Weight Loss = Courage to apply for a new job

Oh friends, like most of you, as I've lost weight I've found a new confidence in myself and my abilities.

 I have a job that I actually like (the work part of it that is and most of the people) but the amount of work is simply overwhelming and as a fast growing company we have never had adequate staffing for my department in the 12 years I've worked here. Top that off with the boss from hell for the last 5 years (example: she expected me to work the day after surgery and she expects me to treat my employees like garbage).  After years of this I've started to doubt my abilities, lose my self confidence and feel like I'm not really contributing much as an employee. There have been many nights I've cried on the way home because it was so awful that I never wanted to go back.

But lately, since I've lost more weight I'm starting to feel more confident. Confident enough to apply for another job (with another company) that I would've never considered doing before. I'd been thinking so low of myself that I didn't even realize I do almost all of that job until I started applying! It was quite a complex application and in completing the app, preparing my resume and cover letter something wonderful happened. My confidence grew and grew! I realized just how much I do and am good at and what a great contribution I make to a company. I felt terrific -- like a winner.

Turns out I am automatically disqualified from the position I applied for because I don't have a degree (even though I have been doing the work successfully for the last 12 years). At first I was sad about it, but the experience of applying, (updating my resume, selling myself in the cover letter and the super detailed online application) has helped me tremendously. Jobs of this sort don't open up very often (there is only 1 postition at most mid sized and larger companies) and not all require a degree. I'm going to keep my eyes open and apply for anything else out there that sounds good.

Another thing, as I've lost weight I'm finding I want to wear more professional clothing (bought on a good sale of course!) Before it was so hard to find pretty things that fit. Now I have more options and that is a good feeling. Dressing professionally always helps you be taken more seriously, plus it helps me feel more confident -- if it's something that I feel good in.

 Good for you!!!  That's great that you are feeling empowered and more confident.  When the time is right, you'll find a better job - a place where you're appreciated and respected... because you deserve it!!! 

I have been there. I too applied for the job I wanted, in a great outfit. The job lasted 3 wonderful years before there was downsizing, but it changed my life in ways that have stayed with me. Working for a miserable boss is the worst. Hope something comes up soon for you so you can move on.  

Well GOOD for you!  ( a big pat on the back from me )  I'm proud of you and all the hard work that you do for you, and for your job!

Hold your head high.  Believe in yourself and stay strong!
Kristi

I was the same way. I didn't work for a year and got a what I thought was the dream job with the boss from HELL. I lasted there a month prior to being fired because I stood up for myself and told him I didn't appreciate his verbal tirades. He fired me on the spot for being disrespectful! I got in my car, didn't sulk, picked up the phone called a recruiter at an agency and told her what was going on & she immediately set me up for an interview with a company. So fired on Wednesday, interview on Friday, start temp position on Monday. The company I was temping for asked me on Tuesday if I would be interested in a full time position with them because they were very impressed with me. Because I was thru a temp agency we had to wait 30 days until we could convert me to a perm employee. But three weeks into working here, I received flowers from my bosses with a card that said, "we're so lucky to have you here!" It was the best feeling in the world, especially after leaving a boss that constantly told you that you were a spineless, shiftless, moron, idiot and that a monkey or himself could do the job.

When it came time to talk to HR about converting to a full time employee, I talked to the HR person and they told me the salary and unconsciously I chuckled. I was not trying to be rude or disrespectful, it was just a kind of "are you kidding me" chuckle. I had been doing the job for 30 days and knew what it entailed and they were putting a very low salary on that position and I know what experience I was bringing to the table and that compensation wasn't going to cut it. I explained that to the HR person and stated my counter offer to him. He told me to give him time so he could crunch the numbers and he would call me later that evening. Well I never heard from him and I seriously think they thought I was going to cave and say I'd take their offer. But after discussing it with my boyfriend and several friends I knew they were getting someone with mega experience for a bargain basement price. Although I love the company and what I do, I wasn't compromising. I was blessed with the fact he called me the next day and said that the President and the VPs of the company said they weren't losing me and to pay me what I asked for. The HR person said that he's been in tough negotiations with perspective employees before, but never had someone laugh at his offer and that I drove a hard bargain.

Would I have done that pre WLS, heck no! I would have hung my head and excepted whatever I was given because I wouldn't think I was worth it. I know so much more about myself now than previously and I will fight like crazy for something I believe in these days!

Congrats to you for taking this on! Your confidence will grow by leaps and bounds the further you go! Keep applying for the positions because even though you don't have a degree, I can tell you working in an HR office with a highly respected and degreed Chief HR officer, she put more emphasis on life and work experience than she did degrees. Her theory was that anyone can get a degree these days. They just have to be in class a handful of times and pass the right tests. Even if you skate by with low C's, you still get that piece of paper! Really doing a job and continuing to grow and educate yourself in the field goes much further! A degree doesn't hurt you, but never discount your on the job experience either! This was a great NSV for you!

Thank you all  for your encouraging replys.  Pam -- good for you for standing up for a good salary you deserve it!

I think you should continue to apply for a new position that you will be happy with. I work full time and also take online classes in pursuit of a degree. It's true, more doors are open to you when you have a degree but don't let that stop you from applying for a better job. Peace of mind is worth the effort. Good luck.