What’s happening to me, I am writing a lot more about my thoughts and journey in life…as opposed to mouthwatering dinners, clothes that I am wearing, places I am seeing and hotels that I’ve been staying in. I have really turned a new leaf to reflect on many topics that has been integral in my life that has shaped the way that I am today; and my end goal is to at least inspire 1 person who has read my post. Some people say I am pretty persuasive about my outlook on life and that’s because I have thrown myself out there to keep my options open and see what’s really out there for me and not regret it 5 years later. I have 1 fear in life; which is being unhappy! I am a very positive person, perhaps too sheltered too as my parents have struggled through life to give me and my siblings the best life we can have so for that I am always grateful, respectful and grounded.
I wasn’t naturally smart at school; I had after school tuition in English and Maths like most Chinese kids to get through GCSE’s and A Levels (matriarch mums). I got into Royal Holloway University (at the time was ranked 12th in the UK) and graduated with 2.1 Honours in Management with Marketing. I didn’t want to dive into the real world of work so I applied for a job in Harrods as an Accessories Specialist (if you must know, the designer handbags department). There is a typical stereotype about retail girls; thinking that we ended up in retail because we can’t get a job anywhere else that’s reputable like “an office job”. A stigma that a retail girl is basically stupid, stand around to look pretty and not know any better than sell handbags and perfumes. I think people should really give these girls a break that working in retail is physically and mentally exhausting. The selection process for Harrods is actually very intensive, there’s a lot of screening before you actually get the job. I was at the same department for 3 years working my way up from Specialist to Brand Manager at 22. I was living what appears to be a glamorous life, I had a 4 digit clothing allowance from the brand I managed and flew to Milan 3 times a year for the showroom. It was a fashionistas dream but I knew this wasn’t the life I wanted, it was temporary. I originally wanted a career in buying but you have to sell your soul to fashion and I couldn’t. I turned 24 and I made the choice to go back to being a part time specialist so I can start looking for a job and bring myself to quit a really (higher than average) good paying job (with amazing discounts by the way)! I can understand why people still stick around despite not seeing it as a career; the pay is so good they feel like it’s too hard to start from scratch in a different career with a lower pay. But that’s a sacrifice you will need to make if you want long term happiness! I took a risk and found an internship in SEO related field with a small agency and they wanted me to start asap! Amazing news and scary at the same time as my working life has always been in retail! I went back to work the next day and told my director. Harrods couldn’t be more supportive for their employees; I am so grateful and thankful for supporting my career choices by allowing me to cut my hours with immediate effect to start my internship; despite knowing they have lost a loyal employee. I am forever grateful for all the opportunities I have had with Harrods for 3 years; people don’t seem to realise how valuable the skills I have learnt from them. They sponsored my Mandarin classes for the year at King’s College, grafted me to be presentable physically as well as vocally and this has helped me become who I am now in my current job; a digital specialist in Marketing.
One thing I learnt? You need to make sacrifices if you want to pursue in an alternative career; even when you feel you are starting to feel a bit old (ok I am not old, but starting an internship at 24 is pretty mature). Also, always be grateful with every opportunity; a shit job/task can turn out to make you a valuable asset! So do what it is that’s boring and make it better! Personality is just as king as brains! If you are dead smart but boring as hell; you won’t shine or stand out as much as those who’s got that extra edge. As a digital specialist; it’s all about spreadsheets and statistics; I was shit and had no idea but I learnt on the job (thankfully).
Tips for you who’s stuck in your job and want a different career? Just Google your field of interest and research all the companies that has that field of job spec. If they don’t have an open role, email them anyway that you want an opportunity with them…you have nothing to lose. A little pro-activeness gets you noticed and your chances of getting an interview is very likely. Companies are always recruiting and it is very time consuming; if you can do them a favour and get yourself noticed; they are more than happy to read your CV! Make sure your personality shines through; as I said before; personality can win them over (I don’t want to sound big headed but my personality masked my weak skills in statistics at the time).
Another thing I noticed about people is that they like to moan about hating their job but they don’t want to look for a job because they want a pay to match their current role. You need to be realistic and come up with a plan to make it happen. I feel like it is all talk. I tried to help a few girls once on what they need to do and tell them there is a job vacancy but they never gave it a consideration. Looking back; I could have stayed at my job and enjoyed all the discounts in the world, fly to Milan and get a good pay check. By the time I hit 25 or 26, I know that’s when I will be stuck and find it really difficult to find a job in marketing and start from the bottom. If this is you; my tip for you is to start building connections on Linkedin, perhaps build a blog and make a name for yourself to be a lil bit entrepreneural on your interests outside of work. Having connections is the best thing ever to get somewhere in life; especially for a job!
You know what’s funny? At my age; there is a lot of colleagues of mine who are younger and that bit ahead of me in terms of career but many of them are bored, starting to hate their job and uninspired. I told the about my career journey that despite being a late bloomer in my field; apparently it is much preferred because no one has really experienced an alternative job sector to expand their options in the future. Some colleagues of mine already expressed that they have reach a senior-ish position and too late to start a new career and that they very much admired my journey. To be honest; I don’t think I would be what I am today without my inspiring sister (Kit Lee of Style Slicker) who forced me to blog! She has really helped enhanced my profile as a person to have a blog to keep my outside of work hours exciting! I have a job I love, a blog I love (hate the name) and a bright future ahead of me. I hope you have enjoyed my post and give me a shout if you have any thoughts, questions, discussions you may want to dive into! May x
The post I used to be a retail girl, now I’m a Digital Specialist appeared first on Red Velvet London.