This August marked three years since I joined Clout Marketing. People have commented that three years in one role is considered a long stint and I find myself unsure of how to respond, as on one hand the time has passed seamlessly, yet on the other, my job at Clout has been monumental and I don’t know how to succinctly explain that to someone in the communal office kitchen.
How It All Began
I came into Clout with no formal marketing experience, meeting Carly, somewhat by chance, for a quick chat over coffee. The coffee turned into a 2-hour deep dive into our lives and skin care regimes and at the end when I offered her a printed version of my resume she told me she didn’t want it. This came as no surprise to me, as I had made it very clear in our catch up that I had no marketing agency experience but I had thoroughly enjoyed meeting her.
I had over 10 years of retail experience and at the time I was helping run a small business where social media carried much of the advertising. Retail had taught me how to meet KPIs, lead teams and communicate with people from every walk of life. These skills felt instinctive to me, yet I had never thought of them as particularly valuable. Unbeknownst to me at the time of our meeting, Carly had immediately recognised these as strengths and had turned down my resume because she had already made her mind up. She wanted to employ me.
By the time I got back to work she had emailed me asking me when I could finish my current job and when I could meet Cal – the “very numbers and data driven” director of Clout. She said, “I’m just warning you, it will be a lot more formal than our chat was. It isn’t important to him that you’re a vibe. He will just want to know what experience you have.”
Later that week I braced myself for an interview with the corporate slave-driver that is Cal Willcox, only to be greeted by a warm, friendly face. After a few minutes of effortless chat and a few casual questions about what food I liked and what car my Dad drove I realised he wasn’t a tyrant. He was a corn-fed, girl-dad who put his family first but loved helping people achieve their business goals. The qualities of a great boss! I excitedly accepted the job of Marketing Coordinator despite the sick-feeling I was going to disappoint them.
Finding My Place at Clout
I needn’t have worried as the feeling of being valued was almost immediate. My confidence grew quickly and with it came the motivation to contribute as much as I could to Clout’s success. For the first time I felt stability and respect in a workplace. I was trusted, listened to and included, even with my limited experience. I realised that my initiative and candour were not unwelcome in this environment, but qualities that Cal and Carly appreciated. I was trusted and encouraged to work independently, which felt so foreign after being in retail for years where a toilet break was a privilege. I was given creative liberties and encouraged to openly share my opinions. I had been told before I started that Marketing Coordinators were not usually client facing, but on my second day I was taken for drinks and food with a client who I continue to work closely with now. As corny as it sounds, it wasn’t feeling like work, it was feeling as if I had a new group of friends who were embracing all the things I had complexes about.
Another unexpected layer of fulfilment came from writing. It has always been something I loved, but before Clout I had never had an outlet for it aside from birthday cards and text messages. I discovered how central writing is to marketing, how words can build strategies, shape brands and create genuine connections. Having the chance to write every day has been a dream and it has taught me that creativity is not a side note in business but an essential part of how it thrives.
More Than Just a Job
Starting at Clout influenced my personal life as much as my career. Having my people skills and common sense recognised gave me confidence that carried into the way I approached challenges outside of work and shaped how I saw myself. After a year or so into my role when my personal life felt uncertain, Clout provided stability, quiet support and a sense of belonging that kept me moving forward. Writing became a creative outlet that brought joy and fulfilment, while the reminder that balance matters helped me value my time and energy beyond the office.
Three Years On: What I’ve Learned
So yes, three years at a job might seem substantial to some but I am by no means restless. A person that feels appreciated will always do more than what’s expected, and Cal and Carly were looking for a Marketing Coordinator that would stick around for 12 months. I hope I have exceeded their expectations, as this job has mine. I will stop boasting now and conclude with: Find people who embrace you. Keep searching till you find something you love doing. You don’t have to dread the day ahead when your alarm goes off in the morning.
And if you’re a manager: go off vibes, not resumes.