Lessons from My Career Journey: What I’ve Learned Along the Way

Each person's career path is unique, and influenced by the highs and lows that contribute to our development. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize how every experience, whether a challenge or a success, has led me to my current career path.

Overcome Fear

One MOST important lessons I learned is about conquering fear, a challenge that is inherently present in humans. I discovered that many people encounter this issue, but few acknowledge it due to fear and pride. In my younger years, I often felt intense fear whenever I embarked on something new, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar challenges or situations. However, I understood that to advance and develop, I needed to face and overcome this fear. Although pushing through it was difficult, each time I succeeded, it enabled me to progress and gain the confidence required to tackle future challenges.

Self-honesty

My principle in life is that building a career means experiencing every step truthfully, like starting with a blank piece of paper for every new task and responsibility. Each phase adds to your foundation, and there are no shortcuts to achieving a higher-level position. Every role, challenge, and lesson builds the skills and character needed to succeed.

Curiosity and Chances

I have always taken 'every chance' to learn something new. At the start of my career, I found that every task was big and that I needed to go over it. Every responsibility given to me at work helped me build skills, gain knowledge, and show what I could do. Staying curious and open to learning allowed me to find value even in the most unexpected situations and every day I looked forward to new tasks and new responsibilities.

Resilient

I also learned how important it is to be resilient. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, projects failed, goals weren’t met, or problems came out of nowhere. Instead of seeing these as failures, I treated them as opportunities to grow stronger and learn to adapt to new situations. Resilience helped me push through and keep moving forward. Not avoiding struggles but facing them, learning from them, and growing stronger through these experiences.

Connections

No matter what your job is building healthy friendships and connections is the key to success. Getting along with people with respect, seeking mentors, and gaining trust can create opportunities to grow career advancement. Value collaboration or teamwork, and avoid working in isolation. Even if you have higher qualifications than others, don't let your ego inflate, as qualifications are different from real-world work experience.

Integrity

Another important lesson I learned was to remain faithful to my values. During your career path, some may have faced decisions that tested your valuable principles like honesty and respect. By holding these beliefs, I took pride in them because I believe that what I have achieved today comes from my genuine honesty and integrity.

Patience & Stay Focused

Lastly, I’ve learned that patience is just as important as ambition. It’s easy to want everything to happen quickly, but success takes time and effort. By staying focused on my goals and being patient, I’ve learned to enjoy the process as much as the results.

These lessons have shaped who I am today. I hope they inspire you to reflect on your path and welcome the challenges and opportunities that arise.

Title: "Navigating Tough Career Times: Tips for Staying Motivated

Navigating a career is never without its challenges, and my journey has been no exception. In the 1980s, opportunities for structured learning and professional development were far more limited than they are today. Unlike now, where individuals can pursue specialized management courses in human resources, my path was built largely through hands-on experience, trial and error, and a steadfast determination to learn.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was acquiring the knowledge needed to manage complex HR functions without the guidance of formal education or training programs. I had to rely on my resourcefulness and persistence, often learning by directly engaging with regulatory authorities. For example, whenever I encountered an unfamiliar process or requirement, I would reach out to offices such as the labour department (Pejabat Buruh), the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organization (Socso), and Inland Revenue Board (LHDN). These interactions, while daunting at first, became invaluable learning experiences that expanded my understanding of the regulatory landscape.

I also learned to manage payroll through hands-on experience, guided by seasoned HR personnel who generously shared their knowledge. This practical approach was common practice in the past, as formal HR-specific training was often unavailable. Back then, access to the internet was limited, leaving books as one of the primary resources for acquiring knowledge. I invested in numerous publications written by Malaysian authors, focusing on the basic requirements of human resources. These books became my trusted resources, bridging the gaps in my understanding and helping me navigate the complexities of HR work.

As time passed, structured human resources systems were developed by professionals of my generation, who faced similar challenges in sourcing knowledge. Today's era offers abundant information online, making it easier for individuals to grasp the fundamentals of the HR profession. HOWEVER, practising it in real-time often differs significantly from what is described in written materials. The realities of HR work cannot always be accurately captured in books or online resources.

