From Elior to New Compass: My Unexpected Career Pivot and What I Learned
So, you're curious about my journey from Elior to my new role at Compass? Let me tell you, it wasn't exactly straight-forward. It was more like a rollercoaster – lots of ups and downs, unexpected twists, and a whole lot of learning. I'm talking real learning, not just the textbook stuff.
The Elior Days: What I Gained (and Lost)
My time at Elior was…intense. I mean, seriously intense. I was a Managing Director, responsible for a huge chunk of the business. Think long hours, high pressure, and enough spreadsheets to fill a small library. I mastered the art of multitasking, learned to negotiate like a shark, and honed my presentation skills to a razor's edge. I also, let's be honest, let my work-life balance completely tank. Pizza became my best friend. My family? Not so much.
One thing I learned the hard way: sustainable success isn't just about hitting targets. It's about creating a holistic strategy that incorporates wellness and, dare I say it, life. I was so focused on climbing the corporate ladder, I almost tripped and fell flat on my face. Almost.
There were triumphs, of course. We landed some major contracts. We exceeded projections. I felt like a rock star, at least for a little while. But the pressure was relentless. I burned myself out. The stress was affecting my health, both physically and mentally. I knew I needed a change. Not just any change, a radical change.
The Compass Calling: A New Direction
And that's where Compass comes in. It wasn't a planned move, honestly. It wasn't even on my radar. I stumbled across the opportunity almost by accident. I was burnt out from the fast-paced world of Elior and, frankly, I was questioning everything – my career path, my priorities, even my sanity. I was looking for something… different.
I remember the interview like it was yesterday. I was nervous as heck, still reeling from my Elior experience. But the people at Compass were different. They were supportive, collaborative, and actually seemed to care about work-life integration. It was refreshing, like a cool drink of water in the desert.
Lessons Learned: The Pivot Point
Leaving Elior was scary. It felt like jumping off a cliff. But honestly? It was the best decision I ever made. My new role at Compass allows me to use my skills in a way that's both challenging and rewarding, without the crushing pressure I experienced before.
Here's what I took away from the whole experience:
- Don't be afraid to make a change: Staying in a toxic work environment is damaging. You need to prioritize your wellbeing. Your mental and physical health are crucial.
- Network relentlessly: You never know where your next opportunity will come from. Maintain those connections and expand your network.
- Work-life balance is not a luxury; it's a necessity: Don't let your career consume your life. Schedule personal time.
- Embrace change: Pivoting your career can be scary, but it can lead to incredible growth and unexpected opportunities.
- Listen to your gut: If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Trust your instincts.
The transition wasn't seamless. There was a learning curve at Compass, of course. I had to adapt my management style to fit the new culture. It's all part of the process. Now, looking back, I'm incredibly grateful for both my Elior and Compass experiences. They've shaped me into a better professional and a happier person. The path wasn't always easy, but it led me to exactly where I needed to be. And that’s a pretty powerful lesson.