In 2020, I found myself at a crossroads in my career.
As a communications professional for more than 20 years, the majority of my experience was in this field, with the exception of the past few years when I led projects that focused on the employee experience. I was unsure where I wanted my career to go… should I continue on this path, or go back to communications full-time?
As I began to examine what I wanted to do, I found myself on both a professional and personal exploratory journey. I began asking myself questions such as, “What do I enjoy doing?”, “What do I want to be known for?” and “What work does God want me to do?”
This became more than what my next job should be. Was it scary to answer these introspective questions? Absolutely, but it was necessary, because I discovered my purpose, which is to be driven by God’s plan for my life and to live authentically both personally and professionally. I will use my gifts, talents and abilities to help propel others to greatness.
As I sorted through these questions, it became clear that my two passions are people and writing. The question I had to solve was how to align these two areas in my life, so that I am doing what I am meant to do.
Be Your Authentic Self
Ultimately, I decided that I would take my transferable skills in communications and embrace my love for helping people. That’s what brings me the most satisfaction in my career—listening to the challenges of employees, embodying inclusive practices and inspiring others to be their authentic selves.
For example, I have always wanted to write a book but could never devote the time to get beyond an outline or a few pages. My exploratory journey inspired me to write again. When I started, I had no idea whether this time would be different. I knew nothing about what it took to get a book published but when I started writing in March 2020, I had a bold goal of getting my book published by year’s end. I began to trust God to guide me, and everything fell into place.
Align Your Work With Your Passion
For the first time in my career, I had a sponsor at work. Someone who saw me for who I am and where I wanted to go in my career. It was refreshing to have someone not try to put me in a box, but to help me discover how I could align the work I was doing with my passion. I was exactly where I needed to be at that time and there were so many doors opening up for me to step through.
I published my book, Pain to Purpose: My Journey to Redemption on December 31, 2020. This was a major accomplishment for me. I am a private person so sharing difficult parts of my life with the world was something that I wrestled with during the writing process. My purpose won the battle every time because I wrote the book to help others in pain. Today, I am humbled when I receive feedback that my book has helped someone going through a tough time.
Finding one’s purpose is not always easy, but I truly believe that when you are doing what you love that is when you will receive the most joy in your life. Discovering my purpose has allowed me to step into my life’s work. I look forward to where this journey will take me.
Sidoney Samuels-Buckridge
2020 BLI Alumna
Head of U.S. R&D Employee Engagement,
AstraZeneca
