As the year comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on the decisions I made and the steps I took to improve my career. At the beginning of the year, I found myself without a job and had the opportunity to consider my options carefully. I was initially drawn to a job that was close to home because of its convenient location, but during the interview process, I realized that my potential boss’s attitude was not a good fit. Despite this, I decided to take the job and commute on my bike every day, thinking that it would be good for my health and better for my work-life balance.

However, the job turned out to be plagued by poor organization and communication within management, leading to frustration and poor performance on my part. I was let go within three months.

This setback was ultimately a defining moment for me. It made me realize that what I truly wanted was a management position, where I could utilize my leadership skills from past experiences. I made my intentions known and within a few weeks, I was offered my first contract as a project manager. Now, after working in this role for over half a year, I am confident that this was the best decision I ever made.

Taking the time to reflect and assess oneself is a valuable tool in finding the right career path. My journey may have started with a misstep, but it ultimately led me to where I am today, fulfilled in my role as a project manager.