Tuesday, January 13, 2015

The Back Story

A few months ago my co-worker and I decided we'd had enough of where we are. Done. Finished. Over it. I've been there 16 years (give or take some sabbaticals); she's been there nearly as long. We've each had opportunities to grow and expand out skills sets and knowledge base, but lately, all of that feels like its come to a screeching halt. It started to feel like we'd be stuck in this rut forever. And neither of us really remember how we got here in the first place.

We decided to get pro-active about it.

We made a plan. We stuck to it. We dedicated time to it. Yelled at each other for slacking. Tidied up resumes and cover letters. Got real about networking. Dreamt a beautiful dream of being able to give notice at the same time, and move on to jobs that we value and that value us and what we can offer.

And we did it! More or less. Within a couple of weeks of each other. We did it! It can be done!

I'm not going to go into much more detail, because then you won't buy our book #kiddingnotkidding. We are totally writing a book.

See what I did there? I just put that in writing, L. Now we're committed.

But here's a takeaway: if you are job searching now and putting yourself out there, please please please let one of your good friends and/or colleagues see your resume and cover letters and edit freely. Because very few of us do a good job at talking about how awesome we really are. We sell ourselves short. You are awesome! You really are! Have someone that knows you help you get that in writing.

This time next month, L and I will both be starting the next chapter in our careers. She'll be working hard to combat sexual and domestic violence (because she is bad ass like that) and I'll be doing what I do now, but on a national level, with a title to match it, and a sane (and very, very cool) boss, and staff! I get staff!

Lots and lots of logistics to still work out. But I know it will all come together. Because this did.




8 comments:

Lori Lavender Luz said...

Full of the awesome. Congrats!

Non Sequitur Chica said...

Congrats! I hope you love your new job!

E3 Writing said...

Congratulations! And it is so true about having someone look at your resume. Resume revamps are a service I offer *shameless self-promotion*

http://www.e3writing.com

loribeth said...

Congratulations!! :)

tireegal68 said...

You rock!!!! What did your crazy boss say when you gave notice? Did you give her a piece of your mind???

m said...

Thanks for high fiving me back, ladies!

Alas, tireegal, I cannot - my new job is still in the same field and although the power dynamics between us have dramatically shifted, I still need to play nice.

This entire week has been an exercise in professionalism and grace, and keeping my jaw from hitting the floor after some choice comments. I may or may not be doing a good job with this. But it is ALL affirming this decision and confirming the realization that we should have left years ago.

But we're leaving now. That's all that matters.

Carla said...

Good for you for taking charge of your life and moving forward! Hope the transition goes well!

nicoleciomek said...

That sounds great!! Having made a big career change a couple years ago, I know how awesome it is when you create the plan and then follow through and execute. So happy for you! Hope the new adventures has started off well so far!

Google