Will Holmes’ Post

As I am approaching what would have been my 10-year work anniversary with my former employer in the next couple of days, it's a poignant moment to reflect on the significant chapter of my career that I shared with the company. While circumstances may have led me on a different path since then, the memories, experiences, and lessons learned during my tenure hold a special place in my professional journey. 😇 Thinking back on my time with my former employer, I recall a multitude of memories and milestones that defined my career during those past years. From my very first day on the job to pivotal projects, team successes, and personal achievements, each moment contributed to my growth and development personally and professionally. Not forgetting the highs and lows, the challenges overcome, and the camaraderie shared with colleagues who became friends. I'd like to believe that my contributions to the company over the span of almost a decade undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the organization and those I've worked with. Whether it was through innovative ideas, stella performance, or mentorship of others, my presence was felt within the workplace. My dedication and commitment to my role helped, one way or the other, drive the company forward and contribute to its success. As I approach what would have been my 10-year work anniversary with my former employer, I take this opportunity to look ahead with optimism and gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me. While my journey may have taken a new direction, the foundation laid during my time with the company continues to influence my professional growth and aspirations. I will embrace the lessons learned, the connections made, and the memories cherished as I embark on the next phase of my career 🙏. Though the milestone of a 10-year work anniversary with my former employer may now be a bittersweet reminder of the past, it serves as a testament to my DEDICATION, RESILIENCE, and CONTRIBUTION in the professional realm. Here's to honoring🎖 the journey that brought me to where I am today and to embracing the future with enthusiasm and open arms. 🌟 💐

🎉Today marks my 15 year work anniversary🎉 With that, I have found myself reflecting on the *countless* times over the years that I have been advised to leave by external parties purely on account of my long tenure and it not ‘looking good’ on my CV. The inference being that employers look to extended service as being demonstrable of stagnation and/or a lack of personal drive… I joined this business 15 years ago, part-time for pocket money whilst studying and clearly never left… that’s not because it was the easy thing to do, that other opportunities hadn’t arisen, or that I am not ambitious. To the contrary, I *chose* to forge a career by working tirelessly for growth opportunities within my role and remit. Currently I operate as Head Of / Exec-1, I’m in the end stages of a funded MBA programme, and thanks to my milestone, this year I will be awarded a 4-week paid sabbatical. Why? Because my business recognises the value of 15 years knowledge, experience and loyalty. Remember the days where long-service was the norm, where it was applauded? Where has this new narrative been derived from? Is it really the case that I wouldn’t be a favoured candidate for onward external roles despite my experience? I don’t look ahead with an unwavering view that this is necessarily a job-for-life, I will simply continue to take my working life as it comes… Yet, if the growth, learning and challenges remain plentiful, the point is, why not?!?! Let’s stop reducing the value of individual journeys - 15 years needn’t be a rare achievement!

I do not post on LinkedIn very often. It’s primarily driven by the fact that it’s an extension of my professional space. Also, I work with colleagues based out of various countries whom I may never get a chance to physically meet, so I am careful about what I put out. I have realized that perceptions really matter :) But today is a special day- it’s my first work anniversary at my current organization. Now, I have never really jumped around on work anniversaries, but it’s the first time that I have moved to another continent, hunted for a job in a different country, and associated myself with a global brand. Naturally, it’s a big deal for me! Interestingly, as I recollect my path to securing this role, I cannot help but notice the privilege I have had. We often talk about the importance of having a ‘support system’ through major transitions. While we generally associate the term with something emotional, I strongly believe that the scope of support system is much vast. When I began my search for a suitable job, I knew what I was looking for. But I also knew that I would have to invest time and effort to find it. I was not required to accept the first offer that came my way, and I had the luxury to say no. And, that’s because I had all sorts of resources, including and not limited to financial support. The fact that I did not have to think where my next meal was going to come from, gave me the freedom to explore and not settle for less. However, it’s a hard pill to swallow because not everyone has that luxury. If I had bills to pay at that time, my trajectory may have been different. It’s easy to preach that the right opportunity takes time, it needs some patience. But it’s not always patience that you run out of, it’s your savings that diminish waiting for that opportunity, and the confidence associated with sustaining yourself. Hence, as I add another year of experience to my career, I feel all the more grateful looking back at the journey I began last year. To learning, growing and thriving, always! ❤️ #gratitude #workanniversary

