Do What Makes You Happy and Speak Up for What You Want

We often get advice to take opportunities even if we are busy because it can set us up for success and introduce us to more opportunities. However, there are times in our lives where this may not be the best move.

Sarah Peters is a mechanical engineer at WSP who I met through a peer review project. I always get excited to see another female engineer and my first reaction was to reach out to virtually get to know her better. We have been swapping favorite podcasts and book recommendations ever since. Some of her favorite career advice is something I must constantly remind myself. Sarah’s advice is…

Do things that make you happy.

We spend so much time at work or participating in professional societies for work, that we should make sure that time is bringing us joy and energy.

If you have the bandwidth, time and mental well-being, take on something a little outside of your immediate interests. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. But there is value in a lot of opportunities, and you don’t have to take them all on.

Sarah’s advice really resonated with me. I used to raise my hand for absolutely everything. Something needed to be done, I’ll do it! As I progressed in my career, I started to get burnt out with this mindset. I have been trying to practice more of what Sarah speaks to. It is difficult because there is a fear that this one opportunity could have been THE one! Throughout the years, I’ve realized that every different path I take has something great about it and I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without having taken that path. There will always be a variety of opportunities, so turning down one doesn’t mean I made a bad decision.

Sarah and her little sister

Another nugget of advice that Sarah mentioned was that if you don’t know what to focus on, ask the people who know you best. Don’t restrict yourself to your colleagues and peers in your profession; ask family and friends outside of your professional life.

Mentors and peers within the industry may guide you a certain way, but you don’t have to take that direction. Take the guidance with a grain of salt and speak up for what you believe you really want. If someone says you aren’t ready, tell your mentor or team that you are ready to take on a new challenge and that you will speak up if you need help.

For some it may come easier, but for most, it may be difficult to advocate for yourself. Those are the cases that your friends and family may be able to give you the extra insight, support and encouragement to push forward with what you really want. They can often see what really give you joy and you should take chance on.

From the short period of time that I’ve known Sarah, she’s already been inspiring me to stand up for my mental health and think about how I want to shape my future. I also am inspired by her to get back into baking! When Sarah isn’t engineering and inspiring young women to continue their path in STEM, she’s baking gluten free treats and spending her time as a dog sitter!

Are you someone who tends to say yes to everything and get burnt out? Or are you someone who is able to prioritize your opportunities?

Have you had a time you stood up for yourself and been proud of that moment? Please share to inspire others!

Connect with Sarah Peters on LinkedIn!