As I reflect on my career journey, one word consistently comes to mind: resilience. It has been the driving force behind every achievement, every setback, and every moment of growth. Resilience is what has carried me through the toughest of times and allowed me to rise above obstacles that could have derailed me.
I didn’t take the traditional route to where I am today, and along the way, I encountered challenges that many others may have considered insurmountable. But resilience taught me that setbacks don’t define us; our ability to bounce back does.
Here’s a deeper dive into how resilience shaped my path, how I created my own unique journey, and why it's vital for anyone just starting out in their career.
Resilience: The Key to Overcoming Life’s Challenges
Throughout my life, I’ve faced obstacles that seemed impossible to overcome. From growing up in a single-parent household where I became an unofficial carer for my younger siblings, to experiencing bullying during my school years, every challenge came with its own unique difficulties. When my best friend passed away from cancer, or when I faced the financial strain of growing up in a low-income environment, it felt like life was giving me a never-ending series of hurdles to clear.
But the lesson I learned was this: resilience is everything. The challenges I faced weren’t easy, and at times, they felt overwhelming. But each time I encountered an obstacle, I had a choice—stay down or get back up. And each time, I chose to get back up.
Resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties. It’s about how you handle them when they inevitably come your way. It's about learning from each challenge, growing through the pain, and not allowing setbacks to define who you are or where you’re going. Every failure, every disappointment, became an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. I learned to shift my mindset—what might have been seen as a failure became a stepping stone to something better. It’s not about being perfect or always succeeding, it’s about bouncing back with even more strength and resolve.
For anyone who feels overwhelmed by setbacks, remember this: Every difficulty is an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't let it stop you from moving forward. When you face challenges, take a moment to pause, reflect, and ask yourself what you can learn from the experience. And most importantly, never stop moving forward, no matter how hard it may seem.
Create Your Own Path: Embrace Non-Traditional Routes
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that there is no one “right” way to succeed. Society often pressures us to follow a prescribed path—go to school, get a degree, find a job, and then keep climbing the corporate ladder. For some, this traditional route works perfectly. But for me, my path has been anything but conventional, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Whether you’re pursuing an apprenticeship, taking a gap year, starting a business, or even exploring multiple different fields before finding the right fit, it’s essential to create your own path. We often think that the only way to be successful is to follow a traditional or linear route. But in reality, the most fulfilling careers often come from the twists and turns, the unexpected detours that lead us to our true passions.
I chose a non-traditional route with my apprenticeship. Becoming a solicitor through an apprenticeship wasn’t the path most expected of me, but it felt right for me. It allowed me to learn on the job, gain real-world experience, and build skills while earning. My decision wasn’t easy, but it was mine. And every step I’ve taken, every challenge I’ve faced, has reinforced that I made the right choice for me.
The key takeaway here is to do what feels right for you. Trust your instincts and follow the path that aligns with your passions, values, and goals. It might not look like the traditional route, but if it brings you closer to where you want to be, it’s the right path.
Networking Is Key: The Power of Connection
No one succeeds alone. As much as resilience has been my internal strength, networking has been the external force that opened doors. When I first started my career journey, I didn’t fully understand the power of a strong network. But over time, I realised that who you know can be just as important as what you know.
Networking isn’t about handing out business cards or sending cold LinkedIn messages. It’s about building authentic, meaningful relationships with people who inspire you, challenge you, and offer guidance. It’s about finding mentors who believe in your potential, offering your help in return, and learning from others who’ve been through the journey before you.
The mentors who have supported me throughout my career—people like Joanna Hughes, Patrick McCann, and Sue—have been instrumental in shaping my journey. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me have been invaluable. Networking is not just about professional gain; it’s about creating a community of like-minded individuals who push you to be your best and give you advice when you need it most.
So my advice is simple: surround yourself with people who inspire you. Your network can be a source of knowledge, encouragement, and new opportunities. Build those connections, nurture them, and give back whenever you can.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Every Step Counts
In a world that often focuses on the big moments—the promotions, the titles, the recognitions—it’s easy to overlook the small wins along the way. But celebrating the small wins is one of the most important things you can do for your motivation and mental health.
Every time you take a step forward, whether it’s acing an exam, landing an interview, or making a new connection, that’s progress. Those small moments add up and eventually lead to big successes. But if we only focus on the big picture, we risk missing the beauty of each small milestone.
This year, I celebrated milestones like completing my paralegal apprenticeship, joining Kingsley Napley, publishing articles, and speaking at events. But each of those moments was the culmination of hundreds of smaller steps—each one worthy of recognition.
Take time to celebrate your progress. Don’t wait for the “big moment” to recognise how far you’ve come. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Keep track of your wins and acknowledge them. They’re the building blocks of your success.
Looking Forward: The Journey Is Just Beginning
As I reflect on my career journey so far, I know that the best is yet to come. The road ahead won’t always be smooth, but I know that resilience, creating my own path, networking, and celebrating the small wins will continue to guide me.
For anyone just starting out, take this to heart: The journey may be tough, but you have the strength to make it through. Keep your head up, stay resilient, and remember that every step forward is progress.
You’ve got this. Your story is only beginning.
Charlie Moore CAA
Senior Paralegal at Kingsley Napley (Regulatory) | Top Legal LinkedInfluencer | Ex FCA | CLLS Committee Member | CLSC Committee Member | O-Shaped Future Board | GROW Mentee | 93% Professional
You can find out more and connect with Charlie on LinkedIn.