As I approach my two-year work anniversary (November 28th) with Hire Heroes USA, I find myself reflecting not so much on the organization itself, but on the deeply humbling experiences this role as a Transition Specialist (Career Coach) has brought into my life. Employment, at its core, is transformative. Having a steady income means having the ability to afford the basics: a roof over my family’s head, food in their bellies, and clean running water in their showers –necessities I am profoundly grateful for every single day. Through my work, I’ve realized just how many people are left without the tools, resources, or support to navigate the complexities of job readiness and job search. This experience has shaped the way I think about opportunity –not just as a privilege but as a right. It doesn’t matter where someone comes from, what their background is, or the challenges they’ve faced –if someone wants to work, they deserve the support in finding meaningful employment. This perspective has extended into my own community, altering how I approach conversations about unemployment, opportunity, and self-advocacy. I’ve become more intentional in offering advice and lending a hand to those striving for better opportunities. And I have taken more time to ponder the real impact we all should want to have on one another. In a world where so few people are handed the resources they need to succeed, even small efforts to help can make a world of difference. I don’t take this role, or its lessons, for granted. It’s taught me that work is not as simple as ‘just a paycheck.’ It’s about dignity, stability, and the ability to shape one’s own future. For those of you navigating unemployment or seeking better opportunities, know this: there are people like me, in roles like mine, who are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals –because you deserve it. To the many in my network: Thank you for inspiring me to continue learning and growing, personally and professionally. Here’s to two years of meaningful awareness, growth, and paying it forward. #WorkAnniversary #EmploymentMatters #CommunitySupport #DEI #DEIMatters #JobReadiness #JobSearch #ProfessionalGrowth #EmploymentOpportunities #CareerDevelopment #JobSeekerSupport #JobSearchSupport #WorkplaceReflections #JobReadinessMatters #PurposeDrivenWork #GratitudeAtWork #CoachingForSuccess #IntentionAndImpact #CareerTransition #TransitionSpecialist #CareerCoach #HireHeroesUSA #SupportingTheUnemployed #CareerGrowth #HelpingOthers #GratitudePost #LinkedInCommunity

Ten year work anniversaries make me jealous. I've been currently seeing a bunch of messages from ex-colleagues how it's their tenth year at the same company or sixth year or even fortieth year (not a joke, the guy worked at the same place for as long as I've been alive at this point). I'm jealous not of careers or the number of perks they've accumulated. But of the sense of belonging to something big and stable (I guess that's why people go to football matches or churches). To having this extended family that your workplace can become. It might sound boring but it's only boring if the company you're working for doesn't change. And I don't think it's possible for a digital company to not change during 10 or even 5 years. So you're watching the changes, you're becoming part of the changes, you're collecting anecdotes and even becoming a hero of some of them. Doesn't sound so bad. #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering

I used to believe that switching employers every 5 years was the best way to maximize career growth. The idea was simple: once you've mastered the way things work at one company and made your mark, it’s time to move on. In this mindset, I assumed each new role would be similar in domain and skillset, just with a different employer. Now, as I approach my 9th anniversary at Helmes - Software Development Company , my perspective has shifted. I've come to realize that the right employer can provide endless opportunities for growth without the need for frequent moves. Working across a diverse array of projects has not only kept things fresh but has also deepened my expertise far more than I expected. Takeaway? Choose your employer carefully! Look for a company that values continuous learning and offers variety in its projects. Sometimes, the best growth path doesn’t require switching companies- it just requires the right one. What are your thoughts on long-term growth within a single organization?

