All these critics on LinkedIn claiming they only want to hear your story or insights "when" or "after" you've gotten to x age, worked for x years, done x, experienced x, etc... They say they don't believe in labels like "disruptor" or "influencer" and yet are perfectly fine throwing out labels like "entitled" and "lazy" when it comes to anyone under 30.
YOU, my dear, judgmental critics, are the reason young people chase empty goals that bring no more fulfillment than they brought you. External validation and achievements are nothing. What matters is WHO you are, what you stand for, how you treat people and approach the world.
I am here to say, you are worthy now. Not when, not if. As you are right now is valuable. We can learn from everyone. Not just those over 40 or those with MBAs or those who have a multimillion dollar empire. The beauty of humanity is there is inherent goodness and wisdom in each of us and we all provide a different perspective. It's not up to you to determine who is worthy of telling their story.
And since I know you need proof that my message is worthy - I am a university grad with no student loans (not paid off by my parents), married for 7 years, mom of a 6 year old, own 2 properties and 2 cars, have travelled to 15 countries, I've held 10 jobs since I was 18 and have the word "manager" in my title now. I immigrated to Canada with my family when I was 9 - had to learn a new language, adapt to a new culture and still managed to climb to the top of my class. I have shopped at food banks and I have shopped at Kate Spade. I have spent sleepless nights with a sick baby and I have gotten up at 6 to finish reports for work. I have a career I am proud of because I created it by moving from job to job until I landed somewhere I was appreciated. My husband had an aneurysm when I was 26 years old and I dealt with it. My mother has suffered with depression the majority of her adult life and I have dealt with it. I've done a lot of living and had many experiences in my life.
But here are the things you'll probably judge me for instead: I'm 31 years old (a dreaded millennial - oh no!), I live with my parents, I have big expectations, I will call you out on your bullshit. I love Starbucks and I totally do yoga and I meditate. I love Oprah! I'm constantly looking to experience new things - I don't want to go quietly into old age. I've experienced love, death, pain, illness, conflict and I make it my business to thrive not just survive. I seek beauty and joy and love daily.
What I want to iterate here is: none of these things made me worthy. I was born worthy. And if you judge people by a label or a piece of their identity or their age, you're missing out on a lot more that they have to offer.
YOU, my dear, judgmental critics, are the reason young people chase empty goals that bring no more fulfillment than they brought you. External validation and achievements are nothing. What matters is WHO you are, what you stand for, how you treat people and approach the world.
I am here to say, you are worthy now. Not when, not if. As you are right now is valuable. We can learn from everyone. Not just those over 40 or those with MBAs or those who have a multimillion dollar empire. The beauty of humanity is there is inherent goodness and wisdom in each of us and we all provide a different perspective. It's not up to you to determine who is worthy of telling their story.
And since I know you need proof that my message is worthy - I am a university grad with no student loans (not paid off by my parents), married for 7 years, mom of a 6 year old, own 2 properties and 2 cars, have travelled to 15 countries, I've held 10 jobs since I was 18 and have the word "manager" in my title now. I immigrated to Canada with my family when I was 9 - had to learn a new language, adapt to a new culture and still managed to climb to the top of my class. I have shopped at food banks and I have shopped at Kate Spade. I have spent sleepless nights with a sick baby and I have gotten up at 6 to finish reports for work. I have a career I am proud of because I created it by moving from job to job until I landed somewhere I was appreciated. My husband had an aneurysm when I was 26 years old and I dealt with it. My mother has suffered with depression the majority of her adult life and I have dealt with it. I've done a lot of living and had many experiences in my life.
But here are the things you'll probably judge me for instead: I'm 31 years old (a dreaded millennial - oh no!), I live with my parents, I have big expectations, I will call you out on your bullshit. I love Starbucks and I totally do yoga and I meditate. I love Oprah! I'm constantly looking to experience new things - I don't want to go quietly into old age. I've experienced love, death, pain, illness, conflict and I make it my business to thrive not just survive. I seek beauty and joy and love daily.
What I want to iterate here is: none of these things made me worthy. I was born worthy. And if you judge people by a label or a piece of their identity or their age, you're missing out on a lot more that they have to offer.
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