Saturday, August 12, 2006

Cultivation v. Cash

Doubt, although usually negative, is an extremely powerful thing. I'm praying for clarity and I almost have it, but I thought I would share and open up the floor for feedback from my Blog fam...

Yesterday, I had an interview with a small, independent cable network in DC. The ENTIRE process was smooth, effortless and enjoyable...from the moment I received the call on Thursday to set up the interview, until the minute I walked out of the interview on Friday morning. It all went so very well...let me give you a bit more detail:

* When I received the call late Thursday afternoon requesting a meeting for the NEXT morning, I was a bit apprehensive. Usually I like to give myself, atleast, 24 hours to prepare. In addition, I was scheduled to work my part time job and Lawd knows I need the money. BUT...something told me to just go with it. Take the interview and make it work...and that's just what I did.

* I got my suit and things ready the night before...I was worried about the fit cause it's been a minute since I've had to don my business gear. BUT...everything fit very nicely and I was doin' the damn thang if I do say so myself.

* For those of you who live or know anything about the Metro DC area, you know that getting into the District during the rush hours ain't nothin' nice. I left the house with an hour to spare, but I was still a bit worried about traffic and finding parking. Well...traffic was non-existent and parking was a breeze. I found metered parking directly infront of the building (note for future reference: I put in enough change to get me an hour's worth of parking having been told that the interview would be approximately 30 minutes).

* I arrived in the lobby with 15 minutes to spare. When the VP of Marketing came out to get me, she was a sistah (which never guarantees anything, but is always a pleasure) and...she was wearing jeans (YES!!! A business casual/casual work environment is a HUGE win for me).

* The interview was oh so comfortable. She ran down the responsibilities, what she is looking for and how she likes to work. She gave me her background (which is a carbon copy of mine) and we talked a bit about my experience and where I was trying to go with my career. She mentioned that they have another Howard grad working for the company and how well she has done for herself (that, having a fellow Howard grad as a co-worker, is also a comforting thing for me).

After we took care of all the "business" stuff...we chit chatted...like old girlfriends. The conversation went all over the place...from places we've lived, family background, college and life in general. THEN...she said it...what almost sealed the deal for me...the subject of our conversation at that moment led her to say..."this was ordained...I believe that...I believe that you were supposed to be here at this time...we were supposed to meet...and I'm glad that we did." I almost fell off my chair! I had told her nothing of how easily everything happened surrounding my interview with her...yet she confirmed that "everything happens for a reason."

* She agreed, like so many other potential employers have, that I was overqualified for the position. However, understanding that I was "redirecting" my career in a sense, she didn't dismiss me like so many other people have in the past. The fact is that I have a ton of sales experience, but I don't have a lot of the "traditional" marketing experience that I need to land a position that will pay me, off the cuff, what I have been making the past. I accept that, and understand that...thankfully, so does she. She also mentioned that in the sales/marketing field, you have to ALWAYS keep your ears and eyes open for the next big opportunity...she does, everyone she knows does...as do I. I welcomed her acknowledgement of this truth...it was almost like that was HER way of letting ME know that SHE knew that this would probably just be a "jump off" point for me.

* Having said all of that, I finally arrive at the point of contention...MONEY. With the money that they are offering, I would be faced with a pretty significant pay cut. Even though I expected this, I still wasn't ready for it...or maybe not ready for it being as substantial as it is. HOWEVER...I can't help but to keep thinking that the knowledge that I'll gain from the position - but more than that from HER (she would be an awesome mentor) - is more valuable than being able to maintain the lifestyle that I had in the past (not that it was THAT extravagant in the first place, but you know what I mean). The bottom line is that with the money that I would make with this company, plus the change that I would make from my part time job on the weekend (I would keep the retail gig for as long as I could stand it), plus the money that I bring in from time to time selling my "jew-elles"...I could make it work. I would have to become a better manager of my money, this is true...but what is even more true is that people make it work with A LOT less.

