Lessons from Behind the Counter: Unconventional Career Wisdom
From Poetry to Cheese: A Journey of Self-Discovery
As I reflect on my eclectic career path, I’m reminded of the invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way. From my stint as a babysitter to my role as an assistant editor at The New Yorker, and eventually, to my unexpected foray into the world of cheese-mongering, each experience has contributed to my growth as a professional and an individual.
The Unlikely School of Hard Knocks
My time at the cheese shop was a baptism by fire. With no prior experience in retail or cheese, I was thrust into a fast-paced environment where I had to think on my feet and adapt quickly. I learned that:
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No One Is 100% Ready for the Job They’re Hired to Do. My lack of knowledge about cheese didn’t hold me back. Instead, my strong work ethic, curiosity, and ability to learn fast made me an attractive candidate.
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Asking Follow-Up Questions Is a Sign of Intelligence, Not Ignorance. I quickly realized that asking questions was crucial to understanding the job and demonstrating my willingness to learn.
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Professional Tap-Dancing Is a Skill, Not a Lie. When I was tasked with working independently, I had to rely on myself and trust my instincts. This was a crucial lesson in self-confidence.
Finding My Voice and Taking Up Space
As I navigated the cheese shop, I discovered the importance of:
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Being Loud. In a noisy environment, I had to project my voice to be heard. This newfound confidence translated to other areas of my life, allowing me to express myself more assertively.
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Taking Up Space. As a small person, I had to overcome physical challenges, but I learned to announce myself instead of apologizing for my presence.
Lessons in Assertiveness and Opportunity
I also learned that:
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Don’t Wait to Be Rewarded with Opportunities: Ask for Them. I had to advocate for myself and ask to work behind the counter, proving that I was capable of handling the responsibility.
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The First Shot You Get Might Be Your Only Shot. I made the most of every opportunity, knowing that it might be my only chance to prove myself.
Navigating Coworker Dynamics and Standing Up for Myself
In the cheese shop, I encountered colleagues who didn’t always have my best interests at heart. I learned that:
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Some Coworkers Won’t Like You, and You Won’t Like Them; You Can Still Work Well Together. I focused on the task at hand and maintained a professional demeanor, even when faced with challenging coworkers.
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Stand Up for Yourself. A wise colleague taught me to push back against unfair treatment and advocate for myself, a lesson that has stayed with me to this day.
Knowing When to Hold On and When to Let Go
Finally, I learned that:
- Know Your Quitting Points. When the management’s practices became unacceptable, I knew it was time to move on. This experience taught me to prioritize my well-being and recognize when a job is no longer serving me.
As I look back on my time in the cheese shop, I’m grateful for the unexpected lessons I learned. These experiences have shaped me into a more confident, assertive, and resilient professional, and I continue to draw upon them as I navigate my career.
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