Work’s going well. So well in fact, the job is now a permanent position.
Hallelujah for steady income.
Prior to signing on the dotted line, though there was the discussion of expectations – the number of clients I needed to sign up, the number of weekly visits I needed to make.
In previous roles, I would’ve blindly accepted them, no matter how unrealistic. And boy, would that get me into some sticky situations.
Being in sales, your performance, or lack thereof, is completely exposed.
There were some colleagues who were cunningly clever inflating their projected sales figures or exaggerating business opportunities.
A part of me was kind of jealous.
I was way too honest. And while others were able to hang on to their jobs with their hidden truths, I actually lost mine.
I just don’t have a very good poker face.
What you see, is what you get.
I don’t say that with defensive or defiant intentions. I am a self proclaimed demonstrative, emotional beast.
I can’t smile without showing teeth (unless I’m stuffing my face with pepperoni pizza).
I have eyebrows that arch subconsciously (saved for those “WTF???” moments).
With this job, however, it was time to be up front. Time to put my transparency to good use.
I let my boss know that the expectations were way too high. I’d do my best to try and get there but if these expectations were inded a deal breaker, then they’d best find someone else for the job.
Deep breath.
Hit “Send”
I shouldn’t say I was surprised by the response because coming clean should always be a good thing, right?
But I was.
Ecstatic, even.
My boss’ reply was measured but fair. In the end, we changed some figures around which made me happier.
Not only because the expecations were now a lot more realistic but it was a great example of non- poker face success.
Then came the satisfied feeling of being in control, setting up my own work goals at the pace I can – or care to – handle.
Life isn’t about working towards what others think you should do or be.
A battle at times but being true to yourself and transparent to others sets you up for a life claiming your own successes. Whatever you perceive them to be.
Do you have a poker face? Can you smile without showing teeth? What’s your favourite pizza topping?
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I have to work very hard at a poker face. Similar to your “WTF” eyebrows, I have “OMG” corrugated iron on my forehead.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 2122 – Hug your children
Pepperoni, capsicum, pineapple and fresh tomato 🙂
Good ion you for being honest about your job- I bet your boss found that super refreshing!
Amy @ handbagmafia recently posted..Bodily Autonomy & Parenting
Ooh I love that sexy new button. I will most definitely grab it later. Thanks! I’m so glad things have worked out for you on the job front and you went in upfront with what you can and can’t do. Can you please go do that with my boss now? I do not have a poker face at all. Apparently I can be read like an open book. Have a great weekend, Grace x
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..5 carpet cleaning hacks every parent needs to know
That is awesome news! Good on you for being honest and upfront about it, worked out all for the best for both parties I’d think.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..Friday Favourite: Kid Bucket List
Congrats Grace, brilliant news! Honesty pays off 🙂
Mumma McD recently posted..I took my 6 month old to a speech pathologist
I have a terrible poker face! Whenever we play jokes on someone at work I give it away because I just can’t keep a straight face! Haha.
Haidee@Maybe Baby Brothers recently posted..Toddler Speech Delay: When To Worry
It’s always better to tell the truth and be true to yourself! Yay you! I can’t smile without teeth, I’ve tried and it just doesn’t work! As for pizza, well, ham, artichoke and olives are always a winning combination!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..She’s So Inspiring – Sonia Stackhouse
Good for you! And congratulations. Sales is hard so I’m glad you made it manageable. (Diavola – Hot salami pizza for me)
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..There’s no place like home
I’m the same way Grace. When it comes to “making myself look good” I will always be honest, risk it and just wear my heart on my sleeve. Hooray for employees with morals and ethics.
Must be refreshing for you to come to that place where you set the rules and it actually worked, instead of working your ass into the ground.
It’s pizza friday. I have no toppings in the house. Hmmmm. I want some pepperoni!
Peachy Keen Mumma – Jess recently posted..My IUD Experience & 15 of Your IUD Questions Answered
Nice work! I find that being honest about what I can and can’t do pays off in the long run. Clients don’t have unrealistic expectations about me turning things around within hours of sending it to me. That said, I acknowledge that I’m in the fortunate position of not needing the steady income. Makes it a lot easier to stand up! x
Emily recently posted..Top web reads of July
Ooh very schmick button! I’ll grab it when I’m not on mobile:) I have no poker face at all. I used to be able to do a pretty good one but as I get older I bother even less! I’d rather spend my effort on other things.
