Some people devote their lives to building careers alongside other aspects of adult life. The rewards come in the form of money, more opportunities, and the security that comes with knowing you have your finances and work-life set.
This tends to fly under the radar of marriage, children, and family, among other things. Around your late 20s and late 30s, you have at least attended a bridal shower or baby shower, or bachelor party and wedding(s).
There are various occasions to celebrate friends when it comes to these relationship milestones and almost none for those who don't hit the same milestones. Except for a birthday, there isn't much that is celebrated in the lives of single, unengaged, child-free friends in our lives.
Some time ago the internet was discussing how friends come together for various "showers" but won't make one to raise capital for a friend's business idea. This triggered a debate but the issue isn't what was said on the topic, it is that there was a debate in the first place.
Investment is not attractive as a celebration, let's be honest. And it is not the same as charity events. It might rub some people the wrong way even though it is for a good cause to support friends.
Enter career showers.
What is a career shower?
When people spend time, gifts, and love for those who hit certain milestones but don't get the same treatment often it can seem like their choices and goals are not special or even important. There's no competition, we are only saying give credit where credit is due.
But there's a lot to celebrate away from conventional milestones and career is one of them.
A career shower is a celebration that honours professional achievements and work performance. This includes launching a business, getting a dream job, scoring a promotion, landing a new gig, or putting material out there.
Who to throw a career shower for
Take a break from the fumes of gender reveal parties, and buying more kitchenware, to organise a corporate shower for your friends.
This is the time to be in the spotlight and revel in the praise from friends for a job literally well done. For some people, this can be a life-reaffirming moment because when you are lost in your career making moves for yourself, it can be a rat in a wheel kind of situation where you don't realise or appreciate yourself, your efforts, and your achievements.
It can be a time to talk about one's career journey and actually process it. It also opens room for others to bond over their careers, and share career advice while eating lots of pastries.
According to Amy Chan, a relationship expert and founder of Renew Breakup Bootcamp, career showers are especially important for people who don't have a conventional life in their future or any time soon.
“It’s not everyone’s path to get married or start a family. Some individuals desire children but are unable to have them, while others opt not to have kids at all. Additionally, there are people who are single and have no plans to tie the knot," she told Bustle.
This doesn't mean married friends and those with children don't deserve a career shower if they have a career. They do and this is another moment to celebrate them.
How to throw a career shower
There is no particular way to throw a career shower. You can choose from any celebratory menu or decide on your friend's style, or mix the two. It can be small or big, you can go for tea or wine, or it can be a feast or snacky. The only constant theme is professional and corporate or tied to the person's field.
As more career goals are met, you repeat the process and get better at them. Always leave space for a toast to make it extra special.
Start by throwing your own and go from there.