Meredith, it’s normal for us to spend time trying to figure out “what I want to be when I grow up.” When a person is bullied in a place of learning, our systems often start to associate learning with bullying. We can develop parts whose job it is to protect us from that, and they can manifest as the belief: “I’m not worthy of a job.” I want to encourage you to reflect on the skills you developed in each of your jobs and take note of your strengths, as well as the things you enjoy doing. I spent most of my career figuring out what I didn’t want to do. If you want support, you can either join the Resilient Career Academy Learning Community or schedule a coaching session with me. Whatever you decide, the world needs what you have to offer. Keep at it! You’ve got this!!!

I am so glad that you are challenging yourself to learn new things and that you got some intrinsic positive feedback. Yay, for you!! That is awesome!

Vanessa, when we are triggered into younger parts of ourselves, we don’t have the same skills that our adult selves have. The best thing we can do is to get ourselves present by looking around the room, feeling your butt in the seat and your feet on the floor. Once you bring your brain back online, you should be able to focus better. I hope this helps.

Anita, I totally understand where you are coming from. All your energy is devoted to surviving, not thriving. There are times when we have to deprioritize our career development in order to focus on our mental health, and when we do, our ability to advance our careers can move forward exponentially.

I would invite you to draw a picture of the energy suckers in your life. What are the things that are taking your energy away? Hypervigilance? Managing Triggers? An introvert trying to work an extroverted job? Career misalignment?

Let me encourage you to invest some of your energy into yourself. You are worth the investment. If your goal is to advance your career, consider what is limiting that goal. Get it on paper, so you can see it in front of yourself.

I believe trauma survivors are absolutely resilient and that you have the power to realize your goals. Let me know how it goes for you.

Elizabeth, I’m so glad the article was helpful. Not feeling heard at work can be frustrating. The hopeful part is that you get to manage the work situation, and it doesn’t have to manage you. You are the heroine of your own story. I would love to hear how it goes.