For those of you who are new to my blog, I graduated from the University of Alabama in 2016 and immediately moved to New York to pursue a career in the fashion industry. I was young, excited, and driven. I landed a corporate job with one of the top retailers in the country and was ecstatic. I started my new role and was quickly moved to a more demanding position. My “southern” personality was brought up frequently and I quite often felt as if I was being taken advantage of – I almost always said yes to my supervisors, because I felt I couldn’t say no. I started noticing how people of authority in our office would make comments about weight and personal lives. These supervisors thus set the tone for the office. I did not feel comfortable in my work environment but thankfully had a group of co-workers who felt the same way. When Human Resources didn’t help, I felt undervalued and like my voice didn’t matter.
When it was time to re-sign my lease on my Brooklyn apartment, I felt I wouldn’t be able to escape this environment no matter where I worked in the fashion industry. I also had a nephew on the way and I realized that I wanted to be with my family. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my actual tasks and worked alongside the top brand names in fashion, the negativity was not worth it and quit after a year.
I was so relieved to be leaving this experience in the past, but will always cherish the lessons I learned. Much of what I learned dealt with who I am as a person and about who I want to become, especially in a work setting, as opposed to the actual fashion industry. Sometimes stepping away is the answer and clearly, this was just not the right fit for me. After a much-needed break, I was ready to get back to work and I now have a job that I enjoy in a completely different field! I’m a strong believer in what’s meant to be will be and things turned out in the end!
Photo by Jay Thaute
Thanks for sharing!! I had a similar experience in my first job/career choice as well and agree leaving was the best choice in the end and found my way into a job i am really loving. Keep on inspiring 🙂
But still a great learning experience! Glad you love your current work! Thanks Courtney!
xo, Hillary
So glad you got away gal and are in a better place now! You deserve the best and to be happy!!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Thank you Laura! You’re always so sweet to me!!
xo, Hillary
This is amazing Hillary! Always follow your heart and you will end up where you belong!! Keep doing amazing things, one day I’ll hire you as my personal stylist lol
Aw thank you Taylor!! Haha back at you girl! I will gladly be on your team!
xo, Hillary
Thanks for sharing your story! I actually just got out of a toxic work environment in the finance industry, and I can totally attest to how much it can bring you down. With as many hours as we spend a week at work, it should at least not be awful!
You’re preaching!! Glad you have left your bad experience, as well. On to bigger and better things!
xo, Hillary
I love this!!! So glad that you had the courage to leave and found a job that you love!
Thank you Anabelle!!
xo, Hillary
It sucks that you were in a bad environment. I’m glad you are in a better place now.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the support, Courtney!!
xo, Hillary
Omg I had no idea about your story! Good for you from stepping away from what you thought was your passion, and doing what’s best for you!
The Champagne Edit
Thank you!! Wish I would’ve known ya during my NYC days!!!
xo, Hillary
Love you long time!! xo
Back at ya babe!
xo, Hillary