I heard somewhere that you only grow when you’re uncomfortable. Since talking on the role of EM I can honestly say that I have been very uncomfortable.
I have been pushed and prodded, I have had my ideals challenged, my perspectives altered, and my lifestyle changed. Do I regret these things occurring? No. This is the sort of position that forces you to improve in several ways that aren’t evident at first and each person has to hone some personal edge through the process. For me, it was managing a balance in my personal and professional spheres and my perspective on what I used to call barriers but now see as something that needed to be overcome.
Listen, it’s not a 9 to 5. I work odd hours and weekends. I am beholden to those I manage outside of the office. This can be a tiring thing but at the same time I have developed a sense of empathy for those I am responsible for and feel that I am making a difference in their lives.
The role keeps you on your toes and each week is different from the last. You won’t stop learning and being challenged. You get to work with like minded people in a setting that is encouraging and supportive and there will be the occasional fun activity that is fantastic for stress relief.
At the end of the day I would say this about my experience. I have enjoyed it most of the time, hated some of the time, grown through all of it, and regretted none of it.
