Early in my career, I worked as an HR Officer for an organization undergoing a significant restructuring after being acquired. As the only HR person then, I reported to the Administration Manager, overseeing HR until a permanent HR Manager was hired. Eager to prove myself, I threw myself into various tasks: cleaning up data, writing policies, managing recruitment, and overseeing training processes.

However, despite my efforts, I felt invisible. The Administration Manager signed off on all the documents and policies I worked on, I was doing all the HR work, yet it seemed like I was lost in the system, receiving no recognition. What frustrated me the most was feeling like I wasn’t getting credit for my contributions.

In hindsight, I smile at how much this situation troubled me, but back then, it was a serious concern. I vented to a mentor, who then introduced me to a senior professional in the industry. After hearing my complaints, he asked me a question that shifted my entire perspective: “Have you thought about the fact that you’re being given the chance to do all this work and gain experience while someone else takes responsibility for it with his signature?”

He encouraged me to see it as an opportunity rather than a burden—an opportunity to experiment, learn, and grow without the pressure of formal accountability. That conversation changed my outlook, helping me focus more on learning and honing my skills rather than seeking recognition.

In the end, I learned that recognition is important, but the opportunities for growth and learning along the way can be even more valuable.

Key Takeaways:

Focus on Learning, Not Recognition: Early in your career, it’s more important to learn and gain experience than to seek immediate acknowledgment.

Shifting Perspectives Can Unlock Growth: Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in mindset to turn frustration into an opportunity for development.

Recognize Hidden Opportunities: When you’re given responsibilities, even without full recognition, use them to sharpen your skills.

Leverage Mentorship: Seeking advice from mentors can offer fresh insights and open up new ways of thinking.

Patience Pays Off: Recognition may come later, but the experience and skills you acquire now are what will ultimately push you forward in your career.