IExactly today, one year ago, I was boarding a plane to go to Los Angeles to work for an unknown length of time, could be 4 months, could be 6 months. Only a couple of things were certain in my brain at that time; I had just received my divorce paperwork in the mail, I was furthering my career and I was ready to take on an adventure of my own. It can be crazy how removing yourself from a situation can really highlight what was happening in your life. For me, this was a new chapter to turn a new leaf from negative relationships. As soon as the airplane landed on the tarmac at LAX, I felt an overwhelming sensation of freedom and independence. I was so used to my comfort zone but this was truly my time to step out and see what I wanted in life. It was the first chance that I have ever focused on myself and ask where I eventually wanted to go into my career and return to the basics of what really makes Elaine happy. It took a while to get into a routine, I was living out of a hotel for the first couple of months, exploring new cities and getting used to a totally new work environment but all in all, I was truly thriving. Living in Utah often makes me feel like I am living under a rock. I was able to experience many new cultures, a less religious saturated work environment and remember what it is like to not be judged at work for being a female. It was incredible. I describe this 6-month stint to be my eat, pray, love summer, however, my spin on it would be "Eat, career, love". I was getting Per Diem each day so I didn’t flinch when it came to food prices. I became pretty adventurous with food and enjoyed all of the new flavors and bougie restaurants. We were working 6 long days a week but I was getting to learn invaluable skills that I know will advance my career and I perfected my networking skills. It always amazed my friends how many people I knew, especially because I was one of the only Level 1 Engineers working on this project. Most importantly, I was learning how to love myself again. It was perhaps the most moving 6 months, and it was exactly what I needed. I learned a couple of things over the summer Work Trips If you are able to go on a short term work assignment where they pay for everything, SAY YES. It will enable you to meet new contacts, spread your horizons and you can test out a new position without fully committing. Listen to your gut Whether it is red flags with a new person, or a gut feeling about a job truly listen to yourself. Take a minute to write down your concerns or talk to someone else about it! I made the mistake of not listening to my gut a couple of times over the summer and it resulted in some decisions that I wish I had taken a little more seriously. Surround yourself with people who believe in you It's quite magical when you surround yourself with support and constant encouragement. For the first time in a long time, I was able to visualize what I wanted to be beyond a manufacturing engineer and now I have formed better end goals for myself. Compassion is correlated to my happiness I have found that the more I give back to my community whether it is donating my time or money my happiness sky rockets. It reminds me that I am able to make an impact and it is so rewarding. After the summer, it is hard to come back from something like that with high energy, fast paced, and excitement. Leaving all of that hit hard like a breakup but worse because it held such a euphoric spot in my brain. I started a new job that sounded great on paper however when I accepted the job I had a gut feeling that I wouldn’t be as challenged as I was hoping. I am the weirdo that would rather have tons of hard work compared to sitting around, not having much work. My brain enjoys being stimulated, it is how I have learned to cope with ADHD. It's been one of the most career rewarding years; I was a convocation speaker for Weber State University which I loved. I enjoy speaking to people about my experiences and giving guidance to young people. I always strive to be a good resource for students. I was recognized as the SWE New ELiTE” Emerging Leader in Technology and Engineering” for my involvement with SWE, my achievements at work and my involvement in the community. I was featured on a billboard for the Weber State Composites program!! I purchased my dream car, a Porsche 911. The fascination started as a child and has never, truly left my brain. If you were wondering, it is all the feelings to have your dream car at a young age. I am so in love and I get so much happiness from driving in the Utah mountains. But, in all honesty, I got the car for other reasons besides it being my dream car. Since I basically work in a dungeon all day, she helps me get outside and explore. There is a large car community out here in Utah with great people so I have been enjoying that! All in all, the last 365 days have been monumental in my adulthood and one of the most impactful ones. It has taught me to always choose happiness and has made me even more thankful for all my “Rocks”, my family and friends that I can truly count on.
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AuthorMy name is Elaine Cope, I am studying Manufacturing Engineering. I decided to make this blog with hopes to inspire other young female engineers to pursue their dreams. Archives
November 2019
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