Additionally, the market now offers a wide variety of HR management systems, each with its own set of strengths. However, not all systems are universally applicable or practical for every organization. The choice of an HR management system depends largely on the type of business, the preferences of the management, and the available budget. It requires careful evaluation to ensure the system aligns with the organization's goals and objectives.

During these times in the 19th century, motivation wasn’t something I always felt naturally. It was a conscious choice I had to make daily, fueled by a vision of where I wanted to be and what I wanted to achieve. Each challenge became an opportunity to prove that I could persevere and grow. Whether it was resolving a regulatory issue, finding innovative ways to support employees, or balancing organizational needs with compliance requirements, I found engagement and fulfilment in tackling problems head-on and each day with new experiences.

Another key to staying motivated was embracing the mindset of continuous learning. I understood that growth doesn’t come from avoiding difficulties but from engaging with them and seeking solutions. Even without formal training programs, I actively sought knowledge by reading, networking, and observing others who excelled in their roles. I celebrated small victories quietly and always believed in my abilities which gave me the strength to face larger obstacles.

Looking back, those tough times shaped the professional I am today. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of a proactive approach to learning. Staying motivated wasn’t always easy, but it was worth every effort. The lessons I gained through these experiences are not just professional achievements but also life skills that continue to serve me well.

The Harder The Struggle, The More Glorious The Triumph

Breaking into HR: My Journey from Newbie to Professional

Reflecting on my career path, my journey wasn't direct, yet each step led me closer to discovering my true passion in human resources.

My educational background was in accounting. I started studying accounting at the age of 13, from Form 1 to Form 5 and continued with the LCCI qualification after school. However, as I went deeper into the subject, I realized that accounting wasn’t something I was truly passionate about. While I respected the discipline and its importance, I found the calculations tedious and unfulfilling. After college, I entered the workforce, hoping to find a career path that resonated with me more.

My first job was as a secretary and manage simple accounting. I believed this role might offer variety and a chance to learn, but it turned out to be limiting where I only served one person, the boss, and followed a routine that felt monotonous. Determined to find something more engaging, I transitioned to an assistant role supporting a company secretary. However, this position also lacked challenges, dynamism, and opportunities to connect with others in the workplace.

I knew I wanted a role where I could contribute to something larger, helping not just one person but many. This realization drove me to keep searching until I landed a position at a multinational Japanese company. Here, I was assigned to assist the lead ISO auditor in developing ISO documentation for the organization and became an internal auditor for the system. It was my first exposure to a role that involved engaging with different departments and improving organizational quality. One specific ISO requirement stood out to me: every employee had to undergo at least one training session annually to enhance their work quality.

As part of my responsibilities as an HR cum ISO Officer, I began sourcing appropriate training programs for employees. I also led internal Quality Control Circles (QCC) to improve product quality and workplace conditions. This aspect of my job helping people grow through training and improving the work environment triggered a spark in me. I started to realize that I had found something I genuinely enjoyed, which is working with humans in human resources.

From there in 2011 onwards, my focus shifted. I pursued HR-related roles that allowed me to deepen my knowledge and skills in the field. My next job as an HR Executive introduced me to payroll and recruitment in addition to training. I started handling a broader spectrum of HR responsibilities, learning about the complexities of the profession.

Eventually, I found myself in the healthcare industry, where the challenges of human resources became even more intricate. In healthcare, HR isn’t just about recruitment, payroll, or training; it involves ensuring that employees meet specific licensing requirements mandated by the Malaysian healthcare authorities. This added layer of responsibility pushed me to further develop my expertise and adapt to the unique demands of the industry.

Looking back, my journey into human resources wasn’t a direct one, but each step prepared me for where I am today. From accounting to secretarial roles, and finally, to HR, I discovered that what truly fulfils me is contributing to the growth and well-being of people within an organization. It’s a career that aligns with my desire to make a meaningful impact, and I’m grateful for every experience that led me here.

Stay Patient and Trust Your Journey