Let’s face it: no one starts their career as a seasoned expert. Those polished professionals you admire didn’t begin their journey with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. They built it, one experience at a time, through hard work, persistence, and a willingness to grow. Seniority isn’t something handed to you; it’s something you earn, step by step.
If you’ve ever felt the overwhelming frustration of learning new processes, navigating unfamiliar tools, or figuring out who to ask for help in a new role, let me tell you—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too. The confusion, the impatience, the occasional “Why did they even hire me?” thoughts—it’s all part of the journey. Let me share my experience to put things into perspective.
The Frustration of Starting Over
Picture this: I’ve just started a new job. I’m excited and ready to prove myself. But then reality hits. The systems are unfamiliar, the documentation is scattered, and everyone seems to know what they’re doing—except me.
One particular moment stands out. I spent hours searching for the right resource to complete a simple task, only to find out later that the information I needed wasn’t even documented properly. Cue the internal meltdown: “Am I the only one who can’t figure this out?”
Here’s the truth I eventually learned: feeling lost at the beginning is not a failure; it’s a natural part of acclimating to any new role. Even the most senior professionals face similar challenges when they start something new. The key is not to let the frustration paralyze you. Instead, use it as fuel to move forward.
Why Seniority Is Earned, Not Given
Seniority isn’t about knowing everything upfront. It’s about how you approach challenges, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. The polished confidence you see in senior colleagues wasn’t there from the start—it grew from years of learning, asking questions, and making mistakes.
Here’s what I’ve realized:
- Breaking Things Down Helps: Trying to learn everything at once is overwhelming. Focus on understanding one process at a time and build from there.
- Asking Questions Shows Strength: There’s no shame in not knowing. Asking for clarification is a sign of engagement, not incompetence.
- Creating Your Own Resources Is Empowering: If you can’t find what you need, make it. Document your learnings and processes—it’s a great way to solidify your understanding and help others in the future.
Lessons From My Own Path
When I look back at my earlier roles, I see someone who was often impatient and easily frustrated. I expected to know everything immediately and would beat myself up when I didn’t. Over time, I realized that the learning curve is unavoidable. More importantly, I learned to embrace it.
Here’s what worked for me:
- Patience Is Key: Accept that learning takes time. You won’t master everything in a day, and that’s okay.
- Leverage Your Network: Your colleagues are your best resource. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance—they’ve been in your shoes.
- Find Humor in the Struggles: Laugh at your mistakes. It’s far better than getting stuck in frustration, and it helps you move on faster.
Growth Is the Goal
Remember, seniority isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning how to find them. Every time you tackle a new challenge, you’re building the skills and confidence you need to grow.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself that every senior professional was once a beginner, fumbling through their first tasks and feeling out of their depth. What sets them apart is their perseverance and willingness to learn.
So, embrace the process. Take one step at a time. And most importantly, remind yourself that no one is senior at birth—you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be on your journey.