Leaving my first full-time job was one of those decisions that felt both challenging and necessary. I spent a lot of time asking myself hard questions, trying to understand why this role wasn’t working for me. Eventually, I realized that the answer wasn’t in what the job wasn’t, but in what I needed. So I did what I do best: I made a list. I reflected and made a list of pros and cons, which ultimately led to a list of my strengths and weaknesses, not just in that role, but in the kind of job I envisioned myself thriving in. This reflection confirmed that leaving was the right decision and helped me to stay calm, grounded and, most importantly, patient during the job search.
To me, the job search is a lot like dating. If you know your value, you won’t settle for someone, or in this case a job, that doesn’t offer you what you need. The way I approached interviews changed; they were not just about proving myself, but also an opportunity to see if the company was a good fit for me. After all, just as people have a unique vibe, so do companies. Knowing my strengths and weaknesses allowed me to have a clear picture of what I was looking for in my next job. And so I found myself asking questions about the tasks within the job as well as questions to see if their values and mine were compatible, seeking clarity about whether that vibe was a match.
During this reflection phase, I focused on the tasks I really enjoyed, the things that felt natural, in other words: my strengths. Organizational and communication skills became my foundation, with technical expertise right behind. But self-reflection isn’t just about celebrating strengths; it’s also about honestly identifying weaknesses. This was the hardest part for me, because it meant confronting areas where I didn’t feel as naturally capable or confident. One challenge I’ve faced is explaining complex technical concepts after they’ve been explained to me, especially in German. Even when I understand a concept deeply, it’s not always easy to translate that understanding into clear explanations for others. Talking with other internationals showed me that I wasn’t alone in feeling this way, which brought a sense of relief. To improve, I leaned into active listening and asking for clarification without hesitation. Living and working in Germany has taught me the value of asking questions. No matter how many times I need to ask, that’s perfectly okay.
However, I realized through this experience that it is not only about skills, strengths and weaknesses, but also about mindset.
If you ask me, mindset is a big piece of the puzzle. Some qualities, like teamwork or adaptability, may sound like strengths, but to me they’re more about attitude and disposition. Mindset determines how you approach challenges, how you approach collaboration, and how you approach change. How you feel about your work affects everything from motivation to growth.
Recognizing my strengths and weaknesses has been essential not only to my personal growth, but also to finding the right career path. It’s about knowing your value and aligning yourself with opportunities that allow you to thrive and support your mindset.
So here’s my conclusion: We’re all a mix of things we’re great at and areas where we can improve. Recognizing both gives you the power to create a career that plays to your strengths while leaving room for personal growth. It’s about knowing your value and aligning yourself with opportunities that allow you to thrive and support your mindset. We’re always evolving, and so should our goals.
Building on strengths and embracing growth,
Rebe
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