Feeling like the quietest person in a room, with nothing to contribute, is a feeling many of us know. It’s a moment of self-doubt that can feel overwhelming, especially when you're early in your career. But what if that feeling is a sign that you’re on the verge of a breakthrough? What if it's the beginning of a story you’ll look back on with pride?
Seven years ago, I left a management role to start from scratch as a junior employee at SAP Taulia. It was a purely technical job, completely outside my comfort zone. I felt the familiar anxiety of being the new person, but I was determined to learn. Just a few months in, my manager went on maternity leave. Suddenly, I was on my own, learning through trial and error with no one in my time zone to ask for immediate help. I felt isolated and lost, struggling to keep up with my more experienced colleagues.
The turning point wasn't a single "aha" moment but the steady, consistent support of my teammates. We were all learning together, and no one had all the answers. Sharing our experiences made the daily grind manageable, and I realized that I wasn't alone in feeling unsure. That collaborative spirit gave me the confidence to push through. When I was stuck, a quick message to a colleague in a different time zone would get me a solution by the next morning. These small acts of teamwork taught me that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
After a few months, I had a moment of clarity. I woke up and realized the struggle was gone. I understood the work. When my manager returned, she helped me build on that foundation, and I grew even more.
Today, I lead my own team. I mentor new employees who are just starting out and help them navigate that same feeling of being lost. I share my story to remind them that every expert was once a beginner.
My key takeaway is this: Every new challenge will test you. You can either be defeated by the struggle or push through it to achieve what you've dreamed of. The sun always comes out after the rain, and the growth you experience from facing your struggles head-on is invaluable. If you're feeling lost or underestimated, remember that your breakthrough might be just around the corner.
—Mariya Karadzhova, Enterprise Automation Manager, SAP Taulia
