This is the first blog post I’ve ever written and it is only fitting it’s for Millennial CEO because my experience is one that I believe many Millennials can relate to – leaving a job that they thought was their “forever.”
Working in a startup environment over the last year and a half has been in one word, exhilarating. Joyce Co is in the business of starting businesses, which I learned when our focus shifted over night from Exert, a hot flash and night sweat spray, to Movy, a video messaging platform. My love (and almost obsession) with Social Media lead me to create a position that I did not even know had an actual recognized title in the social world. As a Community Manager my day is based on the content shared and consumed in my network and the social conversations around them as they relate to our brand. Building this community from scratch has been fun, exciting, and definitely at times, stressful. But when you care about people, you put them first, and that mentality is what helped to create the #MovyFam.
In the past year I have experienced a few traumatic experiences, losing my brother to addiction and my mom to a 10 year battle with stage 4 breast/liver cancer. I can honestly say that my community saved me during the most difficult times of my life. I had no option but to smile, communicate and engage every day, and when you’re on video you have no excuse but to be authentic. And I was my true self, because their energy and excitement was magnetic! I owe my quick bounce-back to my community and I am forever grateful. And that is why it is so hard to say goodbye.
It’s no secret that startups are risky. Obstacles expose themselves at every corner in any new business and it becomes increasingly important to adapt, adjust and conquer. My roles changed daily as priorities shifted, and that is a learning experience you cannot absorb in any classroom. It’s hands-on-hustling and it becomes the norm when you’re determined to get others to feel your passion. That same passion is what propelled me to continue working the last 5 months without collecting a paycheck. Like I said, startups are risky!
I believe every relationship, friendship, and job is meant to serve us for a particular reason at any given time in our lives. And this all part of the Millennial Mindset. We take pride in our commitments and personal investments with people and brands alike. For me, my community’s support was meant to help me remember what is most important in our lives: the people that are still here and how we can help each other.
I’m ready to expand my network and learn more about myself so I can connect on an even deeper human level. I am craving ‘out of my comfort zone’ experiences and I’m starting with this blog post! Thank you to my community, my #MovyFam, for helping me discover what I love to do and giving me something I’ve never had before when leaving a position: Passion, Purpose and Direction.
PS, we will ALWAYS be a family. Which means you can’t get rid of me completely!
Follow me on Twitter @LorrieGuerrieri and let me know how I can help you.
