Hiya. Hello. It's been a min, but I hope you and yours have been healthy and well.
Presence > posts
On Sept 4th, I got on a plane for the first time since covid started and was away for a total of two months: five weeks in NY, ten days in Maryland, a week in SF (during the atmospheric river…), and one final week of sunshine in LA. All in all, it was A LOT - a lot of good and a bit of everything else. You haven't heard from me because whenever I break from routine, I prioritize being present over posting. But I'm back in Portland with a serious need to externally process, so I'm channeling some of that energy into SOAR.
The job hunt continues
The last time you heard from me, I was drowning in interview decks. Here's the latest:
Company A: I made it to the second-to-last round and top 6 for a VP position (that I was thrilled and actually nervous to interview for). While the feedback was really positive, the company moved 2 candidates on to the final round and recently confirmed that the person they extended an offer to accepted.
I love that their first choice accepted because recruiting is really about making both sides whole. Company A asked to keep in touch as they hire for more of its team in a few months, so we'll see…but all in all, I can't complain with how this turned out. They gave me fair consideration, were kind enough to share transparent feedback, and would like to continue the relationship.
Company B: I turned down its offer, which was honestly so unfortunate since I really liked the team, job remit, and opportunity overall. The challenge was that they and I knew that the role wasn’t at the right level of experience, but I do hope our paths cross down the line.
Anyone who caught me in late September knows how seriously I considered the opportunity, but there were ultimately two reasons why I declined:
First, the combination of knowing what I'm worth and now having the experience and outcomes to prove it. For years, I took on projects and roles for less than market rate because I saw it as an investment in myself - to accumulate experiences in my toolbox. (For the record, I don't regret it.) But now, Company B wonderfully recognizes my skillset and toolbox, and it was their time to invest - unfortunately, the org structure isn't currently set up for my level and company policy prevented them from negotiating comp, eliminating any ability to recognize my experience appropriately.
Second, two people shared (from personal experience) a similar perspective - that the day I accept a job knowing that the level isn’t right is the happiest I'd ever be about it, because any experience I get after that only adds to the gap between recognition and qualification. I personally found this input really helpful because as a daughter of immigrants with siblings who are teachers, I regularly think about my many privileges; there's a tension I struggle with between being grateful for the opportunities that I’m given access to and being cognizant of my professional value. (I know this might not make sense to everyone reading this, but think it's still important enough to share with those that this will make sense to.)
Two other companies came into the recruiting circuit over the last couple of months. Here's the super short version:
Company C is one that I've been tracking all year to post a role that finally went up 2 weeks ago. But since speaking to people there last year, marketing now rolls up to the founder who is very in the weeds - asking about color and copy, and requiring approval for $20K at a time…oof! For a company of its size and ambition, this level of micromanaging is not productive for them or me. How unfortunate!!
Company D has a role that would be great for my LinkedIn profile, resume, and personal savings, but there are two problems: it's not set up for success and there's a culture of fear. (One of my superpowers is asking good questions, which is how I could quickly figure these out.)
Separately, I’m still helping LinkedIn and am enjoying the scope and friendships I’m building from this shared experience.
Emotions are (annoyingly) tied to outcomes
I've been telling people that I'm currently in a place I'm calling 'good decisions, tough outcomes.' Never in my life have I made so many personal and professional decisions that I know are rooted in the right reasons (i.e., longer term benefit), but have had to accept the near-term 'meh' outcomes. I've also never been more acutely aware that emotions are more tied to outcomes…sigh.
What I know is not how I feel, so I'm recognizing and reconciling that. Other things I'm recognizing and mentally preparing for:
Recruiting slowing down during the holidays: I’ve had a solid run this year, and don’t expect many other interviews to turn up. In the meantime, I’ll welcome the break so I can get organized for when things pick up again in Jan/Feb. To-dos include…
Updating my resume: The last time I properly updated my resume was last December, which means none of my freelance work is on it. If you've ever freelanced/been on agency side and don't mind sharing how you reflect that on your resume, I'd appreciate it. Please just reply to this email and I'll get back to you!!
Portland through H1 2022: Given recruiting lead times, I think the soonest I could find a full time role is probably May/June of next year, which means I get to spend more time with PNW friends and catch camellias in full bloom again in March/April. But the challenge is, by then, I'll be so close to summer that I’ll just want to be here for it (and the peaches!).
It’s hard to take planning ahead too seriously these days; I haven’t the slightest idea what lies ahead, but just appreciate you for reading and following along.
As always, holler if I can help with anything.