Bec @ Seeing the Lighter Side recently posted..Looking for Alaska | by John Green | book review
So at least you are clear with him. Whatever happens now is up to you. Congrats on the permanent position.
Carolyn
Desire Empire recently posted..Maisy Battery and The D Day Landing Beaches of Normandy France
Congratulations on your permanent job status Grace. Cheers to a steady income! xx
Bec @ Styled By Bec recently posted..Styling Session with Nicole from The Builder’s Wife
Well done on your negotiating!
I’m working part-time at the moment. It’s with a friend of a friend who told me it was 2 days a week. Fine – not enough to live on, but okay if I get a little bit of other income.
Then when I met the actual employer she clarified it was on Saturday mornings AND not every Saturday. Well… okay.
But since starting I’ve filled in for a day last week and then three days this week. But I was also provided a heap of stuff (dictation transcription) to do at home that I hadn’t planned on and it took forever. Like 15hrs over 3 days!
I’m kinda thinking I’d like something a little more certain. I think we’re having a chat today about stuff so fingers crossed I can be as assertive as you were!
Deb
Deborah recently posted..Book review: Kingdom of the Strong by Tony Cavanaugh
Good luck Deb with the negotiating. I hope it turns into what you want.
Kathy – yinyangmother recently posted..Cloud Ten
Awesome news Grace! Congratulations : I have a terrible poker face.. I love olives, artichoke hearts, thinly sliced potato, proscuitto, hot salami, big dollops of a soft white cheese. Not on the same pizza, though maybe it’s worth a try, with a bit of fresh rocket on top to serve. Yum.
Dani @ sand has no home recently posted..Boodi and the Beast
Kudos to you for speaking up! It’s good to feel challenged but too much pressure is a kill joy. Congrats on securing your position permanently!
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad recently posted..One Month On
Well done Grace and congratulations on the steady income! Best to be honest and upfront so that you can work in a way that is sustainable for you! Aint nothing worth wearing yourself down over! xo
Min@WriteoftheMiddle recently posted..(Tassie Trip) Day 6 – Bay of Fires: Binalong Bay
Well done Grace, so pleased the job is on your terms and manageable.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..8 Rules to Live Your Life by
Well done Grace! I always find performance and pay negotiations difficult to navigate! All the best in your new job!
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life recently posted..MOMMA Shea Butter Mineral Lipstick
yay you!!! Congrats on making this a permanent thing.
You did right by setting realistic goals and KPIs, and letting your boss in. Fluffing your resume or saying you can do something when you jolly well can’t will only bite you in the butt eventually. I’ve no poker face at work too. If I say I can/will do it, I will.. but if not, so sorry.
Ai Sakura recently posted..Bub & Me: Disney on Classic ~ A Magical Night Asia Tour @ The Star Theatre
Congrats on standing up for yourself and proving that truth and transparency are the way to go. I couldn’t imagine you any other way than your genuine, toothy smiling self. Looking forward to seeing you soon at Problogger? Oh and thanks for doing a new FYBF button that matches so nicely with my blog design and will look lovely in the sidebar!
Kathy – yinyangmother recently posted..Cloud Ten
I always think every emotion shows on my face…but when I used to work in event management, I could be up to my eyeballs in stress with a million things happening all at once, and people would often say, ‘how do you stay so calm in the middle of all this?’ – so perhaps they don’t? Or perhaps I was just catatonic with it all?
Good on you pushing back on unrealistic goals. I’m sure your candour and honesty was actually appreciated.
Fairlie recently posted..10 of my best-kept tips for travelling with older kids
I grew up around salespeople, my parents opened their first real estate office when I was 9, and I’ve seen them all. The ones who fib and slippery slide their way through things and the ones who do it for a love of people, communicating and genuinely delivering what people want. It comes as no surprise to me that you’re one of the latter. GOOD LUCK smashing those new targets. Happy to be back flogging my blog(blogs) today. x
Melissa {Suger} recently posted..The 5 stages of achieving your goals
I don’t have a poker face either – that’s why I always have to tell the truth!
