The Waiting

Tom Petty said it best:

“The waiting is the hardest part.”

It’s true in everything.

We are always waiting.

…For test results
…For the answer to our prayer
…For the cable guy (or any service person we need to repair what is broken)
…For the truth
…For “the one”
…For the phone call
…For good news
…For a miracle
…For the opportunity
…For IT to fix the computers
…For recognition
…For forgiveness
…For the letter, the phone call, the e-mail, the package
...For many, many, many, many things.

Think about it.

Right now.

What are you waiting for?

I spent years at my former job waiting for the promotion that never came. (Oh, there were promotions but never the one I truly wanted.) The recognition was there, the appreciation, the kudos, even the bonuses. But never the elevation, title and salary increase I truly thought came with hard work, dedication and commitment. They gave me opportunities, paid for my college and placed me on teams where my talents were better utilized. (Why pay a programmer in India when I could build the database you need for a fraction of the cost?) It was never enough.

At my former job, the opportunity to become a more integral part of my work world finally arrived. They called it a “developmental opportunity” which is business language for “you’re going to take on this new role because you have caught our attention and we know you can handle it. It will be more work for you, beneficial for us and there will be no increase in your salary at this time. We are giving you this honor to assist in your development. This will be an opportunity for you to develop yourself into a new role. A better role.”

So I took a deep breath and let the smile slowly unfold across my face until it hurt, and my eyes brightened and widened and then I said, “THANK YOU!”

(As it turned out, this was all for naught!)

Additionally, I should feel honored and recognized for my tremendous contributions! Longer hours and no salary increase. Wow. It’s like a nightmare come true.

And once again, I said, “thank you!”

While in the midst of this overwhelming, same paying, high expectation of an opportunity came to fruition - I was later (much later) informed the job I was being “groomed” for would be out of state. Most of you know the story. If not, you’ve figured it out all by yourself.

There was, for me, at this particular juncture in my life, only one viable option. Hang on for six month in order to get the severance payment. So I did.

I took my severance, my iPhone, and my brand new beginning and landed myself a brand new job ALL BY MY BRAND NEW SELF.

Less than 2 years later, with my brains and abilities duly noted by my new employer, I am proud to say I just received a promotion, salary increase and am hiring an assistant. Not bad.

There was no posting for the job.

The job was simply created.

For me.

And so sometimes it is true - when one door closes, another opens. I am grateful for the recognition, the promotion, the salary increase and the opportunity to make a difference in a company that has recognized I have the ability to do so.

I’m still waiting for a few things in life, but as a dear friend of mine always said, “It’s all good.”

Big thanks to the friends that knew I would arrive, and for the accolades, happiness and support you have given me. Thank for being there not only when I fall but also when I rise.

I am grateful. So many of my friends and former colleagues helped me get here. Thank you.

I try to learn something from everyone I meet. Sometimes you learn what to do and sometimes you learn what NOT to do.

Life is continuous learning and improvement. (Personally and Professionally)! It's definitely a journey and one hell of a ride!

After all the rough patches, this feels really good.

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You take it on faith. You take it to the heart.
The Waiting is the hardest part

~ Tom Petty / The Waiting