Navigating pressure in the workplace as a young person
Starting your first job can be exciting, but it often comes with pressure to prove yourself. Nancy Ndameshime, who began her career at the Bank of Namibia, understands what it means to stay focused under pressure as a young professional.
“So my journey began at university. I got a call from the Bank of Namibia to come in for an interview. I was not sure what the position was for because I didn’t remember applying,” she recalled. “So I got called, went for an interview and found out it was for an internship, for a three-month internship. So that’s how my career started in 2021.”
What began as a short-term internship soon became something more. “I got called back to start in December 2021 as an intern, and it [was] extended to another three months, etc. Eventually I got a temporary contract and yeah,” Ndameshime shared.
But being young in the workplace came with its challenges. “Challenges I faced was a lot of demeaning [behaviour]; undermining the value that I bring to the workplace, undermining my position as being a younger person,” she explained.
“Everyone could use me as a punching bag? Any work that they felt like needed to be done that they didn’t really want to do or have time for was often handed to me.”
Pressure also came from high expectations. “Because I was young, I was often expected to finish tasks within an amount of time that wasn’t fair,” she said.
“Everyone felt that because I was young, I could get things done quicker... so those are the pressures I was facing.”
Ndameshime nevertheless stayed motivated through faith, discipline and family support.
“If I have a goal, which is to give my best work... that’s what keeps me motivated,” she said. “My mom would tell me to push and to keep at it and that everything is for a bigger cost or greater cost... I would also say God kept me motivated.”
Shine bright
Her breakthrough came when she learned not to take negativity personally. “People at work have different personalities, and sometimes it’s not really about me, but it’s about them,” she said. “What I can control, I will do my best. That I cannot control, there’s nothing I can do about that.”
Ndameshime believes a calm mind is key to productivity. “As long as my work is done, give yourself a break and allow yourself to take a breather and then come back with a fresh mind,” she advised.
Her message to young people is simple: “Keep pushing. Don’t let anyone dim your light. You go out there and give your best 24-7... Know what you prayed for and keep fighting and keep pushing.”
Now confident in her abilities, Ndameshime sees pressure as part of growth. “A bit of pressure is not too much. Pressure is not a bad thing. It’s just about how to handle it: take a breather, take some things in and come back with a fresh mind and go push. It pays off.”
“So my journey began at university. I got a call from the Bank of Namibia to come in for an interview. I was not sure what the position was for because I didn’t remember applying,” she recalled. “So I got called, went for an interview and found out it was for an internship, for a three-month internship. So that’s how my career started in 2021.”
What began as a short-term internship soon became something more. “I got called back to start in December 2021 as an intern, and it [was] extended to another three months, etc. Eventually I got a temporary contract and yeah,” Ndameshime shared.
But being young in the workplace came with its challenges. “Challenges I faced was a lot of demeaning [behaviour]; undermining the value that I bring to the workplace, undermining my position as being a younger person,” she explained.
“Everyone could use me as a punching bag? Any work that they felt like needed to be done that they didn’t really want to do or have time for was often handed to me.”
Pressure also came from high expectations. “Because I was young, I was often expected to finish tasks within an amount of time that wasn’t fair,” she said.
“Everyone felt that because I was young, I could get things done quicker... so those are the pressures I was facing.”
Ndameshime nevertheless stayed motivated through faith, discipline and family support.
“If I have a goal, which is to give my best work... that’s what keeps me motivated,” she said. “My mom would tell me to push and to keep at it and that everything is for a bigger cost or greater cost... I would also say God kept me motivated.”
Shine bright
Her breakthrough came when she learned not to take negativity personally. “People at work have different personalities, and sometimes it’s not really about me, but it’s about them,” she said. “What I can control, I will do my best. That I cannot control, there’s nothing I can do about that.”
Ndameshime believes a calm mind is key to productivity. “As long as my work is done, give yourself a break and allow yourself to take a breather and then come back with a fresh mind,” she advised.
Her message to young people is simple: “Keep pushing. Don’t let anyone dim your light. You go out there and give your best 24-7... Know what you prayed for and keep fighting and keep pushing.”
Now confident in her abilities, Ndameshime sees pressure as part of growth. “A bit of pressure is not too much. Pressure is not a bad thing. It’s just about how to handle it: take a breather, take some things in and come back with a fresh mind and go push. It pays off.”