BTW congrats on the permanent job and on the new button – very nice!!!!
Kirsty @ My Home Truths recently posted..Memories of my Dad
Well done you! The pressure of performing to unrealistic expectations is soul destroying. Negotiating realistic goals with your boss just goes to show how good you are at what you do. Congrats on the permanent role. 🙂
Aleney recently posted..Raffles chats with… Alex Hayes, Pro Junior Surfer
Oh go you!
My favourite topping is bake the base with tomatoes and nizam balls, then top with prosciutto and rocket. YUM!
Kim-Marie, Kimba Likes recently posted..Latest Style and Beauty Favourites
Congrats and well done Grace! I’m terrible at keeping a poker face, I crack under pressure esp when hiding something from hubby and the kids! Love the fresh look of the new button too!! 🙂
Julie @ Off to the park recently posted..An introduction to my new series – Having a Premmie
I’m a firm believer in…
If you don’t ask you don’t receive.
Yay, for you lovely lady!
I always ask for no anchovies on pizza, lol!
Prawns are my favourite topping at the moment.
Have a fab weekend. x
sarah@tomfo recently posted..How to make your own terrarium
Congrats on the permanent position!
Like you, I suck at a poker face…all my emotions and thoughts are clearly written on my face. Which kinda sucks when you want to tell white lies! 😛 And yep…can’t smile without showing teeth either.
Favourite toppings — capsicum, onion, jalapenos, cheese…although I’ll eat almost any pizza.
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life recently posted..The time I flea-bombed the house
Good on you! I am a firm believer that being open and honest with people is always ALWAYS the best way to be. At work and at home. I am not much good at the poker face. I do try but the smile creeps in every time. Too honest 😉
Shauna ‘Round the Corner recently posted..Some things you might not know about me + A GIVEAWAY!
Yay for your new job AND for honesty..because not only IS it the best policy but it saves sleepless nights and agonising over ‘what if’
I have a ‘what you see is what I am feeling’ face. So, never could lie..nope, never.
Love the new badge..now to pop over, change it and then all should be back!
The other night looked like lots of fun.
Cheers D x
Denyse recently posted..I.C.A.D. 2015. It’s DONE?! 212/365.
My ridiculous non-poker face has got me in SO much trouble over the years! Congrats on smashing it at work. I love all the pizza flavours, in fact I love ALL the food right now, which is not good for my waistline x
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..Fighting, say yes more, and 13-year-old girls.
My favourite pizza topping is meat lovers all the way unless there’s a reef and beef option then definitely that. I’ve had way unrealistic sales goals before and I’ve told my boss and sometimes she’s agreed with me but that didn’t change them as ours came from head office so they really didn’t care what we thought, just about how much money they wanted.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..Dairy free zucchini and corn mini muffins
Congratulations Grace, I’m so please for you lovely. It just goes to show that honestly is always the best policy x
Robyn recently posted..16 signs you are living with a threenager
Congratulations on signing the dotted line!
My form of poker-face is a stutter. I literally can’t speak properly if it isn’t the truth. Slightly awkward.
I love eggplant and basil on pizza.
Or some really good prosciutto.
I just love pizza, actually.
Shannon @ Oh Creative Day recently posted..Picture Books We’ve Enjoyed This Month: JULY
Go Grace! I have a terrible poker face and generally no sense of what is reasonable. I have definitely found myself in situations where I am well over committed. It’s nice to hear maturity and reason pay off! I hope I can be as level headed when I am faced with a similar type of situation
liz recently posted..Modern Cloth Nappies – Washing and Care
Good on you Grace! I once worked for a company with unrealistic sales targets. Such targets bring out the worst in people, and makes the workplace all about “what’s for me” when really it should be a collaborative environment.
Natalie recently posted..Do Kids Really Need A Second Language?
Good for you for standing your ground! I don’t know that I’d have the nerve to do that!
PS…your post last week about having a good cry was great! I need a good cry.
Mary Denman recently posted..Photo Tip Friday: How to use your Photos to Create Memes for your Blog
So there’s hope for me yet?? I’ve also got a completely transparent (WTF?) face so it’s nice to know it CAN work out for you. Mushroom, ham, olive, garlic.
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