About me
Marjan
Bakker
Until I was thirty, I said yes to every career step that came my way. I looked at the opportunities, judged from the outside and jumped in at the deep end. Usually it went well, until I no longer stood out at a workstation. I just kept going because I was convinced that I should want that job.
A dinner in 2000 with a friend was a wake-up call. She was worried because I was visibly unwell and not my usual cheerful self. She hit the nail on the head, of course. I was not living up to my full potential. I had never asked myself if what I did for a living suited me. I was just going through the motions.
I realised that I should not sit back and do nothing, but show what I am capable of. As a person, as a professional, across the board. I hired a coach and – very deliberately – chose the profession of career coach. I have never regretted it for a moment. I now choose for myself, can use my talents, and know what I want. What a relief. I decide for myself in which direction I want to develop and I feel freer and happier.
Years later, I got a helping hand from a friend after being rejected after just one date. I thought it was unfair and short-sighted. ‘But did you show them what you’re made of?’ was her response to my complaints. So showing them what I’ve got works in my love life too.
I now look at myself in a positive way, with appropriate self-esteem. I am a cheerful person, without the unspoken coercion of a self-imposed straitjacket. I am both a nice partner and a nice stepmother.
You know,
I am only human,
too.
This is why:
I hate fiddling around with plastic bags and packaging
I have lots of shoes, bags, and jewellery because they don't care about my weight
I want to make a documentary about pangolins in Africa
I like to sing along to ABBA, Boney M, and the Bee Gees
You can wake me up at night for strawberries
My partner's children call me Crazy Jan. Probably for a good reason.
I live
my vision
My path to further growth was to choose the work that I love doing most. I made sure I got a clear picture of what I want, what I am good at and what suits me best. Step by step. Taking the lead did not mean a straight line from A to B. Career steps often lead past several organisations, interesting projects, and different positions. There are several ways to live your best life.
other people
about me
I took control, I give more of myself and to myself and I want to share that feeling because I wish it on everyone. I let nothing and no one stop me, and I live my life without a handbrake. I like it that way and I hear it from others too: