It's time to celebrate because it's my work-birthday at Wheels Up Collective!
It's been one year since I joined the team after leaving my previous role in communications. At the time, I was convinced that I wanted to get as far away from the industry as possible because I felt so burned out and uninspired.
But then something unexpected happened: I had the opportunity to join Wheels Up Collective and learned about how they worked. I decided to give the industry one more chance. Looking back now, I am so grateful that I did.
For the first time ever, when people ask me how my job is going, I don’t say “it’s busy” with a restrained smile. Now, when people ask about my work, I feel content because I have a new sense of motivation to show up for my team and our clients.
I feel this way because Wheels Up Collective gifted me the flexibility to do my job and live my life in tandem instead of having to choose one or the other.
Experiencing this stark contrast of motivation since joining the team one year ago had me thinking: Why did I dread Mondays before but not so much now? What does my job mean to me? What motivates me?
After some reflection, I’ve learned there are a handful of motivating factors that mean a lot to me.
No one is too big or too small to help out in a truly motivating team
The culture at Wheels Up Collective is one of collaboration and teamwork. Everyone is willing to contribute to a project regardless of their job title or rank. Everyone’s ideas are encouraged and managers aren’t afraid to get in the weeds of an assignment if needed. It feels like we are truly all on the same team.
Simply being kind and supportive is inspiring
At Wheels Up Collective, everyone is kind and supportive. It makes all the difference. There is always space to ask questions without criticism; we communicate our gratitude toward one another; and we celebrate our wins, whether it’s a successful ad campaign or earning a new client. I’ve learned that when you feel like your work is appreciated and valued, you're more likely to be motivated and engaged in the task.
Opportunities for growth and learning new skills feed motivation
Wheels Up Collective provides its employees with opportunities to grow and develop their skills. Whether it's through training programs, mentorship opportunities, or new projects, there's always something new to learn and a chance to improve. For example, when I receive internal feedback, my coworkers at Wheels Up Collective take the time to explain the “why” behind their suggestions. It’s a small difference from other companies that really adds up.
Flexibility in schedule leads to improved job satisfaction and productivity
Like me, Wheels Up Collective believes that work is just one part of our lives and that it should complement, not overshadow, our personal commitments. The company culture is built around the idea that employees should be able to have fulfilling personal lives while still being productive and engaged at work. For example, I am a mom of a 7-month-old, and I have the flexibility to work around her schedule. This means working early mornings, squeezing time in during naps, and having fewer meetings. I am so thankful for this because it means I can be a great team member and also show up fully for my daughter.
So if you're feeling burned out and unmotivated in your marketing job, maybe take a minute to evaluate whether your company culture aligns with your values and beliefs about what work should be. If it doesn't, consider making a change - it could be the best decision you ever make for your marketing career. And if you are looking for a great marketing team to work with, drop us a line. We’d love to help.