2023 New Year Reflections
Dec 29, 2022
4 months ago I was at the lowest in my life and my career. Dangerously so.
I was a single co-parent still struggling with post-covid working parent trauma, a year full of rapidfire management changes that seems standard at hyper growth companies and severe workplace burnout.
Which in full transparency resulted in my own therapist of 4 years urging me to do what corporate warriors had coined “quiet quitting” but was actually a form of boundary resetting. Let’s just say she shook her head and laughed when I told her about the “new” term.
So when I got called in to be told my role was no more and that I was being let go effective immediately, I could have never guessed the number of individuals, leaders, strangers, and friends who would rally in support to help me get back on my feet.
From private messages full of allyship, to LinkedIn recommendations, referrals, resume reviews, and just all-around virtual conversations about where to go next, every interaction served as my reminder that while one door kicks you out and slams shut, there are hundreds more still open all around.
They’re just waiting for someone like you to crack it open or even barge right through (depending on your personality type and level of excitement. lol)
Making it through to 2023
As we enter the last two days of 2022, I can’t help but sit down and think about all the progress and personal growth I have personally achieved.
Call it willpower.
Call it stubbornness.
Call it my indomitable spirit.
Whatever it is, I have never felt more true to myself than I have in recent months as I:
Reconnected with my love for the gaming industry and creating content for things I actually care about
Started a UX design certification, with the goal of finishing it in early 2023
Had fun helping with a full site rebuild and overall layout for a successful mobile game esports league that was founded by a very bright young French student, which is expected to launch in 2023
Got accepted into the Women in Games International Mentorship Program, leading to connections with the most amazing individuals who inspire and motivate me to give back
Added over 75 amazing individuals to my LinkedIn network (and counting) leading to one of the most empowering, informative social feeds in my entire career
Joined Latinx in Gaming, Latinas in Tech, Hitmarker and Mapuzo Outpost communities, participating in live chats and webinars helping people like me overcome the massive experience wall that comes with building a career in the tech and gaming
Even this past month alone, I’ve raised my (virtual) hand to help on long term brand-related projects and for the first time in my life have officially joined a website as a contributing writer, also starting in 2023.
This in the span of 12-16 weeks in the middle of a lot of self-reflection, hard conversations, and a willingness to take more risks as I navigate the continuing reality of unemployment.
Fighting off fear and self-doubt
I won’t lie and say this journey hasn’t been scary. It honestly has me excited, apprehensive…and semi-terrified.
There have definitely been moments where I wonder if people really should be leaning on me for some of the decisions I am making or suggestions I have been offering.
Do I really have the right skills to make these decisions and help out with this work?
But time and time again the answer has continued to be a resounding yes in the form of the thanks, of expressed trust, and outreach from those life has put in my path.
While all of this work is voluntary and unpaid, long term I truly believe it is reconnecting with my personal passions while helping me get closer to my new goals.
If there is anything I can pass off as advice to anyone who may be feeling stuck, unheard, and lost.
Don’t let fear hold you back and believe in what has helped you achieve your successes so far.
Especially for those of us in the middle management moments of our careers, are pivoting industries, or are facing a mid-career “crisis”.
Remember that your value is defined not by the job and pay you have, but by the trust and care others show you no matter where, when, and what you have to offer.
And that trust and care? It’s a reflection of the value you place on yourself and dedication to your why’s (which in turn means YOU define the job and pay you deserve.)
You are worth every good thing that happens to you. And sometimes when you lose one thing, you end up with more space for something greater.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2023.
As we enter into 2023 may our ability to overcome our personal struggles and push through the unknown open up even greater opportunities in the arenas we hold most dear.
For me?
I look forward to further building out a fulfilling career as a Latinx/Womxn in Games and helping others do the same.
Cheers to an explosive 2023 full of growth, opportunity, and continued bad-assery all around!
