Much time has been spent debating the most recent workplace trends, such as work from home, work-life balance, quiet quitting, and who can forget of diversity, equity, and inclusion. But have you ever heard of work surveillance?
I was rejected by a mentor once. I was stuck in my career and desperately looking for guidance. During my one-on-one with my director (someone whom I highly respected and still do), I asked if he would consider mentoring me. I remember saying
Throughout my career, I’ve often been the only person of color on my team, department, and, on occasion, within the entire company. I sometimes wondered, as I’m sure other BIPOC individuals do, if I was actually hired for my talent or was just another token hire
For decades, we’ve glorified this work-obsessed mindset while ignoring the consequences. And, believe it or not, the pandemic has only exacerbated the issue.
I strongly believe that we are stronger together. As a result, I actively look for opportunities to mentor and inspire other designers in my industry. I am particularly passionate about inspiring and mentoring young POC designers.
Many of us grew up in an era when “toughness” was something to be proud of. We wore our toughness on our sleeves like a badge of honor. Mental toughness is how we are often expected to respond to pressure, whether at work or in our personal lives. The tough mindset may get you through some difficult moments, but suppressing our emotions during difficult times can lead to procrastination, poor performance, and self-sabotage over time.