When you're starting out in your career, it's easy to feel like everyone else knows more than you do.
You might find yourself agreeing with things you're not entirely comfortable with, keeping your opinions to yourself, or waiting for someone more experienced to tell you what to do.
We've previously shared some practical advice on how to speak up in meetings, even when you're the most junior person. But finding your voice at work goes beyond having the confidence to contribute in a meeting.
It's about learning to trust your own judgement, recognising what you bring to the table and feeling comfortable expressing what you think, need and want from your career.
And that's something most of us are still figuring out, whatever stage we're at.
You don't have to agree with everyone
Early in your career, there's often an unspoken pressure to be agreeable. To say yes, be helpful and avoid rocking the boat.
And while being collaborative is important, it doesn't mean you have to agree with everything.
Maybe you think there's a better way of doing something. Perhaps a deadline feels unrealistic, or you've noticed something that others have overlooked.
It's okay to say so.
You can challenge an idea without challenging the person behind it. You can offer a different perspective without being difficult. And you can disagree respectfully while still being a brilliant team player.
Your perspective is part of what you bring to work. Don't be too quick to dismiss it.
Learn to recognise what matters to you
Finding your voice isn't just about what you say to other people. It's also about understanding yourself.
What kind of work do you enjoy? What motivates you? What do you find frustrating? What would you like to do more of?
When you're focused on doing a good job and meeting everyone else's expectations, it's surprisingly easy to lose sight of your own ambitions.
But your career belongs to you.
Take time to think about what you want, rather than simply following the path that seems to be expected of you.
You don't need a five-year plan or all the answers. Just start paying attention to what feels right for you.
Don't wait for someone else to notice
Many of us grow up believing that if we work hard, do a good job and keep our heads down, opportunities will naturally follow.
Sometimes they do. But not always.
People aren't mind readers. Your manager might not know you're interested in a particular project, hoping to develop a new skill or ready to take on more responsibility.
And if you never tell anyone, they might never know.
Talking about your achievements isn't showing off. Expressing your ambitions isn't being demanding. And asking for an opportunity doesn't mean you think you're entitled to it.
It's simply giving people a better understanding of what you can offer and where you'd like to go.
Your voice can change as you grow
Here's something we don't talk about enough: finding your voice isn't a one-time achievement.
What feels important to you at 22 might look completely different at 30. Your confidence, priorities and ambitions will change as you gain experience and learn more about yourself.
You might become more comfortable challenging decisions. More willing to set boundaries. Or more confident saying, "Actually, that's not what I want."
That's growth.
And you don't have to become a different person to get there.
You can be thoughtful, quiet, collaborative and kind while still having strong opinions and clear ambitions.
Start by listening to yourself
If finding your voice feels like a big challenge, start somewhere small.
The next time you automatically agree to something, ask yourself whether you actually agree. When an opportunity interests you, consider expressing that interest rather than waiting to be invited. And when you have an opinion, give yourself permission to take it seriously.
You won't always get it right. None of us do.
But the more you practise recognising and expressing what matters to you, the easier it becomes.
Finding your voice isn't about becoming louder. It's about becoming more comfortable being heard, being yourself and having a say in the direction your career takes.