Wellbeing and Work: Insight from MentorNect’s Vic Snelgar

These past years have brought a multitude of changes for everyone, whether it be personally or professionally, it will come as no surprise that feelings of stress are high. In fact, Oracle found that “Some 78% believe the coronavirus pandemic has severely affected their mental health; 40% are making more flawed decisions, and 90% conclude that newfound work-related stress affects their home lives.”

Career uncertainty can cause feelings of immense pressure which are hard to escape. Considering the recent National Stress Awareness Day Vic Snelgar, MentorNect’s Business Development Manager, speaks on this and her experience of working in the travel industry after being made redundant during the pandemic.

Here are the four ways in which she overcame the setbacks in her career and channelled her affinity with mentoring. She presents an insightful narrative in helping others with similar stories:

Pillar of strength

There was always going to be a shift in passion, sense of purpose and feeling lost. But I remind myself daily to stay true to what I believe, and that is to be prepared to give more than is asked and to be resourceful.

In travel, I firmly believe there is a different heartbeat, a sense of unity. Across social media there has been so much support, helping to make those dark days manageable, and new opportunities have emerged. Truly reflecting on this, it is something we can all take from our industry. We are a pillar of strength.

Reflect and reset

Last year, my sense of purpose, drive, and determination evaporated. It struck me that changing my life was an inside job. To reflect and reset.

It was an opportunity to think about the skills and behaviours I had acquired during my time in management and how to use them to move forward.

First, I invested in setting goals. A significant initial hurdle comes down to mindset and stopping any mention of ‘can’t’ or allowing negative thoughts to fester. Hence, my focus is now on believing and having confidence.

In my head, there aren’t hundreds of rival candidates – instead, being selected over others will show exactly how hard I’ve worked. I think it’s important to take time when creating goals and to cultivate positivity.

Building a network 

A passion of mine has always been nurturing future leaders. Coaching and mentoring individuals and teams and inspiring them to succeed. My network has enabled me to do this in recent times. I have embraced this network and used it to see things through a different lens.

Now, a wide personal network is key, and it should be treated as an ecosystem, with a focus on expanding it and adding value. For example, don’t just ‘like’ articles, but rather leave a substantial comment and not necessarily one that agrees with the author.

Networking isn’t about clicking and connecting to get the most followers, but rather about planting a seed and the mutual benefits within a network

Accepting support

What I have found is that people want to help. Listening and accepting support is crucial. After all, nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity. It is important to learn from others and share ideas and best practice.

I’ve had the support of friends, colleagues, and former managers, and enjoyed some excellent mentoring and life coach sessions. In fact, I’ve now volunteered to become a mentor myself – in the business and hospitality management sectors – and feel good about being able to give something back.

In summary

It is natural to have setbacks in any career and it can feel impossible to separate this from your sense of self. However, by shifting your perspective and reaching out to your network you can adapt to a new path. Whilst Vic’s management background had allowed her to be a mentor in her career, she benefited greatly from personal mentoring and has taken part in MentorNect’s schemes first-hand.

Mentoring sessions with MentorNect greatly contribute to wellbeing and confidence that will carry forward in all aspects of your life.

Continue to the website if you would like to be involved yourself.