Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Sometimes I Surprise Myself

I used to be what you call a "bad ass" in my professional life. I got a great job with a bank right out of college; I got my investment license, and succeeded in financial sales for almost 7 years. Then IF struck. I tried to fight it, but I stopped caring as much about my career. I knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom once we had a child, and in the beginning I had no idea how long our struggles would last, so I checked out.

I feel like I've lost a bit of myself due to IF. I suppose I should cut me some slack. I sometimes miss my "bad assness," especially in work situations. Currently I'm temping at a non-profit association, and it's perfect for my needs. It's 30 hours a week and for the most part stress free. I make less than I made while I was a server for Red Lobster in college, but can you put a price on not being stressed out with work during IF? No you can't.

I've been along for the temp ride for 3 months and have been doing a fine job, coasting along. I decided to let them know that I am awesome and I want to work there for more money directly for them, but didn't know how to do it. The old me would have never taken this job in the first place. I had a brief discussion with the boss, and he agreed, they value the work I do and don't want to lose me. So, I composed a very professional and slightly "bad ass" email stating my requirements for salary and how I can contribute going forward, and sent it off. I was a bit nervous that I had over stepped my bounds, but to my delight the boss walked by my desk the next day and said "I think we can make this work for you, and soon!"

Yay! Victory for me! So, I guess I may put the former versions of myself on the back burner to cope with what's going on in my life now, but that doesn't mean it's gone for good.

5 comments:

  1. I hear you on this completely. Since grad school I have been adjuncting and find myself less and less interested in even looking for a real job. I got an announcement for a position last week that would be perfect for me, only it's on the other side of the country. Once again, I will put IF in front of applying for the awesome job of my dreams.

    Yay for you for tackling this! Sometimes, I think what kind of mom would my potential future child want. I think they would want a bad ass mom.

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  2. I'm glad you stood up for yourself and said something. Think of how long they could have let you flounder in your current position at your current pay rate if you hadn't said something.

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  3. Good for you!
    I totally relate to the former bad-assery. I'm happy to hear that yours is still in there! Keep at it!

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  4. Great News!! I hope your DE cycle is going great also. Look forward to hearing more.

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