Who is this career woman?

Dress from Ann Taylor. Rolling computer bag from Staples.

I never dreamed of a career as a young girl. My only dream was to be married and have babies. So how is it that I find myself starting my 24th year in a career I never pursued and never knew I needed until I found it? There have been many twists and turns along the road that brings me to where I am today. I have been on an amazing journey of highs and lows and everything in between.

When I started in the contract furniture industry; I had no clue what contract furniture even was. I answered an ad in the local newspaper for a customer service position, got the job, and about nine months later, I was moved into a sales position. I had been in sales the previous three years in other industries. When I started, things were much different, technology was obviously very different, the expectations of our customers were vastly different, and the respect women received was not what it is today. I was juggling a new marriage, blending 2 of my children with two of his children, and all of their needs, and a home just like so many other women. Many of my colleagues have interior design degrees and backgrounds. I never went to college; babies don’t require a college degree. There were so many times that I doubted my ability and questioned my seat at the table. I often felt like an impostor completely out of place.

Someone recently asked me about my success. I really thought about that question over the next few days and weeks and this is what I know. I am determined to prove myself and I have a strong work ethic. I don’t believe that anyone, owes me anything. I was willing to work hard, show up every day, do the very best I could at all times, take time to learn, take time to listen, and treat my customers and clients with respect. I took the calls at 7 pm during dinner, I showed up early on installation days, and I worked late hours at night to stay caught up. I endured the economic downturns of 2001 and 2008/09 when no one was buying anything, much less office furniture.

Success isn’t only measured by monetary gain. Success to me is walking into the grocery store, seeing a client, and getting a hug instead of a handshake. It’s getting a call from a customer for advice about something personal just because they respect me. Those relationships are the success that mean the most to me. The compensation for a job well done is icing on the cake, especially in a commission based position.

As I built my client base and jobs became larger and more complex; I was also still able to be the mommy I wanted to be. My career allowed me to drop and pick my children up at school, I only missed a handful of ball games over the years when I had to be out of town, and I was at every school function that the kids had. My now grown children have all told me how proud they are of my success in my career and none of them seem to have suffered any long-term damage from having a “working mom”.

I never knew I needed my career, but I am so thankful for it and the woman I am today because of it. The most important lesson I’ve learned after all of these years is that I’ve earned a seat at the table. I am good at my job. I care about the work I put out in the world and I care deeply about my customer’s experience and the end result.