new opportunities

Early in my career, I jumped at nearly every opportunity that came along. I wanted to impress everyone, and I wanted to prove to them that I deserved to be there. At that point in my career, I felt it was important to seize every chance because, even though I had endured years of school and training, I hadn’t yet figured out exactly what I wanted to do with my life. Taking on every challenge that came along was extremely enlightening. It allowed me to realize what I loved, what I just liked, and what I could barely stand doing. This approach also connected me with many people from so many different specialties. Eventually, it simply became exhausting.

When I took on a task, and I took on a lot of them, I wanted to do everything to the very best of my ability. I would eventually learn that you have to put even more energy into doing things you do not actually like. While the networking and building human connections aspect of my work was incredible, it became very clear that I could not go on doing work I had no interest in.

Now I approach new opportunities a little differently. Instead of eagerly jumping in, I take some time to consider what this might mean for my schedule, my well-being, and my overall goals. Burnout is very real, and I’m already a very busy person. For new chances like this, I evaluate them in terms of my Five Ps: Pay, Promote, Passion, Push, and Purpose.

1. Pay

What is the financial compensation? Is there a budget attached, and is it reasonable? For many opportunities I research the pay history to find out what my white, male counterparts would make for the same position. When it comes to pay, remember: If you don’t ask for it, you’ll never get it.

2. Promote

Will this opportunity promote me? Some people are okay being right where they are in their career, but others are still eagerly climbing that ladder. Sometimes opportunities are exactly what you need to take you to the next level, regardless ofpay or how satisfying they might appear.

3. Push

Will this opportunity push me? Will it challenge me? Will I learn something new, or will it force me out of my comfort zone? Opportunities that push you are often the ones that help you grow.

4. Passion

Am I passionate about this opportunity? Is it something I love doing so much that I’d do it for free just because it enriches my life? In the past, opportunities like mentoring or health advocacy have been obvious choices simply because of my passion for them.

5. Purpose

Does this opportunity align with my Purpose? We all have a purpose on this earth and opportunities that present themselves to us are the best when they align with our purpose.

After asking these five questions, if a given opportunity meets one or more of my Five Ps, I say yes! Otherwise, I have to pass. Just setting boundaries isn’t enough, you have to work to enforce those boundaries as well.

Protect your peace, Queens, and Kings.

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