I’m about to start a new job in a new city in a new mindset. Emotions are high, I’m not going to be dishonest, but the most important thing is what I just said: a new mindset.

If you’ve been following my career so far (on Pepetoe or socials), you’ll know how much worth I tie to how well I perform. This comes from my overachieving academic background – always reaching new heights, constantly grafting for that top grade, to be the very best at what I do. I took that with me into the career world, and let me tell you how many times I’ve thought about quitting for good and doing my own thing. And I have “quit” a couple times now. But what’s the positive? I didn’t fully “quit”. I moved on. Started something new. And that’s totally allowed. Sure, you may look at my CV and think “wow, you’ve done a lot in a few years” or “you’ve done that much and you’re only 21?!”. The difference here is that no one has actually told me this in the career world. No one really cares how much or how little experience you have – as long as you are willing to learn.

At my last workplace, I had to leave because of the toll it was having on my mental health. It wasn’t simply my overachieving personality that caused this, it was the job and the company culture too. All tied together, I had to get out of there, as I couldn’t do it anymore. Working 8am-8pm for no reward. Stressing over everything I could get wrong. And not being supported by my team during some very difficult times that did, in fact, impact my performance.

What have I learnt? No, it’s not about not letting my personal struggles affect my work. It’s about not letting work become the be-all-and-end-all. After all, a job is just that: a job. Leave work at your desk. When you log off for the evening, that’s it. Don’t allow your weekends and nights to become work, so that you’re working more than you sleep.

I’ve been on that toxic end of hustle culture and corporate life. The new job is possibly going to have even more of a corporate feel to it, but I have learnt not to let that affect me. I’ll show up, do the very best I can, and not let stress take over.

All this is easier said than done. I am fully aware of that. But if I go into this new job (in London, btw) with the mindset that I’ll fail, or not do well, or that stress is going to win again and I’m just going to have to leave again… it will manifest into the truth. I am excited to have this opportunity to start again. Not in the job world, but with my mental health.

It’s just not worth it. No job is worth more than you. I am potentially one of the lucky one’s to have realised this so young. Yes, ok, I’ve had my share of bad luck with companies messing with me and pushing me out of the business, but I am strong enough (not lucky enough) to come back from this, and not let it happen again. It’s a shame that I have had to learn this so young, but hopefully writing this post today might help other young professionals entering the business world (especially in marketing where it can be so toxic and catty).

I’ll shine, you’ll see, and so will you!