My New Job
I finally received a firm offer with reasonable terms and conditions.
For a minute, it was not looking good at all because they wanted me to sign a 3 year tenure agreement. The purpose of the agreement is to minimize turnover in what they consider “critical” positions, which are usually top level management or executive positions that play an important role in major projects or the organization’s mission. Losing a critical person mid-stream can mean the loss of $$ millions and place the organization at a significant disadvantage.
This concern is not unusual, but the weird thing about it is that MY position is NOT top level management or executive. I can probably be classified as mid-level management but this organization labeled the position as “critical” based on the job description. *shrug*
So to answer some of your questions from this post: no they can NOT make me stay against my will, but they can tie the tenure agreement to any bonuses paid, training funded, cost of benefits, 401k contributions, etc. If I didn’t honor the 3 year tenure agreement, I’d have to pay back any funding I received (excluding salary) up to the 2nd year and 11th month of employment. Simple as that. I understand the intent, and it’s fair game…just not for me.
So here’s what happened…
LAST THURSDAY MORNING
I had to look out for “self” and make sure I wasn’t placed at a disadvantage either. So I proposed a slight modification to one sentence that would give me an out for promotion opportunities and/or unresolved conflicts. Apparently, they’d never been asked to modify their tenure agreement before, so they weren’t sure how to respond. I was told that they would have a meeting with their policy and HR departments to see if it were possible. I’ve had so much other crap on my mind lately and wanted a break from work, so I didn’t care if they needed to marinate on the idea.
MONDAY MORNING
I was told it was a no go because it was an official document with standard language that couldn’t be modified. My response: no problem. It was a no go for me too and I was prepared to walk away. By the time word filtered through HR and back to my would-be boss that I was going to decline the offer, he called to discuss my concerns.
I explained to him that I was taking a lateral so I had no incentive to paint myself into a box. My current position only required a 1 year commitment and they’ve spent $$ thousands on me (relocation, leadership training, retention bonus, performance bonus, etc.). I reassured him that I was very interested in the position and my intentions were not to job hop, but I have lessons learned from a recent experience and I didn’t want to be restricted. I was also thinking to myself, “Besides, I plan to impress the hell out of you and align myself for a promotion within a year.” LOL Then he asked what it would take for me to sign and I gave him my conditions: a promotion now (incentive) and at least one of the proposed modifications (a conditional release clause).
He asked me not to give up on him just yet, he’d see what he could do.
MONDAY AFTERNOON
A few hours later, he called back to say he could not modify the language because it was an official document. No surprise. However, he would entertain the idea of a promotion after proven performance. But more importantly, he was willing to break the rules to get me on board. Long story short, I did NOT have to sign the agreement. Good enough. Eventually, word filtered back to HR and I received an email confirming that I did NOT have to sign – but – they now needed a copy of my driver’s license, social security card, and birth certificate or passport.
WTF!!
MONDAY, 4pm
Single Ma: err, uh, do you need all of that RIGHT NOW?
HR Rep: Yes, I do. You can fax it to xxx or email a .pdf copy to xx.
SM: I don’t mind sending you a copy of my driver’s license, but I don’t feel comfortable sending my sensitive documents like a SS card, BC, or passport over email/fax.
HR: We need the information to make a firm offer.
SM: Can I just bring them on my first day?
HR: We can not get you in the system to establish your start date without it?
SM: But…but you just did an extensive background check. You have all of my information already.
HR: Yes, I know. But we need copies of the actual documents so we can verify your identity.
SM: You mean I have to prove that I am who I say I am.
HR: You can say that.
SM: *thinking* wouldn’t seeing the “original” documents (not copies) “in person” (not email or fax) be indisputable “proof” of identity? Scratch that Single Ma, that sounds too much like right.
SM: Umm, ok. I think we have another problem then because I don’t feel comfortable transmitting those types of documents over an unsecured line.
HR: Your call, but we can’t make you a firm offer without them.
*sigh*
This was getting way too hard. I was already a little jaded by the tenure agreement fiasco. Now I was getting ticked off that they would ask for this type of information at the 11th hour. So I emailed my would-be boss AGAIN to explain this new situation. He called me back immediately and shared my frustration. His exact words, “HR is being ridiculous!” He told me he was going to speak with an HR supervisor the next morning.
