During the formative years of my career as a lawyer, I was (and still am, by the way!) focused on learning the practice of law and have seized every opportunity to absorb the ins and outs of the profession…like a sponge. I remember intently observing the conduct of my seniors and peers alike and constantly asking myself what I had learnt.
I remember that one of the things I had learnt quite early is how to maintain a client file by recording all attendances in chronological order. In those days, records were largely manual, but we had a saving culture when it came to paper. I remember using draft paper and cutting them to different sizes for recording. I had a whole, half, quarter and one-eighth piece of an A4 sheet of paper, which I used for that purpose.
A few weeks ago, one of my recent connections on LinkedIn told me that she found the notes I had left on files I had attended to while employed by her current employers, very useful as she was able to pick up on the cases very easily. I was delighted to hear that! I felt that the investment I had made in my work was long term in that I still hold the same work ethic, albeit with technological enhancements and it has earned me a decent reputation with colleagues who have had the chance to experience them.
Later on in my career, as a young mother, I recall buying a washing machine and dishwasher before a number of household things. Upon reflection, I think that my investments during the period were designed to assist me to apply my mind to my nine to five work, household chores and my family (because I am big on that!) without compromising on the quality of each engagement.
When I got a real chance at having some disposable income, I slowly started investing in apparel and accessories that would help me walk the talk and represent who I was in my profession…looking the part, as they say. Over the years, I have endeavored to maintain that mantra.
Investing in one’s professional and academic education is also a powerful enabler for success. I remember starting this investment about 18 years ago with acquiring my own copies of selected law reports and other books. I started with one and slowly increased the number, funds permitting. To date, I find the books useful, and I have been assisted in my efforts towards academic advancement.
The plot of my sharing today is that it is important to start early with investing in your career, rather than wait until you have certain levels of income. Some investments do not cost money, but rather a commitment on your part to dedicate time to an activity.
I also believe that such conscious planning leads to a work life balance in that most of the investments promote efficiency and cost effectiveness. This means that you will not spend more time than is necessary on your career at the expense of life, which happens every day!
In terms of mentoring, which I believe should form part of the long-term career agenda for every professional, I have found that I am able to relate to the concerns of my mentees as I endeavour to assist them to be the best version of Themselves, largely because of the long-term investments I have made in my career. It is our duty to contribute to continuous development of our respective professions, and what better way to do it than tap on your experiences?
The process of investment in one’s career, in my view, is an ongoing and evolving exercise. I urge colleagues to introspect and discover their long-term investments and how they are impacting their lives as a whole…If you haven’t started, start by creating small wins today!
I hope I can hear stories from colleagues on this topic…Let’s share!
Thank you.
