Design & code at DoorDash, prev. Instagram, Headspace, Red Bull.

Frank Bach

I sure have. During my time at Headspace, I had 7 different managers ranging from Lead Designers to VPs and even at one point reporting to the CDO. In my agency days, I struggled to adapt to the way my mostly European team worked and never felt like I really found my groove. 

What I wish I'd done differently is to have a conversation with my manager at the time and identify what it would mean for them to see me as successful. Every manager has different needs, expectations, etc. One might like getting in the weeds with you, while others only need a high-level update every couple of weeks. 

Adapting to new situations takes time, so be gentle with yourself. Try and identify a few projects where you can make some impact on quickly for your customers and your team to give yourself (and hopefully your manager) a boost of confidence.

But hey, if it's really not working out for you, it might be time to start looking around at other opportunities.

I sure have. During my time at Headspace, I had 7 different managers ranging from Lead Designers to VPs and even at one point reporting to the CDO. In my agency days, I struggled to adapt to the way my mostly European team worked and never felt like I really found my groove. 

What I wish I'd done differently is to have a conversation with my manager at the time and identify what it would mean for them to see me as successful. Every manager has different needs, expectations, etc. One might like getting in the weeds with you, while others only need a high-level update every couple of weeks. 

Adapting to new situations takes time, so be gentle with yourself. Try and identify a few projects where you can make some impact on quickly for your customers and your team to give yourself (and hopefully your manager) a boost of confidence.

But hey, if it's really not working out for you, it might be time to start looking around at other opportunities.

I struggled to adapt to a new manager and team, now my performance at work is paying the cost. 

Frank Bach

Have you ever experienced a dip in your career development? If so, how did you bounce back?

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Frank Bach