Callum’s story

Callum had recently graduated from university when he went back to do a Grit workshop.

I was having real problems with the process of getting a job so, when the trainer asked me what it is I want to do, I nearly cried. I’d spent all my time since uni applying for jobs that I didn’t really want to do. My heart was just not in it. I was not being true to myself. I had a massive problem with self confidence, about where I wanted to go in life. I’d become what my younger self would regard as a failure.

All I was doing was trying to please my mum. For her the priority is always money. The work she does consumes her life. Her working day carries on well after working after hours and I didn’t want to fall into the same trap, doing something just for the money. I want a job that will make me happy.  I was massively conflicted

In the workshop we were asked to write down our biggest achievements in past couple of years. For me it was a struggle because I didn’t hold the things I’ve done in much regard. For example, I found getting a degree pretty easy so it didn’t feel like much of an accomplishment. I was too hard on myself, I didn’t appreciate myself and all that I had done.

I saw that I need to cut myself some slack, that I wasn’t giving myself enough credit. Grit gave me the ‘oomph’ to look at myself and work out what is best for me. I started journalling, working through to-do lists so I can appreciate and acknowledge my journey and my achievements, become a better version of myself.

I can see so much more about myself. Before, in interviews, I would just list the things I had done. Now I can really talk about what I’ve got to offer with a new confidence. Now I’m telling interviewers what I can bring to the table, what I could do for them.  So I’m getting further with job applications. I’m getting more interviews, more second interviews and positive feedback.

If I was asked describe Grit I’d just say “do it!” It can be hard to reflect on yourself, hard to make yourself vulnerable. But if you do, you’ll soon see the benefit. Now I’m clear about what I want to do and what I don’t want to be.  And I’m not spending my time trying to please my mum. I’m accepting that I’m on a path she doesn’t approve of.

Of course, there’s another thing I’m sure about: when I succeed in getting on the career path that I want, my mum will be the first to congratulate me.