Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reflecting on my career journey and how much it’s shifted in just under a year.
Coming from a lower-volume, specialized retailer to a high-volume store with a diverse product offering, the difference in responsibility and opportunity has been striking. In my previous position, I spent over a year and a half in the same role I am currently in. While I was given the opportunity to interview sales associates it was only when my leader was “too busy,” and I sat in on leadership interviews from time to time without much input.
Now, in my current role, I’ve hired nearly 20 sales associates and a leader—responsibilities that span from recruiting to onboarding and training. The level of trust and encouragement I’ve received has been remarkable. I’ve been actively pushed out of my comfort zone, hosting multiple group orientations, open interviews, and hiring events. When I first took on these tasks, I lacked confidence, but these experiences have shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Looking back, the difference in my career growth comes down to the mentors and leaders I’ve had. In my previous role, I wasn’t given many opportunities for growth in my leadership, but in my current position, I feel truly supported. With the right leadership style, encouragement, and opportunities, I’ve been able to push past my initial discomfort and truly flourish.
It’s amazing how, with the right environment and guidance, you can achieve so much more than you thought possible. It’s proof that career growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zones, backed by strong mentors and empowering leadership.
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