* Now here's the icing on the cake y'all...remember I told you that I had about an hour in the parking meter? Well, the interview went over that by an hour and for those of you who don't know...DC cops/metermaids DO. NOT. PLAY! I was certain that I was going have a nice little ticket on my windshield to ruin my otherwise perfect day. Can you guess what I found when I got back to my car? N-O-T-H-I-N-G!!!! A blinking, expired meter and NO TICKET! If that ain't God, I don't know what is! I happily went on to my part time job and arrived only having missed 2 hours of my 8 hour shift!

So that was my interview experience and I bet many of you are wondering, "what's the problem?" Right? Well...I just can't help wondering what could be as it relates to the money. What could be if I hold out a bit longer. What could be if I wait to see what my godfather's contacts come up with (cause this wasn't one of them). What could be if this doesn't prove to be enough money for me to "make it."

As right as everything else seems, this contemplation is very real. And necessary...I think.

I have a couple things that I need to do for her over the weekend...add some internships back onto my resume that she insists should be there and create a PowerPoint presentation. Then, she wants me to come back next week to meet with her boss and the Howard grad (which will have to take place on Tuesday or Wednesday, given my schedule). So I have a bit of time to think...and to consider any advice/suggestions that you all may have for me.

At the end of the day, I am thankful to be in this position...THIS, I know for sure!

23 Comments:

At 12:33 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'd pick cash. Seriously.

I was always realistic when it came to discussing money and brought it to their attention that they wouldn't get the best of ANYONE who was constantly worrying about money.

I'm enjoying your site Chica. Been on here for an hour already. LOL!

You're in the area so I KNOW you're coming to my birthday party arentcha?

Smooches!

 
At 3:40 PM, Blogger Darbs said...

@ Creole: I'm so glad you stopped by!!! Glad you're enjoying the site! Thanks for the advice...and I hear you on the money aspect...that's why I'm so torn but I've been on the unemployment scene for waaaay too long so I have to really consider my options.

Ummmm...if I am in town I am SO at your party...when is it exactly?

 
At 6:31 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Labor Day weekend. Haven't picked the exact day during the weekend yet (guess I should get on that huh? LOL!). You'll have fun and meet lots of FABULOUS people!

 
At 10:31 PM, Blogger African girl, American world said...

Go head...go head!!! Chile this whole post was like a movie scene. I was following it step by step. I had outfits picked out for all y'all and everything! LOL! I'm so silly.

But on the real I'm in the same boat Ma! I left the work force for almost 3 yrs to be at home with the babies and go back to school and coming back to Corporate America has been hard.

I already knew I would take a paycut and have to prove myself again but damn I'm all about growth. Companies are so damn quick to keep you at said low salary for years. I don't mind starting low but you gots to show me a 5 yr plan of where I can end up if I hold my end of the bargain.

There you have it, my 2 cents :)

And yeah I liked the Tim Gunn 'make it work' reference...LOL!!!

 
At 12:16 AM, Blogger Darbs said...

@ Exhausted: You know...you just might be right. That's an excellent way to look at it. Guess I need to beef up my collection, huh? LOL.

@ Creole: I was hoping that you weren't referencing THAT party (I read about that on your blog but didn't realize it was for your birthday). Unfortunately, I will be celebrating the holiday with familiy in NY...my sister's annual Labor Day cookout. I'm bummed I'm going to miss it...but I'm sure there will be others...right???

@ Mwabi: You are a mess...outfits? LOL! It didn't even come as a surprise to me that you would understand where I was coming from...when don't you...like I said, we are kindred spirits! Thanks for the insight. AND...I could count on you to pick up on the "make it work" reference. Tim Gunn is DA MAN..."Andre..." LOL!

 
At 3:46 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Questions to ask yourself:

1. Can I be happy at this job?

2. Will I be happy at his job?

3. See above questions.

 
At 9:27 PM, Blogger Darbs said...

@ Michel: HEY YOU!!! Great advice...thanks for that!

 
At 9:48 AM, Blogger chele said...

The whole situation seems very positive, but for me it always comes down to dollars and cents.

If the money is workable and you see great (not good) potential in this position than a paycut may not be a bad idea.

Only you know what you need to make it.

