking at the broader picture, without letting me explain. I am not so sensitive about it any more because I learned that some people are just like that and it is a waste of energy trying to change it. I am by no way saying everyone needs to agree that my work is interesting or exciting, or even agree that is is contributing to making a positive difference (cliche, I know but don't we all want to leave a positive footprint behind?)...
For me it is more about being open-minded and curious ....because that always proved a path to really good discussions!
Over the past three years I have grown and learned a hell of a lot. It is a good story...success story as some people in the company say. And we can debate what is success, and if this is success, but that wasn't really my point here now. What I did want to say here is that every coin has two sides.
Success might be the one that you see, but the other hidden one is the price of it. It is everyone's decision if that 'price' is worth paying or not.... and sometimes it is difficult to tell in advance. You can play safe, or take a risk, give it a go and see. I am not suggesting or judging what is right or wrong. We are all different, with different personalities and circumstances.
But I decided to invest and see if it pays back.
You might feel beaten on the way, you might lose thing that you'll be upset about. You might end up somewhere you never though you will. You might doubt about yourself and fight the tears sometimes. You might wish to be somewhere else...but it won't be possible. You might just not know what is the next step you should take....
Just as I do!
But on balance....I think I would make that decision again.
It has not been perfect. But things rarely are and this has been a great adventure. A steep learning curve, loads of amazing places and people ....what more should I wish for? At the end of the day, I am only 28 and considering it has only really been three years of my full-time professional journey....I think I managed to squeeze in a lot, including the recent promotion to 'Sustainability Project Manager'! As they say - so far so good!
Seriously, all jokes aside I am very lucky to be who I am and where I am. Thanks to HAVI but mainly thanks to few amazing individuals that have stayed when others left to mind their own business.
So thanks and cheers everyone. And let's see what the future brings!
....so that was the story...and now tell me, don't you think the quote at the beginning seems to be story of my life? ...Or at least of the one with HAVI so far?
