Jacob C.’s Post

Five years ago, I made the decision to take a pay cut and leave a full-time position for a contract role at LyondellBasell. As a contractor, I recall the daily grind of driving an hour to the office (five days a week back in 2019) and paying for parking. I didn't have a 401k or pension plan, and there were certain meetings I couldn't attend because I wasn't an employee. I worked harder than ever before, telling my wife that the extra effort would pay off once I was converted to direct hire. In 2020, I became a full-time employee, but the pace of my work did not slow down. Once again, I reassured my wife that I was working hard to secure a great performance review and a higher bonus payout. In 2021, I was presented with the opportunity to become the Talent Acquisition Manager of Corporate Functions. I told my wife that this time it would be different, as this was everything I had been working for 😂. Obviously, I was clueless, and the slowdown never came. Transitioning from peer to Supervisor was incredibly challenging, so I kept my head down and worked even harder. In 2022, I was entrusted with additional responsibilities. In 2023, I took on more projects: the Digital Innovation Challenge, Recruiting Blitz, new Careers Landing page, Careers Site redesign, and countless other initiatives. Joining LyondellBasell has been one of the best decisions of my life, but it has never been easy. What I didn't understand back in 2019 was everything I would need to be successful. I believed that hard work alone would eventually pay off. But in truth, much more is required. It wasn't enough to have a strong work ethic. I also had invaluable support that kept me going: • A beautiful, amazing, and supportive wife who believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself • A team of peers who helped me grow both personally and professionally • HR Business Partners who had my back and championed me • Peers and direct reports who were honest with me • A team that saw my potential and was incredibly gracious to me • Hiring Managers who mentored me and allowed me to learn on the job • Leaders and direct reports who allowed me to fail • Leaders who gave me opportunities when others thought I wasn't ready • My faith in Jesus and the humbling experience of growing as a man • A community of friends and family members who pray for me continuously • Beautiful little girls who inspire me to keep going Reflecting on these years, I realize that while my job in Talent Acquisition can be taken away at any time, the relationships I have built, and the support and belief of those around me, will remain. Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey. I am grateful for every single day and I appreciate all of the grace given along the way (especially from my beautiful wife). #lybproud #lybcareers #recruiterlife