I am your resume

I am your resume. Many of you may have looked at me with fresh eyes in 2020 when the pandemic hit us with a big woosh and dissolved many jobs. But honestly, before that happened and/if you are the one who managed to swim through this tide when was the last that you paid attention to me?

You often treat me as that ubiquitous invisible corner of your life; to be removed and dusted only when required. It hurts me that you do not look at me often. Just the other day a very senior leader whispered to me that it was more than 14 years that he had looked at me! I have never felt so unwanted and undesirable. Especially, when you know how critical my presence is to your professional growth.

Do you recall the first time you let me in your life and heart? You were so eager to show me off to all your friends, your network, and even to strangers! I defined what you stood for, the skills that you brought to the table. I absolutely loved the way you watered my roots and helped me take a more definite shape as you grew in your career. Competencies and skills got added and it enriched my life so much. I was elated.

As you aspired to reach for the stars and the moon, I was your constant companion. And your most faithful one. I never left your side. My growth matched yours. I would have not asked for more. I was content you were looking at me at regular intervals and giving me a new persona each time you picked up a new job or honed a new skill.

I saw you throughout your journey from a newbie to an accomplished professional. You settled down in your dream job. You were now living your dream. I was happy that I had a vital role to play in your status and growth. It boosted my self-confidence and I was on cloud 9. Only to later fall down to earth with a big thud!

How was I to even know that once you got your dream job you would push me away to a corner? That you would stop looking at me? You did not even bother to occasionally seek me out. It was like suddenly I had ceased to exist. Forgotten. I was devastated. How could one do this to one’s closest friend? We were so aligned – you and me. We were soulmates. This hurt and it hurt deeply. I was bleeding but you could not see it. I wanted to scream at you – ‘Don’t leave me. Keep looking at me like you always did. Add those new achievements lest you forget them. Keep me evergreen.’ But many times, I felt I was hitting my head against a wall. There was nothing more that I could do but be patient and wait. ‘Apna time ayega’ I said.

Then the pandemic happened. I do not want to sound cruel here. But it was like a blessing. It helped many of my friends – they were able to reset themselves and adapt to a new normal. Suddenly I was hopeful. Maybe now I could once more regain my lost glory. At the same time, I prayed for your safety. I am not selfish you know. I have never wanted you to fail. All I have ever wanted is your growth. There is no end ever to learning, is there?

Finally, that day arrived when you dusted all the cobwebs and looked at me. I could see the new look, the renewed hope in your eyes. I also saw the disappointed wrinkles on your face, and I know you regretted neglecting me for so long. Your awareness and consciousness about me are all that I wanted. I know now that you shall always keep me in the limelight.

I am not asking for much you know. My needs are small. Just look at me whenever you cross a milestone. You know how much I love when you adorn me with your successes. I wear them so well. Continue to brush me with new learnings, embellish me with knowledge and your journey. I promise I will give you my 100% in ensuring you get the best in your professional life.

The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Sarita Bahl

Sarita Bahl is an alumnus of Tata Institute of Social Sciences and the Swedish Institute of Management Program. An experienced and versatile leader, she comes with nearly four decades of professional experience. She has over the years successfully overseen the communications and public affairs function and led the corporate social responsibility strategy for Bayer South Asia, Pfizer, and Monsanto, among others. Sarita has held multiple roles across diverse industries, the public sector, trade associations, MNCs, and the not-for-profit sector. Her areas of interest include advocacy, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and communications.

As an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Senior Practitioner (Mentoring) from the European Council of Mentoring and Coaching (EMCC), Sarita specializes in career transition, inner engineering and life issues. Sarita enjoys writing and is passionate about animals, books, and movies.