I’ve experienced many difficult interactions in the corporate workplace. Some, I handled well and others I wish I had handled differently.

One situation I’m proud of was when I wanted to be promoted and was told that I had to first get a top rating two years in a row and next there had to be an open opportunity for me to be promoted into.

I didn’t accept that as my fate

I decided to channel my annoyance and frustration for a role I felt I earned and was entitled to into gaining a credential – an external source of validation that I knew what I was talking about.

At the time I discovered the world of learning and development in the corporate world and I was fascinated. I worked and learned about predictive modeling, competency models and talent assessments.

My manager at the time suggested a few resources to help me develop in the area I wanted to focus. I ultimately found and completed a certificate program offered via New York University (in person – quite a commute) over 12 months.

I paid for this. My investment was about $5000.

My boss generously offered to allow me to take a few days off for the few Friday classes (without forcing me to utilize my limited paid time off allowance). This is something I am grateful for. I remember at a team meeting my boss’s boss highlighted my efforts as an example of someone taking charge of their personal development.

I began to apply for roles outside of my current company. I landed a role at a Fortune 100 company in downtown Manhattan. The hiring manager noticed my certification and told me it signaled to her that I was serious about my commitment to my field.

My one time investment yielded me  $15,000

My $5000 investment in myself yielded me a salary increase of about $15,000.

I remember when the recruiter called to offer me the job I was in a conference room at my current job and I thought I misheard the salary amount. I wasn’t getting promoted, I was getting so much more.

At the time, I was annoyed at not getting the promotion and having to pay for my continued education out of my pocket. I wondered if I was doing the right thing commuting to Manhattan to take classes on my weekends and driving 2 hours a day to work during the week.

What would you do?

Would you shell out the money, not know what the future had in store for you? Would you push your employer to come up with the money? Would you simply work harder to meet the criteria to get that promotion? Are you in this situation right now?

If you want some support – leverage my experiences. I want to help you get what you deserve. Reach out and schedule a call with me. Don’t wait.