My 8 Lessons from 2018

Yup, you’re going to get it! The lessons I learned and valued the most in 2018! Another of those end of year list that gives you all the information that will make 2019 better and also make you realize how much you procrastinated and allowed your laziness to ruin 2018. Grab some popcorn and let’s get started.

1. Say NO: Yea, I know a lot of people have read Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, but Shonda has time, money, and unlimited resources, you probably don’t. I’m thankful for every opportunity that came my way in 2018, I’m already preparing for the blessings to come in 2019. But, that doesn’t mean that I have to pile on the problems, dreams, ideas, and excuses of others to my plate trying prove that I’m a good friend, employee, partner, daughter, or sibling.
2. Loyalty isn’t everything: I know the millennial blame squad will come after me for this one, but it’s true. Don’t stay at a company that isn’t providing you with the things you need/deserve. Being loyal to a company to then be burned by it will make you hate your job. No matter what companies or those thought leaders say. If you’re not happy and not being provided with the needs to help you lead a life you want, start searching and get out. Network, connect with me, connect with other HR Pros online, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
3. Ask for it: Some people are lucky, they think, “I need a $10 raise” and then it happens 2 days later. Others have to voice the things they want. Jay-Z said, “You can’t heal what you never reveal” and this is one line I’m taking into 2019. How can I be upset with certain aspects of my life if I haven’t asked for better? Write it down, speak it into existence, create a plan, research, you have to do your part to get where you want to be.
4. Plan: For a good portion of my life, especially the last few years, I haven’t had any idea what I want. I knew what I wanted my job title to be right now, but I didn’t know what I want it to be 10-20 years from now. I had no idea where I wanted to take this blog or even my name in this career. Thankfully, with help from many of other HR and Business pros, I’ve been taking more time to sit down and write out a plan. It’s not concrete, I’m still learning, maybe I should call it a bucket list for my career and brand … I like that. The list can change, my views of the career can change, but at least I have somewhere I can start.
5. Don’t get jealous, get motivated: You don’t know another persons journey, no matter how well they explain it to you. I know it can be hard, you see others thriving, you have conversations and realize you’re not making anything near what people doing the same job (or less) are making. They’ve made their big break and no matter how many blog post we have about “Titles not being important” we know they are. This year I’ve made more of an effort to embrace the people I see doing well and asking them how they’ve gotten to this point. I can’t do what they did, I won’t get the same outcome, but I will gain some knowledge for my next step.
6. Step up to the plate: I know you’re nervous, it’s scary, and you’re not sure of the outcome, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know. If it’s something you want, something you even just THINK you want, step up and ask about it. Putting a foot in the door might encourage someone on the other side to pull you through.
7. Read: No, not just the HRJazzy Blog (although it’s a good start) read everything. This year I didn’t read anywhere near the amount of books I should have. You’re always going to be learning, but as an HR Newbie, this is your time to show others that you take the effort to find out about things you’re not even handling. I don’t think I’d be interested in working for a company with a union, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t learn about them. I don’t care if it’s a book, a blog, and law review, read and research everything.
8. Stand for something: This year I was motivated to speak up more because of #BlackBlogsMatter. I was able to see people I know who are going through or have gone through some of the same experiences. Realizing that you’re not alone and others are out here to talk and support made a big difference for me this year. I can’t wait to see where #BlackBlogsMatter takes us in 2019.

2018 was truly a year of growth for me. It lit a fire that I’m trying to control and direct. These lessons might seem small to others, but I think as someone who is starting to really understand the possibilities of her career, these 8 lessons can help the next HR Newbie understand that the battle can some times take a little while. It might not go exactly how you think, but if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, you’ll get to experience something you might have never thought possible.

The number one skill I’ve valued this year is networking. It’s hard, but it has truly added people to my life in a positive way. Networking has allowed me the opportunity to be able to travel. It has helped me step out of my comfort zone in times of need. Networking has given me the opportunity to express my views for others to read / hear no matter if they agreed with my opinion or not.

You don’t need an end of year list to let you know if you’ve done enough or not. Only you can determine what enough is. For me, 2018 was only the beginning. In 2019 HRJazzy is taking off to take over … stay tuned.

Until Next Time …