I believe that making long-term choices is what leads you to a successful and fulfilling career. It is much easier to stand back and talk about what you want and where you want to be than actually do the work to get there. Everything you do is ultimately your choice and not a result of what other people say or do to you.
You may find yourself in situations that are not totally in your control, but how you handle or respond to those situations is your choice. All of the choices I have made in my life have led me to where I am today. For example, I chose to take positions throughout my career that weren’t always promotions, but they were jobs within an organization where I knew I wanted to be and where I knew I would learn new skills that I could take with me to the next level of my career. My long-term goal was to have a satisfying job where I could make an impact. With that goal in mind, I made choices that brought me to where I am today in my career.
I never asked to be an executive at Southern Company, but the skills and knowledge I gained from working in various parts of southern Company, such as Georgia Power and Southern Nuclear, helped me really understand all sides of the business and prepare me for the role I am in today. What keeps you good at what you do is being where you want to be and where you choose to be. Looking for jobs you enjoy and learning from and excelling in those roles will direct you to a fulfilling career that is right for you.
