HQ UPDATE!

UPDATE: so…the conversation went something like this-

HQ: Let’s just talk a bit about how things are going in Saratoga.

Me: Things are great, but I know I don’t want to do Accounts forever.

HQ: Go on. Tell me why.

Me: I’m coming up on two years in the program. Most people “graduate” at the two-year mark or just after. Covering this leave would mean my assumed graduation point would be pushed back at least another 6 months to a year. I feel like I’ve been very flexible and accommodating in letting you guys send me wherever – and don’t get me wrong – I’ve had an awesome time doing it, but I’m at the point where I found what I want to do and I want to work towards that. Also, I wasn’t interested in doing Accounts in the first place, and when I got assigned to it, I went along without complaint. I could name a few trainees who would have thrown a fit or threatened to quit, but I decided to make the best of it and try it out. I don’t want to do that again. I don’t want to “stick it out” and “see what happens” when I know for a fact there will be spots open in pricing when I’m done here in Saratoga. I want to go back to HQ and do PRICING. And then move on to sales.

HQ: I’m certainly not going to put someone in a place where they don’t want to be. We do need someone to cover, but I’m not going to force you to do it against your will. We’ll just have to find someone else – we’ll figure it out. Pricing was next on the horizon for you anyway, whether you ended up there after the leave or instead of.

Me: Thank you.

HQ: Where are you thinking you want to do sales?

Me: DC.

HQ: That was a quick answer.

Me: I know what I want.

HQ: Are you thinking you want to be there long-term, or just for a rotation?

Me: I’m leaning towards long-term. I’m a city person, I fell in love with DC on a class trip in middle school, and the last year or so has really solidified the fact that it’s where I want to be. I’ve been to the office multiple times in the last few months, and I’ve already started to get to know some of the people working out there.

HQ: Hmmm. All good things. I’m glad you’ve made contact – it’s always nice when an office asks for someone by name. Would you be opposed to going to another sales office to learn the ropes before DC? We like to make sure people get all their kinks out and acclimated to the sales environment in an office where they aren’t necessarily looking to be long-term, so when they do get to that place, they transition smoothly and quickly and don’t require a lot of training.

Me: That’s fine. Just not New York City, please.

HQ: Why’s that?

Me: I feel like I’ve been there, done that. I know LOTS of people are dying to go to New York, so I’d rather they have a shot first. You can send me to Boston, San Francisco, Minneapolis, wherever, as long as I can get to DC after.

HQ: Good to know.

after that was basically all “thanks for chatting” and blah blah blah. bottom line – YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he listened! he ACTUALLY cared about what i had to say! so i don’t REALLY want to go somewhere else first, but at least that convo is out of the way.

thanks to jenn, JZ, the bro, mom and dad, haug, empty, sim, and all of you for listening to/reading my rant. i’m off to pick up minnie – and i’ll be doing a happy dance in the airport for sure.