Why does anyone create a blog really? Mostly, to be a ego maniac, and scream to the world all the illustrious things that happen in life. This blog will most likely examine the crappy end of the stick. There will be no fan fare or pretty pictures for you to share with your children. I’m ready to reveal some not so attractive things about my day to day operations in the wine community. It’s not all boozing and eating lovely dinners; a job is a job remember….
This first post is to explain where I’ve been and hopefully have it help the helpless creatures out there that think their company, boss, HR, co-workers or mother will help them in their time of need.
I acted like a idiot at my last job. I created this lovely fantasy world; I would survive a corporate take over, everyone loved me and my creative energy, my work spoke for itself, I was driven and respected…..
Do I need to tell you how this played itself out?
With the loss of my job, I gave myself about fifteen minutes of tears, and vowed to see another wine filled day. That day did not come for quite some time. How could this be? Wasn’t I talented? Didn’t I climb that “all boys club” food chain, consume every piece of knowledge I could stick in my brain, and drink the cool aide of all things good in corporate life? I did, and I did it well. My problem was that I was consumed with myself, and what I was doing at the moment. Complacency is an evil bitch. I believed what I was hearing, and didn’t listen to that voice screaming in my chest…
What to do when eight years of your time with a company slips away? A funny and obvious thing happened; the people I helped and made money for all those years dropped off the face of the earth, and strangers that valued my skill level put their reputation on the line and recommended me for high level positions. I don’t want to be a dirty diaper, but I’m here to tell you you have no friends out there. I’m sure you are shaking your head and whispering to your cubicle buddy “Well, this is HER story; bitter, bitter woman”. Nope, you have no friends, and do you want to know why? Because they are your competitor. They will beat you to a pulp for the sheer fact that you might get to the top of that hill first. Don’t think you will bounce back if you falter and find yourself unemployed. The people smiling through gritted teeth can’t wait to upgrade their computer with the one you will leave behind.
In the end, it was all about my relationships. What retailers did I know? Who could I call on to sell a ridiculous amount of boxes at the drop of a dime? What restauranteurs would take my call? I made a list and carried it with me at all times. You would think that names would pop into your head, but they don’t. You WILL forget your accomplishments, and it is a shame when you do. Know your stuff, and show off as much as you can. Be opinionated and somewhat angry. I have found that male interviewers tend to respect a little anger in a woman. Use the intimidation factor; it can be a eyebrow raiser. Hey, a little arrogance never hurt anyone.
Consider this a shout out to what may be on the horizon. Wake up out there. I’m proud to say I survived, and thanks only to my own self awareness; better late than never. I will still give 200%; that is just my way, and I don’t know how to stop that. It’s different now though. I’ve created different dreams and new paths on how to achieve them. Nothing like a kick in the ass to show you who you really are, and who you were the whole time.
