I work my tail off at work. My personal motto is "Every day is an interview for a job I don't know about yet." I'm not focused on promotions. I'm focused on learning how to master my job, and then taking on stretch assignments so that I can both build new/different muscles as well as to be of max benefit to my employer.
16 years ago, I was in an entry level position after a career change. Now I manage a modest program of software developers within the same organization.
3 years ago, I interviewed for a promotional position. Never made it to the second interview. Sucked it up and continued to focus on learning, improving and becoming more effective.
In the time between then and now, it's been a$$h0le$ & elbows. Working my tail off, learning much and finding more stretch assignments that have had a marked benefit to my employer and my skill set.
Yesterday, I was offered an appointment to manage a large technology program for our largest division. Small world, it is the boss of the position I didn't get. The person who was chosen over me 3 years ago will now be reporting to me. Wow...
Reasons why I was offered the appointment were mostly related to what I've been able to demonstrate and accomplish through my stretch assignments. And the only reason why I was able to take them on was because I developed significant competency for my operational job duties. I'm good at what they hired me to do, so I was able to volunteer to do more.
I kind of feel like this is the American dream in action. I choose to work harder/longer/better/smarter. I do this with faith that I will benefit, but with the intent of my employer benefitting. And I am ultimately rewarded for it.
So how does this apply to cigars? I have blind spots. Like the Rumsfeld quote, I don't know what I don't know. So I cultivate relationships with folks who know more than me. I make myself teachable. And with some care, I get some much needed coaching and mentoring that can help me grow, broaden my perspective and become more effective.
Sounds like the noob experience here, right? I knew diddly about how little I know about cigars when I started. I just knew that I liked some enough to stumble through the ones I didn't. And then I came here. I received the hazing intro and struck around. And I am learning lots through your generosity, your wit and your willingness to share your experiences. And I'm having fun doing it.
My wife's first comment when I told her about the new job's salary was that I was probably going to be buying some more cigars. She's probably right. (Probably going to be sending more, too.)
I'm grateful today. And also busy as hell as I make my transition plans.
Hope all of your holidays are shaping up nicely. Mine sure is.
