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A stark account of what it means to be on the receiving end of a culture where hardship, pressure and self-doubt is a rite of passage. I often hear complaints about a new generation of "lazy" employees, but rather, I would like to see more of a celebration of new generations who know their boundaries, worth and does not confirm to the idea that it has to hurt before it gets better. In uncertain times we all need more support and kindness. Lifting people up rather than tearing them down. Seeing the potential and support the growth. #talentdevelopment #skills #diversity

View profile for Amelia Platton, graphic

Final seat Trainee Solicitor - Clifford Chance (Munich) - The ND Lawyer Project - Autistic/Dyspraxic - Legal Cheek’s Best Use of Social Media, Top 20 inspirational women in law and highest ranked trainee Linkedinfluencer

At 13, working as a pot washer in a pub for £3 an hour, I barely said a word to anyone. Many of the staff mocked me for being “strange.” At 16, I was asked to leave my 2 week work experience at a nursery because I “didn’t engage enough.” From 15, I spent 3 years working in a cafe, only finding the comfort to talk with coworkers in my last year there. Another cafe job? I left after three weeks after being left to close on my own and getting so stressed. At 17, I quit a job in a clothes shop after 7 weeks, having been shouted at by a customer over a security tag and struggling to connect with anyone who worked there. At 19, I dropped out of a vacation scheme assessment centre because the stress of making conversation on the office tour became too much. I also ran out of my first law firm open day crying. As a teenager, it’s safe to say I didn’t see a corporate career in my future, if any career at all. I was so disappointed in myself and just wanted to be “better.” Looking back, I feel sad for that younger me, a literal child, and autistic, whether I knew it then or not. I was harsh on myself, but many people who were much older than me were too. I didn’t deserve that. No child does. It took years of building confidence, finding my voice, pushing through discomfort and learning to advocate for myself to believe I could achieve anything. I was rarely told I could. I came close to losing myself, trying to be “employable” and leave that “strange” little girl behind. But she was fine. She just needed to know she wasn’t broken, she needed a little support. Employers: be gentle with your teenage staff, apprentices and work experience students. You never know what they’re carrying and they’re still growing. Not everyone needs “toughening up.” They may just need some support and kindness. And to the many teenage students who message me feeling the same as I did, be patient with yourself. You don’t need to have everything figured out and please don’t break yourself trying to become someone you’re not. You can’t fix neurodivergence, but you can find supportive environments, learn your strengths and work with your brain. It feels like nothing will change at that age, but it will. Photo: me at 13 and 13 years later ☀️ [First photo: Amelia as a young teenager with light brown curly hair and brown eyes, slightly smiling. Second photo: Amelia as an adult with dark blonde hair, clear glasses, white t-shirt and red cardigan]

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Molly Hutcheon

Client Solutions Lead @ Xander Talent | Bespoke Solutions, Global Engagement

1mo

Agree! Kind businesses consistently outperform and grow faster than firms considered to be 'unkind'. Baringa did some cool research into this and the associated economics of kindness 🙌

Mark Lockton

Founder & CEO @ embracent | business focused technology advice

1mo

Great comments Christel Wolthoorn. Kindness and compassion are super powers :-)

Marina M.

Co-CEO | Co-Founder | Organisational Psychology & Embodied Leadership

4w

Important (and accurate) reframe on this!

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