xoSelf (short for Love Yourself)) is a weekly advice series where women can anonymously seek advice on topics about relationships, work, finding themselves or life challenges. xoSelf is responded to by educator & life coach Dr. Walter Hidalgo.
Dear xoSelf: I have been with my company for twenty years and I love it there, but I feel like I’m not being valued. I often suggest new ideas to them about how to improve, help with employee mental health and wellness especially due to the pandemic and they get overlooked. I work in HR so I work closely with people and their mental state. I’ve spoken to the company about training for advancement, workshops, etc; but my opinions go unnoticed. At this point I’m wondering if I should leave the company or even start my own? I have so much potential and passion but feeling caged.
Answer: It sounds like God is planting these ideas and dreams into your heart but unfortunately you are having obstacles manifesting them into the real world. I do not recommend anyone leaving their job without a strategic exit plan. However, to quote a famous line from a movie: “Nothing is worse than wasted talent.” We forget that we have time before 9am and after 5pm to work on ourselves including our dreams. If your company is not willing to work with you then you should work for yourself. In other words, use your time before and/or after work to start putting together your training, workshops, etc. so that you can pitch it to other people, friends, organizations, colleagues, etc. For whatever reason your company doesn’t want your services at this time but that doesn’t mean someone else needs it! Get on track to fire your boss with an exit plan!
Related article: Managing Stress Guide for Mompreneurs During the Pandemic
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Dr. Walter Hidalgo is an educator and coach. He has a master’s of arts in Church History and Sociology from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University and a doctorate from New York Theological Seminary where his focus was on the intersectionality between Hip-hop culture and socio-spiritual movements. He has taught in universities, high schools, prisons, not-for-profit organizations, and faith-based institutions from all over the world. And finally, he is the author of the critically acclaimed book, “Beyond the Four Walls: The Rising Ministry and Spirituality of Hip-hop” where he has worked with numerous Hip-hop artists, educators, and youth from all over the world to create spaces of fun and empowerment.