Pièce de résistance

free·dom

ˈfrēdəm/

noun

1.  the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

"we do have some freedom of choice"

For the past 12 years, I worked for the Alliance.  I moved through the ranks, from part-time admin to Director for HR.  As a single female, I was talked down to, put off, paid less, and gossiped about repeatedly. My personal life was scrutinized, criticized, and cauterized by the Alliance.  I did not sleep my way to that position; I was not the President's pet; nor did I get any special privileges.  I got there because I worked my ass off.

Four nights a week I was the last one out of the parking lot. I knew and accepted that I had to work harder than my male counterparts.  Ideas from me received a placating nod. The same idea from the jerk sitting next to me, was brilliant.  I knew I had to prove I was more than a blonde in a big office. So, I went to grad school. This is when I realized how jacked up (not my first word choice) the Alliance was.  Strategy?  Organizational development?  Love thy neighbor?  I don't forkin' think so...

My Vice President was a mentor to me, and I have a great deal of respect for him.  I sharpened my business acumen working for him, and he ethereally understood the dilemma I faced in a male dominant organization. But, in the end- he submitted to his new boss and as a result here I sit... In the lap of an e-commerce firm!

No one gives a rip about my personal life, whether or not I enjoy Chardonnay, or if I come to work today in yesterday's clothes. I can vacation where I want and don't have to hide the fact that the entire time I drank margaritas by a pool in a tiny bikini. No. One. Cares. It's a beautiful thing!!!!!

I love that the mandatory sexual harassment video explained harassment using 2 men as one of the examples!  I love that the firm doesn't drug test- because they don't care!  I love that a VP came up to me at lunch to talk to me about Ireland- and told me a story that included doing shots of Jameson in a pub!  I actually giggled when the onboarding trainer swore during his presentation!

Now, I am under the radar. Off the grid. Respected as a professional.  Paid well.  Considered smart enough to run a branch office.  I can't believe I have so much awesome in my life!

And I intend to keep it that way.

With faith, ~Shugie