The ups and downs have been incredible to deal with.
Literally the lowest point in my life, probably ever, alongside the most amazing point in my life.
Happening at literally the exact same time.
How is that even possible. I'm sure it happens all the time in the grand scheme of things.
I wonder how other people deal with it.
My brain is mush and it's been hard not to have a constant knot in my stomach.
That "pit" feeling is so real I'm just in disbelief about everything.
The universe is weird, I tell ya.
A few months ago, I was approached by someone in my industry; someone whom I've never worked with directly. But I sat on a marketing board of directors with him and I've known his significant other for years (we do the same thing, in the same industry). Coincidentally, she actually trained me at one of my first agencies!
Anyway, they reached out because they were looking to fill a position at their agency, which also coincidentally, was my first ad agency after I graduated from university. It was the same type of position I hold now, for a different type of client.
I went through a few rounds of interviews over the course of a few weeks.
It would have been a pretty big "jump" in salary but a relatively similar role, skills, and expectations. I felt very confident that I could do the job and do it well.
But the kicker. I LOVEEEEED where I was at...
I loveeeeeeed my team.
You get it.
I loved my schedule.
Great clients. I work on consumer goods, so it's selling to people! After spending more than a decade working in B2B-type industries, this was a welcomed transition.
The people I work with on a daily basis make me laugh, challenge me and make my life better. I mean, I know it's unlikely I'd get that with another team.
However, after waiting for a few weeks, that new offer never came.
It ultimately didn't work out in the end.
And while it appeared like a great fit, I felt a huge sense of relief after finding out I didn't get that job. I'm not sure what it was, but something about doing the same thing...just someplace else.
I didn't dwell on it and moved on quickly.
It wasn't meant to be and it was just another random thing in the horror film that is my life.
So I put my head down and decided to just focus on what I had. Be grateful. Find the good.
Then a series of things happened at my current place of employment - nothing crazy, nothing that bad, nothing that would make me consider leaving...
Unless, of course, something really crazy came along. But like, what are the chances, right? I mean I've been working in this town for over 15 years. If you're in the ad biz, you know everyone else in the ad biz.
I said two agencies ago that I would never(!!) go to another agency.
Let's fast forward a bit now.
Two months after the first random job opportunity, I was approached again.
And this time, it was a really crazy opportunity.
Something that would take me 100% out of my comfort zone and out of my industry.
An industry I've been in for my entire career.
WUT.
Yeah. I was like omg is this something I can do? Is this a risk that makes sense to me?
I spoke to team members and this team happens to be a team I've worked with in the past - these women are SMART and people I will absolutely learn from.
It went quickly, it felt right, and I met with people.
And then it was Christmas.
And everyone was off for two weeks.
And I waited.
And waited.
Then, after the holiday break, I knew the hiring team was headed out west for a huge trade show.
It was likely I wouldn't hear back for a while.
More waiting.
I was so anxious.
My stomach was in constant KNOTS.
FOR WEEKS.
And then?
On a Monday night, as I was driving to my first-ever Crossfit class, I got a call.
A call I'll never forget.
It was from the HR guy.
He was happy to offer me the job.
I was THRILLED.
Then he told me my new title and base salary and I almost drove off the damn road.
People.
This is life-changing news and I almost screamed in the poor man's ear.
Not to mention the health benefits (regular Copay plan for my family finally (that's not costing us an arm and a leg!!!), ability to buy company stock at a 10% discount, DOUBLE my PTO, still working remotely, working for a mostly all women team.
Plus more.
I mean. It's crazy.
My salary is increasing in a life-changing way.
I'm super excited about this new chapter in my life.
But man.
19 years.
Almost 2 decades working in an ad agency.
But I'm ready.
I'm ready for 2023 to be my year. To be a year of healing, finding myself again, and being the best mom I can be.
Cheers!
 |
| My first day happened to coincide with our 2023 kick off. They sent me to Boston. |
I just finished my first three days as Vice President, Partnership Manager, Citizens Pay (which is a part of Citizens Financial Group).
Details about starting my very first day at an offsite in Boston to come. I need to gather my thoughts.
In short?
It. Was. Amazing.
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