Her Story
About Olga
My professional journey has been one of continuous adaptation and growth. I started in the Army Reserve as a legal clerk, which gave me my legal background and led me to work in law firms. I worked as a paralegal for about 35 years, spending 12 to 13 years at one firm before being laid off in a massive layoff. That's what got me with the government - I've been with Guilford County now about 7 to 8 years. I began in the legal department doing contracts, and one morning I came to work and was told I was moving to Purchasing, and I was devastated. But life throws you curveballs, and I've always tried not to get knocked down. Now I'm a vendor program administrator for Guilford County, where I'm the first point of contact for companies that want to do business with the county. I help them get registered, especially older companies that don't have the online savvy, because I don't either - I started out a long time ago. I do workshops to help people understand the bidding process and stay compliant, because we want that diversity and want every company in the community to have an opportunity to bid on our contracts. I'm also preparing for my next chapter - I'm studying to get my real estate brokerage license and am scheduled to take my state and national exam on April 6th. My daughter is in real estate, and I'd like to see her open her own firm one day, so I thought I could work for my daughter. I'm doing this so I can continue to be comfortable when I retire and not worry about generating income.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Olga
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to motivating myself and never letting life's curveballs knock me down. I've had to take care of my children and push myself forward, even when I'm riddled with anxiety and not believing in myself. Every time I put myself out there, I make it through. Life throws you curveballs, and I've always tried not to get hit with a fast ball and go down. I'm proud of myself for continuing to study and grow even at this stage of my life - it's been 20 years since I've studied, and the coursework is very intense, but I keep going. I was in my late 40s when I completed my undergraduate degree with my children, and now I'm studying for my real estate license. I motivate myself to take care of my family and keep moving forward, no matter what challenges come my way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't allow obstacles or other's people to get in my way. Stay encouraged.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say come out of your comfort zone and do really what you love doing, so that you can enjoy doing it every day. Money, unfortunately, has to be some of the factor, but it can't be everything, because you can get up every day and make a lot of money and you're miserable. It has to be something that really motivates you - the money would be the bonus - because you're doing something that you're really loving to do. So it has to be whatever that inner desire is, I would say go after that. Happiness is the bottom line to me, and it always has been. If you're not happy and content, life is just. Material things are Great ... i love new things!! but things just are not the same when you don't have that peace of mind.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
My biggest challenge right now is entering into a new field of work towards my goals of retiring and going into the real estate business... Working just for me will be Delightful!!
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Happiness and peace of mind are the most important values to me. Happiness is the bottom line, and it always has been. If you're not happy and content, life is just miserable. I believe in doing what you love so you can enjoy it every day, where the money is the bonus rather than the only reason you're doing something. I also value continuing to grow and not giving up, even when life throws curveballs. When you get older, don't stop doing things - it's not the end of our life. I want to motivate anyone over a certain age to please continue being happy in life and doing things.
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