Last month, she went on 18 interviews. Got an offer from a company she is ecstatic about. Even managed to negotiate an 11% higher salary from the original offer letter. (So proud of her perseverance, persistence and push to demand more.)
On the day she quit her existing job, she had a script in her head. She knew exactly what to say and to whom. She’s quit before. She’s exited with grace.
Except the company throws a curve ball. They don’t pay out outstanding vacation days, and so she must forfeit 2 weeks’ worth of pay. Devastating, I know. She loses all control and gets emotional. Dumps an earful to current manager and the HR specialist who broke the bad news.
She calls me to talk it about, and I’m grateful to be in her trusted circle. I learn something new every time we speak. I ask her tough questions. She realizes she made a conscious choice to let go of all control and filter. She’s been trying so hard to keep a composed and jovial manner in all she does, both professional and personal. She needed a relief. She needed to see if she could be someone different from the one she’s been trying to portray. She regrets it but it’s an excellent learning opportunity to distinguish the different between the sunk (what’s done is done) and opportunity (what can you do to make a better last impression, and can you afford to damage this relationship) cost.
She needs a break. A vacation. So have a drink with some friends. Fly west to catch up with family. Come back rested. Come back to have fun with a big smile.
You’ve earned it. You’re amazing.
Well done, you.