You can have enough if you are able to appreciate it

Introduce yourself in a few words…

My name is Adelina Stefanova, I am 32 years old and I work in public relations (PR). I like clear and open communication, I value a good tone in work and in life. It is important for me to have respect, responsibility, and goodwill – they make every environment easier to live in and every partnership  more meaningful.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

My career is developing slowly and steadily – just the way I like it. I have been working in PR for quite a while, gradually venturing into other areas of marketing. I enjoy what I do and I strive to keep my curiosity alive. I don’t have any spectacular moment or achievement to boast about, but I believe in the value of accumulated experience and in the desire to keep learning.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

I haven’t had any grand or fateful moment that changed my direction. Rather, the most important choice that shapes my path is the one I make every day – to continue. There are moments when it’s hard for me or I don’t like something, but I consciously choose to stay, to learn, and to move forward. This persistence is important to me.

What would you like to know at the beginning of your career that no one told you?

I think it would have been helpful for someone to tell me how important it is to notice the little things – the small successes, the moments when something went well for me, even if it’s not anything special. In the beginning, I often looked towards big achievements and thought that only they mattered. The truth is that work and development happen little by little, every day. This still escapes me sometimes, especially in more stressful moments, but I try to consciously remind myself of it. It helps not to get lost in the rush and comparisons.

How can a person understand which profession is suitable for them?

I don’t think there is a straightforward answer to this question. In my opinion, it’s important for a person to try different things, to be aware of themselves, and to pay attention to what brings them satisfaction. Sometimes the feeling of a “suitable profession” doesn’t come immediately, but with time and experience. And it’s good to remember that even if you like your job, it’s not always easy or inspiring – difficulties are part of the journey, not a sign that you are in the wrong place.

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?

In my opinion, the most important will be adaptability and the ability to learn continuously. The world is changing rapidly, especially with the development of technologies, and it will be increasingly valuable to be able to navigate new situations, to adapt to change, and not to be afraid to start something from scratch if necessary.

How to build a network of useful contacts without appearing interested?

Personally, I believe that building useful contacts should not be forced or intrusive. In my work, I strive to approach it purposefully, building quality relationships that bring mutual benefit. Although my profession involves active interaction with many people, I prefer to work in situations that are win-win for everyone. This way, contacts happen naturally and are long-lasting because they are built on genuine mutual interests and respect.

What is the biggest mistake you have made in your career, and what did you learn from it?

One of the big mistakes I made was allowing work to take up too much of my time and energy. I often took on responsibilities that weren’t mine, but belonged to others and got caught up in ideas or projects that didn’t actually resonate with me. This created unnecessary stress and distracted me from the truly important things. Over time, I started becoming more aware of the importance of setting boundaries and focusing on tasks that are truly within my scope, are important to me, and bring me satisfaction. I’m still learning, but I’m now more careful in how I manage my time and energy.

How to recognize a toxic work environment and when is it time to leave?

From personal experience, I believe that one of the main signs of a toxic work environment is disrespect and rude behavior. When we are excessively required to take on responsibilities that aren’t ours, or when guilt is artificially imposed, this can be a serious signal. However, it’s important to differentiate between such situations and normal conflicts or demands that arise at work. It can’t always be easy, but if we constantly feel that the work environment is emotionally draining us and violating our personal boundaries, then it may be time to consider whether we need a change.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

If I could start over, I would probably pay more attention to my personal development, to better knowing myself, and to taking care of myself. Since I started focusing on this, I live much better and feel that I have more clarity in the decisions I make.

How to maintain motivation in times of stagnation?

When I find myself in stagnation, it’s important for me to understand what caused it. This can be fatigue, lack of clarity, accumulation of dissatisfaction, or it can be related to circumstances beyond my control. When I identify the cause, it becomes clearer what I need to do to regain my motivation.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

In my opinion, achieving a perfect balance between professional and personal life is not entirely possible, but it is still an important step to know what you want in both areas and to strive for it. It’s important to realize that sometimes you will have to make compromises because you can’t have everything, but you can have enough, if you are able to appreciate it. This requires prioritizing tasks and wants, and the ability to adapt to a reality that is not always ideal.

When is it time to change your career, not just your job?

I couldn’t express an opinion on this matter, as I have been in the same field since the beginning of my work experience. For me, the personal path in my career is very individual and everyone must decide for themselves when it is time for a change.

If you had to give just one piece of advice to people who are seeking success, what would it be?

To understand what success means to them. It is personal and different for everyone.

What is your definition of a “successful career”?

At the moment, I have 13 years of professional experience and I still don’t feel competent enough and confident enough to define what a successful career is. But at this stage of my journey, I believe that a successful career for me is the feeling of satisfaction from what I do and from everything I continue to learn. I know I have a long way ahead of me and I am grateful that I have the opportunity to continue to develop.