I characterized much of my career as a problem-solver and fire extinguisher – many days were defined by the fires I put out – forget getting work done – be reactive to everything because that is the way it works. I am a proactive person though! How did that work? Not well. I was frustrated, exhausted, and annoyed at everything and everyone. Why was this all so difficult? Couldn’t we have solved this by being diligent before the disaster occurred – and it always occurred. We could have – absolutely, but we didn’t and that is not the point. The point is that if you are in an environment that does not fit your personality and personal likes and dislikes – leave before you are a jerk. It isn’t worth it. You will not feel good about yourself and your actions will be unbecoming – that is almost a guarantee. It is very hard to be in an environment that goes against your values and belief system. It is hard to be someone else at work. You need to be YOU – you need to find an environment where you are allowed to be YOU – all of you.
The triumphs as well as the defeats – don’t hide the failures – celebrate them. Embrace the learning you received in doing something you have never done and be happy that you are self-aware enough now to a) realize you learned something and you won’t do that particular thing again; b) absorb the information and make different choices than before, and c) leave situations that are not YOU.