So it’s only a few more months before I’m at my current job for a year. The first six months were a huge learning experience, and for a time I thought I was doing things right.

That’s when the monthly reviews began halfway, and when I was told to slow down to avoid the list of errors I made. It was also a reminder to ask questions about things I didn’t know, or felt like I should have after being there for that long.

I did get better with both of those. Anxiety, however, likes to tagalong and build up concerns and fears like “am I asking too many questions?” “Will they demote/move me to another department because I’m not getting it?”

They proved me wrong. In fact, one of my team members that was also one of my trainers had told me on Monday that it was the opposite.

Two members of our team were moved to another department because they didn’t do the same things I did, which was ask for help and utilize the knowledge. This was added with frequent reassurance of even senior partners like my trainer will have faulty moments as well.

Sometimes when we think we’re doing something that harms our growth, others see it as doing something that strengthens it. Those are the ones that want you to succeed, either for yourself or for a team.

It’s also good to ask questions to the right people that have been where you are. You’re never too old to learn or relearn what’s needed to maintain what you care about the most. Whatever your learning style is, embrace it, and remind yourself of how good that education is.

I’m still working on the anxiety flare-ups that come from some of the things I (still) don’t know well, yet. As long as I stay patient and focused, I’ll get there, and that’s true even off the clock.

D.F.