Have you ever felt emotional at work? For some, this can feel embarrassing, whether triggered by burnout, lack of work-life balance, conflicts with co-workers, or other personal challenges that interfere with well-being. In my case, crying typically doesn’t make me feel better; my problems haven’t gone away, my makeup is now ruined, and I have a headache.

So, this may come as a surprise for you – as it certainly was for me. I recently cried at work, and I mean it, I loved every minute of it. It happened on a Zoom call no less, with a good dozen people logged in for the meeting. This might sound like it can’t possibly be right, but what made me tear up was the most gratifying moment of my career, even more gratifying than receiving my first five-figure check.  

Good things happen when you love what you do, and yes, it can be emotional at times.

Let me explain   

In early 2022, I joined Goodwin Recruiting as a talent recruiting partner. It was an opportunity to get back on my feet after a nearly three-year employment gap that I didn’t ask for. I was at the lowest point of my life. If I’m being honest, I can’t say that I started this new role with nothing, because I had been receiving government assistance.  

I still have my (long-defunct) benefits debit card. In fact, during my recent Zoom cry, I threaded my fingers around it, a tangible reminder of how things changed through a career that gave me a new purpose.  

Back when my benefits card was loaded every month, I couldn’t have imagined becoming a part of something so impactful in my life and the lives of others. But it happened, and that old debit card is a souvenir from my journey.   

When I started this role, I knew I would make it  

I had no choice, no other safety net, so I was simply going to succeed at this new, 100% commission-based role. That was it. That was my choice. It took some grit and hard work, but I can proudly say I succeeded.  

The imposter syndrome hasn’t completely worn off – the inability to believe my success and dramatic lifestyle change are real – but by now it’s more of a welcome passenger in the ride of my career and life. 

I often reflect on the struggle I overcame and there are times when the results of great work remind me of where I was and how far I’ve come. It’s all good. It’s all a part of my journey. Success is what happens when you find a great career path, put in the hard work, and truly love what you do. 

It’s almost three years later now  

A little over two years ago, I placed a job candidate in a role with a company she loved, and in the process, she and I became friendly. During the recruitment and interview process, she expressed deep curiosity about what I do. We spoke about it at length. She said that while she was very happy to land her new role, she already knew the next step in her career would be to enter the world of talent recruiting.   

We stayed in touch and within three months, she was promoted. I continued to check in with her and she remained happy. It was satisfying to watch her career growth, knowing I had a positive impact on her professional journey.   

Neither of us knew at the time that placing her in that role would create a meaningful career milestone – for both of us.   

Helping others thrive in their dream jobs 

After two successful years in her job, my candidate did what she said she was going to do. She not only landed a role identical to mine, but also within my company, Goodwin Recruiting. I couldn’t help but be excited and proud of her.  

While listening to her experience in making the transition, I was flooded with nostalgia for when I first stepped into talent recruiting, totally green. How things have changed!  

Now I had the opportunity to directly nurture her success. She wasn’t my first mentee. I shared with her how over the years, “I have helped other new recruiters achieve their first talent placements – so work with me!” Modesty aside, I have gained a reputation for being the ‘good luck charm’ for new recruiters who work with me to get their sea legs. This is one of the things I love most about my role.  

I told her about the great jobs and talent searches we are fortunate to manage at Goodwin Recruiting and how I develop comfortable relationships with clients. I also shared the confidence I have in my ability to spot strong candidates who are perfect matches for my clients’ open roles – and how this ability tends to become second nature.  

None of us get where we’re going on our own  

Established recruiters supporting new recruiters is simple enough. I mentioned this in passing to my director, who I adore. Troy Bartee, regional director of recruiting at Goodwin, is the greatest professional coach and mentor I’ve ever known, and I owe the entirety of my success to his guidance. I was fortunate to learn from and absorb some of the traits that make him great.   

When my protégé first came on board, I told Troy, “I am so excited for Cheri to join our team and I’m going to help her!” I continued my brief brag to Troy about being a good luck charm for quite a few new recruiters and how doing this has reciprocal benefits. “They help me fill jobs for my clients and at the same time achieve their initial placements. It’s win-win!” I said to him.  

What happened next deepened my respect for Troy, my company, and love of my role as a recruiting partner.  

Sharing ideas makes us more valuable professionals and team players   

Tooting my horn got some wheels turning for Troy. While Goodwin Recruiting is known for providing a comprehensive onboarding, training, and ongoing support system for recruiting partners, our company’s leadership team is always looking for more ways to provide new recruiting partners with greater support.  

So, Troy took some ideas to the leadership team and as a result, our new Business Launch Program was started. It’s called this because joining our firm as a recruiter isn’t your typical recruiting role. At Goodwin Recruiting, new recruiters launch a successful remote recruiting business from home as 1099 recruiters. We are essentially our own business owners and bosses. 

Now I certainly can’t take credit for the launch of the new program. This could only come from leadership collaborating on how to set it up. It’s got a unique structure and bells and whistles that I could never dream of on my own. But I’m very happy to have inspired some ideas that got the wheels spinning to further support professionals in their new startup recruiting businesses. 

Back to that Zoom call  

So yes, I got teary-eyed when the new Business Launch Program was recently announced. I didn’t think it was that obvious and figured I could chalk up my glassy eyes to allergies. But my emotions were undeniably visible as I spoke on the Zoom call, all the while my old benefits debit card flipped over and over in my fingers.  

I was reminded of when my first check from Goodwin Recruiting hit my bank account, and how I knew my life was going to change. There’s no question, though, that my favorite part about owning my business and what I love most is helping others succeed. (For those motivated by money, this is an affirmation that if you love what you do for a living, the money will follow.) 

In rolling out this new program, my company validated that providing new recruiting partners with exceptional support is a VERY important part of our business philosophy and company culture.  

Despite what I thought I knew, sometimes, crying at work is an expression of what it’s really like to love what you do.    

Partner with a talent recruiting firm that prioritizes integrity in all things  

Contact me if you’re looking for top talent for your team, or if you’re a professional looking for your next opportunity or solid career advice. Let’s talk. I am a senior recruiting partner at Goodwin Recruiting and would love the opportunity to discuss your needs and goals.  

And if the world of talent recruiting is calling your name, here’s how you can join our team!