Here's my mid-year career audit and report card

At this point, 2025 is more than halfway done. Q2 (for me, at least) is coming to a close, and for many reasons, I am busier than ever at work. This is a good thing though.

I have to be honest; I don’t usually write down my career goals or keep any sort of ‘log’ of what I hope to achieve by X time. I kinda just figure it out along the way and keep all my ideas and goals up in my big head. I do have broad/general goals for myself, nothing too crazy. Growth is probably the simple way of saying it. I want to continue to grow; in my role, in my industry, personally, all of it.

Welcome to my (very informal) mid-year career audit and report card.

What part of my work energizes me the most?

It’s always about the end user.

As a Community pro, I would argue we are the most public-facing people in the org, next to the CEO. I would argue this point for really any product/brand community, especially in the tech space. I need to be working closely with the customers for me to know I am making an impact and delivering value. I’d have a hard time with it if I was building something for the end user and I rarely got the chance to actually interface with them, get their feedback, meet them in person. If that didn’t happen, it wouldn’t bring me as much energy. I know that for sure.

Beyond that, it’s when users find something new and cool about the product that helps them achieve their goals—that definitely energizes me. I know for certain there are plenty of people paying for the product but not taking advantage of all it can do. I love when they uncover a new feature that delivers value. A fun lil lightbulb moment. I live for those!

Have I developed any new skill(s) this year?

Yes, and on my way to develop more! I’m trying to learn more of the technical pieces of our product. It’s a process… yikes. I have more questions than I do answers at this point. Learning some of the intricacies of Salesforce has me feeling all loopy, but I’ll get there!

Something I am always improving on though, is the skill (and art) of writing copy. I’ve said this many times—copywriters are some of the most underrated people in a Marketing function. They get the message across, and what they’re getting across, is ideally, on brand, consistent with tone and voice, and most importantly, persuades the audience to believe. It’s really hard to do.

This is a skill I’ve drastically improved on over the years. And I’m still working on it. If I could take any course today, it would be a copywriting course. I am fascinated by how copywriters do what they do, especially when it comes to ad campaigns and social. It’s an art, like I said. And perhaps a science too, tbh.

Am I feeling more motivated or more stuck than I did in January?

More motivated for sure. We grew our team a little bit, we participated in some cool initiatives and activations, and the community we run is getting more and more visibility (that’s mostly because we have awesome members and end users who are organically contributing, because, well, they are passionate and curious about the product).

When you have what you need to be successful (whether that is support, resources, headcount, time from others, etc), it becomes far more motivating to do your job, and to do it well. Luckily for me, I have a great team and just as great community of members and passionate users who make my job easier (and more fun, tbh).

Like any job, there are ups and downs. This year reminded me to take PTO, first of all. But to also give yourself some grace and to not be so hard on yourself. As a perfectionist who likes to be in the driver’s seat (hello Capricorns), I’ve learned a lot this year about …a lot, including saying ‘no’ if you don’t have the room on your plate to take on something new.

Career report card for 2025: How I think I’m doing in these areas (to date, not comprehensive, of course)

• Resilience during challenges: B+

• Seeking mentorship/training: B

• Confidence in my value: A

• Willingness to step outside my comfort zone: B+

• Consistency and reliability: A

• Learning new (technical) skills: B

• Linkedin consistency: A

• Making work wins visible: B+

• Managing up/navigating the org: B+

• Taking breaks and time off: B

• Motivation to show up: A

• Protecting my time and energy: B+

• Managing stress: B

• Asking for help when needed: B+

What does your mid-year career report card look like?

Thanks for reading and for being here. I don’t take for granted that you care what I have to say. Or even if you don’t care, and you’re still here; thanks for being a fan anyway. ❣️

Let’s connect!