Resiliency is a requirement
I wrote this years ago. It blows my mind to see how I’ve grown since then. So why am I posting this here? Well, I want to be completely transparent about my journey getting into this industry and staying in it. I never want to give off the perception that this was easy and overnight. Just remember that if you are starting out, you will eventually reach your goal.
This was written in 2016 after I finished my design internship with Blavity and had been freelancing:
I’ve often been told how I’m admired because I keep going despite the fact that when it comes to my career, this year so far has been “trash”. I don’t find it to be an admirable trait in myself. It’s required. I thought about quitting tech or at least design because when you code, your code either works or it doesn’t. I’ve been far removed from law that I can’t go back even if I wanted to. Fighting and trying for my way into tech is more than a passion, it has become survival. Yes, I have had the opportunity to meet some amazingly talented people. I’ve gotten told that I have potential to be a great designer. I’ve revamped my resume more times than I can count. I’ve networked. I have cried more nights these past few months than I have in years. I have been emotionally beaten down this year to where I barely have confidence in myself and after the feedback I received yesterday, it shows. But mostly, to everyone’s admiration and advice, I push through. I refuse to let myself be broken. I have a few people in my corner that I refuse to let down. While one learning experience ended, I know something is out there for me. I didn’t make it this far to walk away completely. I’m about to apply to a few places, finish my design homework and read more on accessibility.
I’ll end this post with these lessons :
Don’t be afraid to fail. You tried and it’s better than not attempting it. You will get better at it. When you do fail, remember what made you start and then go treat yourself to something nice. It’s not rewarding failure, it’s helping you keep your sanity.
You’re not always going to be a right fit. It happens.
Clear, concise communication is everything.
Something better is coming.
Lastly, adapting to something new takes longer than a week.
So from 2019 me to 2016 me and anyone just getting started, you got this more than you think you do. Keep going.