As July wraps up,I have hit a milestone -my 1-year work anniversary as a Projects & Events Officer at C40 Cities. 🎉 I don’t usually make a fuss about work anniversaries, but this one feels Special. It’s not about my extraordinary achievements, but about the power of small, meaningful moments that make our daily work fulfilling and enjoyable. In just a year, I have experienced so much that goes beyond the job description (𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘤 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵!)—lessons in leadership, collaboration, and the essence of a positive work culture. Here’s what stands out: 1. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: A huge shoutout to whole incredible team and extended team as well their constant guidance and unwavering support. Their belief in my abilities and their encouragement make every challenge feel like a shared mission. 2. 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: At C40, I have been entrusted with meaningful tasks and given the freedom to take ownership. The genuine appreciation from my team and leaders makes even the smallest wins feel significant. 3. 𝗔 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: The little things matter here—like not being contacted for project updates while on leave and the generous two-week well-being break we receive. These gestures create an environment where respect and trust thrive. Personal message to share :- While waiting nervously for my interview results, my dad offered his last words of wisdom that have stayed with me. He said, “𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬—𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 3-𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧-𝙤𝙡𝙙—𝙞𝙨 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙨, 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨, 𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙤𝙣. 𝙃𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧. 𝙎𝙤, 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙟𝙤𝙗.” Initially, I misunderstood my dad’s advice, feeling disheartened as if he was suggesting that not getting the job would be acceptable and that I was less deserving. However, once I secured the position, I realized he was emphasizing the importance of dedication and attitude I bring to any task are what truly matter. As I celebrate this milestone, I’m reminded of my dad’s wisdom and how it has guided me to bring my best self to work every day. As I reflect on the positive impact C40 Cities has had on my professional and personal growth, I am motivated to contribute even more to our shared goals and continue learning. Here’s to many more years of making a difference together! 🌍 #Journey #Gratitude #PositiveImpact #C40Cities #Growth

🎉 Work Anniversaries: What Do They Really Mean? 🎉 It’s easy to mark another year at work, but does that anniversary actually mean something? 🤔 If you’re in a job where growth feels stagnant, promotions are rare, the environment is toxic, or every day feels like a routine, the anniversary is just another reminder of time passing ⏳—without real progress. On the flip side, working somewhere that challenges you to grow, that values your unique qualities, and encourages you to constantly evolve—that’s where anniversaries truly matter. 💪 It’s about finding a place where you feel appreciated, where you’re learning, and becoming a better version of yourself—both professionally and personally. 🌱 A meaningful anniversary isn’t about counting the years. It’s about reflecting on how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown—because that’s what truly matters. 🙌 #cvforsuccessgr #WorkAnniversary #GrowthJourney #BetterEveryDay #WorkCulture #ProfessionalGrowth

5 years ago, I opened my online business. I had no idea how to build a website, manage marketing, or get clients. But, I had a strong desire to help people with their careers. At first, it was challenging trying to figure out the different aspects of building and running an online business. The marketing, branding, and sales were all so confusing. However, my passion for helping people kept me going. As I started helping more people and witnessing their success, my confidence grew. Seeing the results of my work, with clients getting multiple interviews and landing new jobs within weeks, was extremely rewarding. Today, reflecting on my 5 year work anniversary, I realize how far I’ve come. It’s important to appreciate what you have achieved, and remember that today was once a dream you had. Quality, focus, and enthusiasm are crucial, and when you have these, everything else falls into place. This is just the beginning! ✨ Focus on work that aligns with your values, gradually build your standards, and most importantly, enjoy the process. I’ve learned to really enjoy what I do each day rather than just waiting for the outcome. I am confident that if you stick to your plan, you’ll achieve your career goals and find meaningful and inspiring work. You deserve it! 👏 P.S. Celebrating my 5 year work anniversary! 🎉😊