Unpacking Baggage

Thursday, January 19, 2006

I am very proud to announce that I have accepted a new position. On February 13, 2006, I will assume the role of Associate Director of Student Activities and Multicultural programs at a small liberal arts college in Maryland, located on the Patuxent River. I am excited and still a little surprised. From the very beginning I had the feeling that I would be offered the position, but I never thought I would accept because it would have meant a substantial pay cut. I am proud to say that they not only matched my current salary, but gave me a 5% increase. It's a wonderful testament to the experience I've gathered over the years and to my ability to sell the hell out of myself.

This was actually the first time I went into an interviewing situation without the knowledge that the job was already mine. In fact, I went on this interview simply because I wanted the experience of a day long interview... something I had never before done. It was a wonderful day and I left feeling as if I'd presented myself in a decent light, but I attached no expectation to the outcome. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call letting me know that I was one of the top four choices. My boss later informed me that, after providing my reference, he was told that I was the only candidate they really wanted. Then he proceeded to negotiate my salary. I owe him a great deal.

As I embark on this new journey I'm excited and just a little scared. I am blessed that my partner will be with me to offer support and keep me grounded. I'm so appreciative of that. I look forward to finishing my degree in preparation for the next leg on my journey. Someone asked me what position I wanted to retire from and that helped me chart my career path. I can actually visualize it. My stories are practically writing themselves and I should have a manuscript ready to shop in the fall.

It took me a while to get to this place and I cherish every moment that I thought was wasted. The real truth is that things happen for us in their appointed time. We can't rush it. I always remember that poignant Sam Cooke song at the end of Malcolm X. It was actually the only redeeming aspect of the entire ending. It's been a long... long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come... Oh yes it is!

If you don't feel like you're where you're supposed to be at this moment, fight that feeling. You are exactly where you're supposed to be. Chart a path to help move you to the next level, but allow for wiggle room. Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. I forget the film I was watching, but they quoted a fabulous line... "If you ever wanna make God laugh, tell him your plans.

Posted by Rodney :: 11:21 PM :: 3 Comments:

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