Is This What I Expected a Year Ago?
Somewhat.
I expected to be with a new company. I expected a title increase. What I didn’t expect was being asked to take on responsibilities without the time, space, or support required to do them well.
The focus from the company and management has been results. Not always the process it takes to achieve those results, and rarely the stress, pressure, or fear that comes along with it.
To be clear — I have delivered the results.
But not without burnout.
Not without anxiety.
Not without the constant feeling that I could lose my job at any moment.
I haven’t yet felt comfortable — within the company or even among coworkers — and that’s been one of the hardest adjustments I’ve ever had to make in my career as an engineer.
What I Didn’t Expect
I didn’t expect to pursue, let alone achieve, my CSM or PMP certifications. That decision developed slowly over time.
Over the last few years, my focus has shifted toward the future — toward being out of the lab and into a role where I can support the people around me. I’ve accumulated a lot of experience, and I’ve started thinking seriously about what the next chapter looks like.
I want to help other engineers grow. I want to give them space to perform their work while also helping them develop the skills I’ve spent years building myself.
The seed was planted once I truly understood what a PMP or CSM could unlock — not just within biotech, but outside of it as well.
This path has also forced me to learn a leadership style that doesn’t always feel natural to me. Being more hands-off. Leading through empowerment. Providing direction without controlling every outcome. And stepping in as a mentor only when direct leadership is necessary.
It’s uncomfortable — but it’s growth.
What Do I See Myself Doing Next Year?
A few things feel very clear to me.
1. Turning My Blog Into a Self-Help Memoir
The writing I’ve been doing isn’t random anymore. It’s becoming something bigger — a self-help memoir built from lived experience, reflection, and lessons learned the hard way. It just feels right, and I also feel it’s something missing within the black community, a voice directly from someone that mirrors you.
2. Writing a TV Series With My Brother 🤞🏾
This has been a long-standing idea, and I finally feel ready to take it seriously.
3. Writing a Movie With a Close Friend 🤞🏾
Another creative project I’m excited about — one I hope to bring to life soon.
4. Continuing to Grow My Career in Biotech
I want to keep progressing. Ideally into a Lead or Staff Engineer role. Possibly even moving to a different team where my impact is more immediate and meaningful.
That said, I’m also open to stepping away from biotech entirely if it allows me to focus on the passion projects that feel increasingly important to me.
The Real Goal
The goal isn’t comfort.
It’s progression.
If you’re nervous, that means you’re pushing beyond your current comforts.
Never settling.
Never stagnating.
Always looking for the next step forward.
Growth doesn’t always look clean or calm. Sometimes it looks like discomfort, doubt, and learning on the fly. But that’s where real change happens.
And I’m still moving.
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