Introversion

This excellent essay from Karolina was the best I’ve read this year. I can related with many of her point on why friendship muscle looks different for every person. Abroad, I meet local people who don’t hang out with expats because they have their Martas. Every time I hear a Dutch or British person say “we’ve known each other since we were little”, I can’t help but feel a pang of regret. I’m moving countries, schools and jobs and leaving those valuable connections behind, while people who stay in their neighbourhood are easily bound to their friends by time and proximity. ...

Melody is basically describing me: Many introverts value depth and thoughtfulness in their work over noise and showmanship. They’re content to contribute without constant recognition or the spotlight. And the consequences part also checks out: While this tendency is admirable, it comes with pitfalls, especially in the modern, remote-first work world where being “out of sight” often equates to being “out of mind.” Perhaps you’ve been overlooked for a promotion because a senior leader wasn’t aware of you or your accomplishments. Or maybe your quiet demeanor has been mistaken for a lack of passion. These experiences may have awakened you to the fact that in today’s competitive workplace, hard work isn’t enough. You need to make sure your efforts are seen and acknowledged to unlock new opportunities and support. ...