 
At 10:09 AM, Blogger LUVIN ME said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

 
At 10:10 AM, Blogger LUVIN ME said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

 
At 10:11 AM, Blogger LUVIN ME said...

Blogger and I are having problems this morning...

For now, I would deal with "What is" rather than "What could be."

If you are qualified for better positions, in time you will get them. Take your time, feel out what you have, and see how it works for now. This may be the jump start that you needed...If the money still doesn't work for you, you'll have the satifaction of knowing that you tried it out...

Continue to pray, and see where it leads you...

 
At 10:15 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree w/Michael... if this job could possibly be a stepping stone to help you fulfill future career goals, then go for it. $$$$ is a huge part of our lives but at the end of the day it is not the only thing that makes our lives worthwhile. What you truly want from a job/career is a place where you can learn and grow as much as possible, a positive work atmosphere and something STRESS FREE!!! All of the money in the world is not worth the stress, and you've got enough of that on your plate as is.

And like you said, you can still do your part-time gig and hustle your jewelry on the side. Who knows, this job could possibly give you all of the tools that you need to really jump-off JeweLyn!! :)

Don't sweat it, keep interviewing -EVERYWHERE and with EVERYONE! When it's time to make a decision it will be revealed to you and just be the best you that you know how to be in your new situation. It will all work out just fine... I KNOW THIS!

- Neq

 
At 12:40 PM, Blogger TTD said...

good luck w/ the new job! hope you get it & like it & it opens great doors & opportunities for you!

 
At 3:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Darbs...not gonna be long winded but here goes:

I took my current job at a significant cut 2 years ago but I was unemployed and needed the money. I had no experience in this area at the time. 6 months later I got a raise that brought me up to where I was at the previous job 1 and 1/2 years later I received a significant increase. But more than that. I like coming to work. I like my job. I like my co-workers. I like my hours. Waking up is not a chore. My previous job (where I made more initially) ~ I hated my job. Getting up to go to it made me MISERABLE. I didn't like my co-workers. I didn't like my hours. God stirs you where you should be at the appointed time and place. I think that this opportunity could open alot of doors for you.

 
At 8:02 AM, Blogger Darbs said...

@ Chele: Yes, the situation does seem very positive and that's what I'm all about these days. Thank you for your thoughts!

@ Luvin: So I should charge all those "deleted posts" to you, huh? LOL. Glad you were able to comment and you are right...it never really hurts to try!

@ Neq: I'm so blessed to have you as a friend!! As always, you are so on point and you know my situation better than anyone! Now when are you gonna start your blog so you can stop posting as anonymous? LOL

@ TTD: Thanks for the well wishes girl...it means a lot!

@ MzNewAgenda: Thank you for sharing your experience. It's comforting to hear stories like yours, especially now that I seem to be in the EXACT place where you once were. Glad everything ended up working out for you!

 
At 9:25 PM, Blogger African girl, American world said...

ok Ma, I see you're doing one post a week now...UNACCEPTABLE!

:)

 
At 12:17 PM, Blogger TTD said...

where you at girly?!?

 
At 12:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

HELLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOO?????? Is this thing working?

Did you take the job Chica?

 
At 7:53 AM, Blogger Sangindiva said...

God is always good!
This was wonderful how it all went down and happened for you.
I agree that nothing is an accident and everything is a divine appointment. Having said that-
Sometimes the money shouldn't be the motivating factor.
If you love it and see the perks step out on faith and take the job.
you can live off of whatever you make. Of course there will be adjustments that will have to be made but you will make it. And you will also strengthen your trust in God because he will work miracles on your behalf.
He will have the chance to prove to you that he can take care of you better than ANY man can, and that the job itself is not your source- GOD is.

 
At 12:12 PM, Blogger YouToldHarpoTaBeatMe said...

Eight is the number of "new season" and new beginnings. Update your post already! Tell us how things are going.

 
At 4:14 AM, Blogger Tracie P. said...

in boca al lupo!

 
At 2:11 PM, Blogger Butta said...

OK, I haven't been here in ages but congrats on this job interview and the great experience you had. So did you get the gig? Where you at, girl??

 
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