The Nine to Five Guide

Welcome to a new series on Cady Quotidienne! I’m writing this on the train as I head north to St Andrews for my final semester of university, having left London after a week of exploring the city, research and networking for that next step in my life: the job hunt. I’ve chosen not to go straight into a masters because frankly I haven’t the foggiest as to what I want to study at that level. Also, to be upfront, I’ve been a student from the age of five, that’s sixteen years of academics. I want to get a start in the working world and use this time to explore the possible directions I want to take my career. Hence, the job hunt. Which so far includes browsing LinkedIn for hours, creating every version of a CV known to man, and being able to write a cover letter in my sleep.

With this in mind, an idea sparked to life of creating a new series on le blog to follow this journey. Sharing it for anyone in the same boat, from fellow graduates to established career gals who are navigating their way through it all.  Blog posts about job hunting, interview tips, networking outfits, and secret weapon resources. The current line up in my head includes:

• High Heels or Flats- Making a Professional Entrance.
• Industries That Women Are Taking By Storm.
• Networking One On One.
• The Corporate Capsule Wardrobe.
• How to Kick Ass and Take Names at Your Next Event or Conference.
• Shaking Off Imposters Syndrome.
• The Pre- Interview Timeline.
• Business or Pleasure: How to Plan a Development Trip.
• Decode the Dresscode: Corporate, Creative or Casual Offices.
• 10 Women to Add to Your Boss Moodboard

I want to write this series because women’s careers, women in business and female entrepreneurship is something I’ve become absolutely fascinated by the past year. From writing about my love hate relationship with the phrase Girl Boss, to attending She Can She Did workshops in London over the summer and documenting the experience on Instagram, biz and careers have become more and more part of my life. But it’s also part of an authentic desire to have a positive impact, and to give my fellow young women tools and space to find their own way. I really believe starting these conversations that resonate with women helps to lift us all up. To borrow a phrase from Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow, this is my version of shine theory, where “I don’t shine if you don’t shine”.

All part of The Nine to Five Guide, aiming to help all my girls on the go navigate this world that I am diving headfirst into. It’s an ode to Dolly Parton, who embodies the confidence that I hope to channel throughout this process. It won’t be perfect, and I am bringing you along for the ride, but I hope that The Nine to Five Guide will help you as you ‘figure out who you are and then do it on purpose’.

Xx

Photography by Samantha Chinomona 2019