The people we surround ourselves in our journey of life make the biggest of differences at pivotal moments, with all the highs and lows, including one’s career. Our friends and family can serve as an inspiration for a career path or even be the ones who potentially open that door for the next job you have been searching for. These milestones and changes can only occur if you share with your support system your dreams and ideas. They can bring up points that you never thought of, look out for opportunities for you and even help in specifying to you the kinds of resources you might need.
Psychology Today notes the importance of such support for women: “Findings suggested that women who stick together and support one another are likely to reap higher levels of professional success. Not only will you be more successful in your efforts to attain higher level positions if you have a tight inner circle of ‘Best Buds,’ who can offer the emotional support that you need along the way, but also want to establish a larger circle of connections, made up of any gender, who can provide more instrumental support along the career path.” [1]
I just recently made a career change, after a year of applying and not getting the results I expected and wanted, a friend shared with me an opportunity at her work. The interview for this opportunity evolved into something else and has opened a path into an industry and space I had been wanting. Now, if I had not been sharing with her my desires in wanting to move into a different industry and discussing the kinds of roles I was looking for, she would have had no idea and not have had me in mind when the role was brought to her intention.
“Women thrive when they are able to build healthy friendships with other women and strong networks with others, regardless of gender. Take time to stay connected with your BFFs no matter how high you rise — it’s rumored to be lonely at the top, and you’ll be grateful that you have a group of friends who know you for who you are, not just who your title says you are.”
– Suzanne Degges-White, Psychology today [2]
As much as we would like to submit an application and get that job, having that human connection, that person who knows and can vouch for us can make a whole difference, regardless of the industry you are in. Being open to those closest to us, who have shown consistent support can serve as that pivotal step that you might need to make that change in your career. Of course, once that door is open, it is up to us to be prepared and put our best foot forward.
So, in this new year, if you are in the process of making changes, make sure to loop the people around you in, they can serve and support you in ways that you never thought of.
[1] Suzanne Degges-White, “Are Friendships Necessary for Career Success?” Psychology Today, April 22, 2019, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201904/are-friendships-necessary-career-success
[2] Ibid.