A Hard Lesson in the Importance of Non-Negotiables
I have always worked. From my very first job of making corsages for a florist friend of my parents to lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons as a teenager; from being a bank teller in high school and college to my first “career job” in aerospace after I graduated. I have never not worked.
Until one day, 20+ years into my career, I found myself unemployed. To say that I was lost is a monumental understatement. I was a train wreck.
What I did for a living had become who I was.
I had no idea what I did for enjoyment because I had stopped having fun.
I didn’t know what I did in my spare time because I had no spare time. I had allowed myself to get to a point where I was available to my employer, and expected to be that way, 24/7/365.
A job that I loved had become a job that I despised and to make matters worse, I wasn’t even treated respectfully or shown any appreciation.
It has taken me years to realize that although the primary factors involved with my being unemployed had absolutely nothing to do with me, I did play a part in where I found myself.
I had no boundaries or, as I like to call them now, Non-Negotiables.
Having, communicating, and honoring clear non-negotiables is key to a successful career in aviation and aerospace, two industries that can and will involve long and unpredictable hours.
Setting clear boundaries is one way to ensure that you are treated with the professional respect that you deserve by your colleagues and superiors.
Boundaries can prevent burnout and stress, which are crucial for roles that demand precision and attention to details.
Clear boundaries can act as a deterrent against potential harassment or unwanted advances.
By sticking to your non-negotiables, you uphold your personal values and integrity.
These are but a few of the reasons why having strong non-negotiables and boundaries is key for women in aviation and aerospace.
Want to learn more?
Register for the “NAVIGATE™ Your Ascent MasterClass - Empowering Strategies for Women in Aviation and Aerospace” or schedule some time to speak with me directly.
Join a community of women changing the face of aviation and aerospace leadership and providing roles models for the next generation of young women.
I may have learned the importance of having clear boundaries the hard way, but you do not have to. I would love to share more of my hard-won lessons learned and strategies for a long and prosperous career in these sometimes difficult-to -navigate male-dominated sectors. I hope you join me.