My friend is experiencing grief about her career (the same one I’m in) We’ve been in the same career path for a decade. It’s how we met.
I have found great success due to various factors (no partner so I can travel with no worry, supportive parents, a no-shame-go-getter attitude, and getting myself in the right rooms and meeting the right people, not taking no for an answer).
She has had a harder time because of other factors (disapproving parents, long term partner, relying on a more traditional 9-5 job whilst trying to go for our dream job on the side, a bit shyer).
We are both equally as skilled. I just have had difference circumstances that have helped me thrive and she hasn’t.
She broke down crying to me the other day (she’s done this every once in a while during the past decade). Her perceived failure is hurting her. But she LOVES this industry. And I feel like I can’t celebrate my accomplishments with her. I’m at a loss of how to proceed here. I don’t know what to say or do to help her. Maybe there is nothing I can do. But I feel so helpless. She is equally deserving of a place in this industry but she has these circumstances in her way. Is there anything I should/can do?
TLDR: My friend and I are in the same industry but I have way more success and she feels like a failure and I don’t know how to proceed/help.
3 comments
Just giver her a shoulder to cry on. Do you have mutual interests outside of work?
The traditional thing would be to put some opportunities her way.
Can you mentor her or help her have more success in your field? Reccommend her for a position? Send some cliebts to her?
For your accomplishments, celebrating them with other friends rather than with jer makes the most sense.