New Beginnings

It's never too late.

When I was a freshman in college, one of my Accountancy major professors asked me what I envision myself to be in the future. I said, I was going to be a CEO. She laughed and asked me to be realistic. I said, I was realistic - it didn't have to be soon, or right after I graduate. I will be a CEO.

I wasn't thinking a large company - I was envisioning myself becoming my own boss. A business owner. I wanted to become my own tycoon. I wasn't really interested in becoming an accountant, despite what my family wanted me to be.

Stock photos by Vecteezy

Well things took a turn. I shifted to a new major on my 2nd year in college and took up Marketing and Advertising. Things were going on different direction, that I was enjoying. I thought to myself, my goals are - by the time I'm 25, I should have a house, a car, and be in management. No matter what happens, that was the plan.

As usual, things took another turn and long story short - I was already 25, mopey and sad. I was working for a large international company, I was nowhere near being a manager - in fact, work was horrible, and the environment was toxic, I had no car, and still no house of my own. I broke up with my then long-term boyfriend, I was in rocky relationships, and it all seemed to be a mess. I had no regrets no, might as well enjoy the ride.

The adventure continues

A few years later, the rest of history began. I quit my toxic job, I worked online, I travelled alone, I met Bear, and my carefree spirit moved halfway across the globe to be where I am now - Wisconsin.

Things were rough in the beginning. It took about four months to get my Green Card, but some would say I lucked out when I got a call from the company I work for now. See, I applied for many jobs but only one called, and it wasn't even for the marketing position I applied for. I ended up in the factory floor, packing shipments instead. I'm not exaggerating when I say, I am not cut for manual labor at all. It's painful for me to stand all day, my legs were swollen, and I was hating every moment of it. I was thriving tho, my numbers were excellent, I was told I was doing amazing, and I was getting paid $9/hour in 2016.

Two weeks into the job, they posted an opening for HR. I figured, I have a degree and I have a background in handling employment and people. I applied for it in hopes to move up, but my hopes were shut down just a few days later when I was immediately told that a more qualified candidate was hired.

Another week later (three weeks into the job), I got a call from an agency. They told me that while I didn't apply for the position, they reviewed my resume, and my profile matches their needs. I was asked if I would be interested to work for this national company a higher base pay than what I was getting at the time. It was an office job, primarily data entry. Of course, I grabbed the chance. My swollen ankles were celebrating!

There are always new beginnings

I'm a sucker for new beginnings. I know changes can be very intimidating, but it's also another opportunity to grow and do other things. I started my new job, and I was doing well. 

Who would've thought it could get better?

Stock photos by Vecteezy

After four years and getting promoted once in the department where I started, I sure felt like it was time to move on. I didn't feel like I had to leave the company, but I really wanted to explore internally so I applied for a new position. It wasn't easy, I got turned down twice and it was really devastating. It made me question if I was really not competent, or maybe someone just more qualified got it. I took my final attempt, and actually applied for a position that was higher than the previous two that turned me down. I really didn't want to, but one of my friends convinced me - what's there to lose? Maybe my pride, but it was already shattered at the time. I knew, in my heart, that I wanted to do more and wanted to move forward.

I got hired.

I did it. Again! I was ecstatic because, who would've thought???? I sure didn't! I was already moping and sad, because I really felt like I botched it. I thought the interview was horrible, and the manager was the least impressed. I was probably too hard on myself, and I got myself a few tequila shots to cry the night away - but, well, I got the position a week later!

I absolutely loved my job. It was amazing. It was difficult to an extent - more hands on, more critical thinking, and decision making. Do I do this? Should I not? Should I get this started? Do I ask them? Who do I ask? What do I do next? It was challenging. and I loved every moment of it.

Then I got promoted. To Operations Manager.

Yep, this long yada-yada... is just me leading to the point of this post - I may be 11 years past due my original deadline when I was in college, but I still made it. Finally. My mother is now proud.

I'm so excited!!! My first day as a leader starts tomorrow. I have so much to learn, but at the end of the day, I get to help people become more effective in their jobs and help the team as a whole achieve our goals. There's going to be so many new things to do, new projects to initiate, and new opportunities to explore. Our leadership team is also amazing! I can honestly attest that I have never met managers who are this dedicated and genuine to their employees. It's totally a breath of fresh air. I have never had senior management reach out to check up on us and ask how we are doing. And this is why I did my best to become part of our management team. It's not the title or the pay of being a manager. I am truly inspired by the people here, and I am looking forward to working more with them and learn from them.

Now let me get my beauty rest! Tomorrow's a big day and I can't wait to learn what's in store for me!