Things Are Never What They Seem

             Speaking with my life coach has helped me clarify things. First, I’ll survive my current workplace Second, since I was promoted in August and that should be my FY13 annual rating, I should demand 2 5s and 2 4s. A promotion is the highest award you can receive so why not start there? My supervisor signed it so she can’t dispute it. End of story. Third, tread lightly on asking about the government shutdown. That might bring up a red flag. I ‘ll ask the contractor about this since she’s  worked during the government shutdown. That might bring up a red flag. I ‘ll ask her about since she’s a contractor who worked during the government shutdown. I’ll ask her about starting pay so that I don’t undercut myself. I want to start at $120,000. Also ask about work schedule and holidays off. Fourth, I will make my life coach proud next Thursday by executing on Wednesday’s interview. There’ll won’t be a letdown just to generate a story. This time will be different. The narrative is that I would’ve received two promotions in one year. It’s not the way I want but it’ll due. I will end 2013 on a high note. Remember, life is all about resiliency.

Less than 60 Days Left in 2013

            Today is November 1^st and less than 60 days remain in 2013. I’m amazed at how fast this year has gone. In January I was attending President Obama’s inaugural ball and now it is November. At least I have earned my PMP and promotion so it’s not like I’m wasting time! The next 60 days, I’m not wasting time either. I will be working on closing out 2013 with another certification, another job and learning consulting. I am considering PMI-ACP (Agile) because not too many people have it increasing my competitive advantage in the marketplace. I will get a new job somewhere else. Regarding consulting I’ve always wanted to go into it but my life always gets in the way. Not anymore because I am going to make time. No more excuses!

One-Third of 2013 Is Gone. Now What?

The best news of today: I’ve stepped out on faith submitting my PMP.  I thank God that I had the presence of mind to keep my old 2011 PMP application with all of the old reference names and numbers in it else I’d be scrambling.  I pray that PMI approves it either Friday or Monday because I want to board the United plane for Cleveland knowing that I’m approved.  I arrive at this decision because 1/3 of this year is gone and I need to do something; therefore, I apply to sit for the PMP certification exam.  Now it becomes real.  I’ve put it all on the line!

            Earlier this morning I gave our secretary my updated PMP verification spreadsheet because this is what the instructor has used in his course.  Her thanking me makes me realize how much I’ve done on my own.  While she is sitting in a classroom learning from an instructor first, I jumped feet first into the online ed2go project management courses. I took every one then enrolled in the USDA Graduate School PMP exam prep twice in order to pass the CAPM. Now I’ve re-enrolled in the PMP Certification 1 and 2 courses to prepare for the exam. Furthermore, I’ve developed my own certification project summary form streamlining the process.  I’m adamant about making a way out of no way because I won’t be denied anything just because I haven’t tried.

I’m not stopping at PMP either because I’ve been studying for the Project Management Institute- Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification test for over one year. I work in disaster management. Agile fits perfectly. I have the Rita Mulachy (RMC) ACP study guide, Fast track software, and several other practice exams.  After resting from the PMP a wee bit, I’ll restart studying for the PMI-ACP by accumulating the 21 credit hours needed to apply for certification.  Since (PMI) is keeping the fourth PMBOK for this test, that’s an added incentive because I don’t have to master the fifth edition. Another bonus is that no one in workplace has PMI-ACP.  The one who does is a contractor and not in the applicant pool. Since this certification is less than 2 years old, I can position myself to be the subject matter expert. I think that I can complete this certification before October 1^st.

Finally, I’m considering the business analysis certification because it’s an up-and-coming certification and I possess over 10 years’ experience.  Since it’s gaining currency, I might as well, earn it in order to enhance my competitive advantage. I know that I will complete this around February 2014.

New Year's Day 2013: Creating a Financial Legacy

My aunt called asking if I cooked greens and black-eyed peas for good luck this New Year.  I said ‘No, but I paid all of my January bills in December.’  It just hit me that financial empowerment will be my family contribution.  It is essential to make the same effort to retain a good rating as it is to keep traditions alive.  This 2013 I will see my second promotion this April, earn my PMP certification after taking off 2012 to adjust to my new job, and work on launching my own t-shirt line and pop-up shop business. All of these objectives are financial-related.  I guess that I have broken out of the whole ‘good-job’ mentality and evolved into creating a tangible financial legacy.

Being Open to Change

This month I will have been on my new job for 8 months; and, in 4 more months I will receive my next promotion.  This realization motivates me to purchase the Be Your Own Boss book because I need to manage my money and opportunity.  Last night I attended the DC Black MBA Christmas party.  I observed that most members were only 5-10 years older than I was but earning less than I did.  Right then I sat still analyzing peoples’ conversations.  Being still sharpened my intuition.  Mentally I saw myself 5-10 years older as a corporate executive armed with my MBA/PMP/CPA/CQE certifications not stuck in middle management.  Obtaining my CAPM certification resulted in my receiving this job.  It took me 3 years to land this job but I didn’t quit and didn’t resign myself to the fate that I’d always be stuck in the middle. Securing the PMP/CPA/CQE certifications guaranteed at least two more promotions. 

            Returning to purchasing the book, even though I am not starting a business yet, I equate my professional career as a business.  Since I know that I will receive another promotion in 4 more months, I must position myself to be successful.  I will earn $16,000 more money and might even exceed the payroll tax maximum.  Next year I will travel more.  I will attend the NBA All-Star weekend in Houston.  If I like Houston, I will return for the Black MBA annual conference next September. Personally, I want to read this book as mental preparation for the new year.  I am already using my own money to enroll in statistics classes and read quality engineering books for my job.  This change is heaped on me without notice.  Learning how to effectively manage unforeseen changes in a business context will help me personally and professionally in 2013.

Doing Work Even When I'm Off

            Today I pledge not to do any work. I’ve outlined 8 pages of quality engineering statistics for one week and enrolled in statistics.com statistics 2 for another 4 weeks.  Nothing will interrupt my day; and, I’ve succeeded until tonight when I join a Google Hangout.  Kristi of Women CEO is brilliant bringing out ideas that help me become a better professional such as creating a brag sheet and finding workers on fiverr.com.  This year, I’ve received a promotion and attended three White House Tweetup sessions.  These are brag-worthy. Furthermore, she tells the group that we should have our goals done for 2014 and not just 2013. I don’t think that far.  Then it hits me that my agency wants me to stay on for 2 years after completing the leadership development program. Well, that’s 2014.  I might as well have a plan to accomplish some important milestones. Even though I don’t aspire to do any work today, I’m glad to hang out with Kristi because she’s gotten me ready for not just 2013 but also 2014.