Throughout my career, I’ve made some decided pivots. Each one came “at a price”. Taking a step back to move forward. Less money, no money. I had taken, volunteer positions, worked on a contingency, and other times just worked for free.
Some might see that as weak, I saw it as hands-on free training. But, also had to remember that I was being watched and judged while doing the free work. I did get hired for the job(s), moved up moved forward, made mistakes, recovered, until I didn’t.
One day after a few year stretch at a certain position (having a long history 26 yrs with the alphabet company), I decided after being told to wait, I could wait no more. It came out all wrong. I had won a personal technical Emmy, and now everyone wanted my slot, including the middle manager. What everyone didn’t realize was they had to be willing to wake up early, show up everyday – early. And, of course be able to focus, and troubleshoot any situation that arose prior to air.
They’d actually have to pick up the phone, troubleshoot a Bgan, LiveU, TVU, and anything in between, send a signal out with a map to a weather person’s cell iPad or tablet. Do pre-recordings “look live” with naming conventions jic the live shot itself went south, do live “light” updates for central, mountain, and pacific updates for stories. They needed to be willing to help a “regular” person on zoom set-up their shot for lighting and sound. All of it. As well as technically produce 227 affiliate live shots per shift.
I had a new smart, but not good manager, and I asked for a small percentage raise 3 years after I started. I was told “it’s not not right time, ask in about 6 months”. I did – I didn’t get it. I came in early worked late, would’ve stood on my head to make a live shot work. Worked with all of their affiliates, literally never missed a live shot. Aaaand, I got a second “no”. 5 months later I asked why ? They gave me no reason. I kept working with the same passion for excellence, reading all I could to continually implement and suggest improvements.
One morning, a newer but experienced gentlemen colleague was given a raise. I immediately went to my senior manager at the time, and inquired. The response was another “it’s not the right time”. What else did I have to do? I had to give up my early morning shift because the mid- manager wanted it, I was put on weekend evening with 2 other women. They put us all together on the same day/ overlapping shifts. It was insulting being cast to the side.
I finally decided to say something. It took 26 years (4.5 yrs in that office), I wasn’t going to be sold the same “bill of goods”. But, I was angry, and it came out as anger to my senior manager, and the director. I was suspended for a month – literally for speaking the truth. I was absolutely silent for 26 years, tired of being taken advantage of, and now suspended. Ok, I took that too. But what I didn’t know, they were against me now.
HR had no idea. They put me on a 4p-12a shift back to back with a 6a-2p shift. Back to back. I showed up early as usually and did it, I was sleepy, I did not fall asleep, but comments were being made behind my back. Other “things” were wrong. No one appreciated at the time about speaking up for equitable rights.
Speaking out wasn’t easy, but it was right to stand up for myself, even though I’ve never worked there again. I’ve applied to other areas. I dunno why, habit of being treated badly ? I had been with them for 26 years, yes 26 years. It was a crazy end of career there. I simply wanted to be treated fairly, and I got exactly opposite of that. The managers had HR fooled in every way, they feigned true concern, and HR ate it up.
I’ve moved on successfully in spite of this. Was I right? Some. Was I wrong? Some. But the comeback after a month’s suspension was a complete farce. I turned my badge into HR, and just stayed silent, until now. I was taught, not everyone is happy for my success, there was now a target on my back.
I’m more than enough, and so are you, keep letting yourself know that too each day. You are beautiful, and special, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. We are equal! And even if someone doesn’t want it hear it, speak up for yourself when it’s warranted.
That's News To Me 