My background investigation was complete, they had ALL of my information (down to my blood type), and I was prepared to accept the offer. This was the only thing standing in the way and I was NOT sending my docs over email or fax.
TUESDAY MORNING
I wasn’t sure what to expect, so I brought the documents with me to work anyway.
Unfortunately, my would-be boss couldn’t fix this one. Less than 20 minutes before my farewell brunch, he called to explain WHY they needed the documents in advance. I can’t remember the reason but I understood. Really, I did. However, I still was not sending them over email or fax. So we brain stormed solutions. I asked if they could send me a pre-paid Fed-Ex or UPS package, then I could overnight the copies. He got off the phone, tried it, no go. Called me back. He asked if I could scan the docs and password protect them. On the phone together, he showed me how to set a .pdf password. I tried, but due to limited permissions, no go. *sigh*
All of this was going down on Tuesday, my last day in the office. As you know, it was a crazy day and I didn’t have time for this. Matter of fact, I was thisclose >< to saying forget it. I didn’t need the additional stress. I just wanted to get through my last day in the office, take the 3 day leadership course, and be unemployed for a while so I could focus on my personal problems.
But one last time for good measure, I expressed a sincere interest in the position. I told my would-be boss that I appreciated all of his help up to this point and I was honored that he wanted to have me. I then explained the kind of day I was expecting (last minute tasks, brunch, wrap up, turnover files, check-out, good byes, etc.) and told him I’d try to brain storm other ideas when I had a chance to think. But before disconnecting the call, I reiterated why I was uncomfortable sending the docs over email/fax, to which he understood my concern AND agreed with me. At this point, he was more fed up with HR than I was. We both promised to connect again before the day was over and said our goodbyes.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON
My would-be boss called me back during the farewell brunch. I saw the call on my BB but pressed the ignore button. Too much going on, couldn’t take the call if I wanted to. When I returned to my office after the brunch was over, I listened to his message, then called him back.
Would-Be Boss: Single Ma, I was thinking about this situation and how difficult it has been all of a sudden. I’ve never experienced anything like it before. But I’ve enjoyed the rapport we’ve established over the past few months and I’d really like to have you on my team.
SM: *listening to the sincerity in his voice and wanting to burst into tears* I wasn’t happy OR sad. I was indifferent, so I have no idea know why the emotion overwhelmed me. I felt like something big was about to happen but didn’t know what.
SM: I don’t know why HR is being so unreasonable. I’m not trying to be difficult, (insert his name). I hope you understand my dilemma. I feel backed into a corner again.
Would-Be Boss: I understand your concern but I also understand why they need the documents. I have an idea.
SM: Ok.
Would-Be Boss: Do you have copies of everything they’ve requested?
SM: Yes? *not sure where he was going*
Would-Be Boss: Do you mind if I come get them?
SM: Huh? *his words didn’t register*
Would-Be Boss: I’ll come get them if you don’t mind.
SM: Uh, umm…YOU are going to come to ME?
Would-Be Boss: Yes.
SM: *still not sure if I heard him correctly* Really?
Would-Be Boss: Yes. *laughing*
SM: Uh…ok.
I gave him the address to my building, made copies, and tried to busy myself while I waited. I couldn’t believe this. My would-be BOSS was going out of his way to help ME get a job. He seemed to care more about it than I did. I didn’t know what to make of it, but I thought it was extremely nice of him.
A half hour later, he called my BB to say he was getting off the metro and walking UP the hill. I hate that hill. I told him I was on my way downstairs and I’d wait for him in front of my building. Although I wasn’t sure if I’d recognize him – the 4 person panel interview was months ago so I wasn’t sure which one I was speaking with all this time – but I would definitely know his voice. As expected, I walked right past him. LOL But he recognized me and called my name. I turned around and immediately felt insubordinate for noticing that my would-be boss was attractive. LOL If it wasn’t inappropriate, I would have given him a hug for going out of his way to be so helpful. Instead, I smiled and extended a firm handshake.
I gave him the copies and he promised to guard them with his life. LOL He also gave me a few org. related documents to review in my “spare” time, then asked when I’d be available to start. He knew this was my last week on the job, so I couldn’t lie. I let him know that I needed a few personal days off and asked if I could call him on Monday. He wasn’t having it. I guess he thought I would change my mind about accepting the job, so he asked if I could start on Monday.
My brain immediately flashed a summary of everything I had on my plate. I really wanted this job, but I knew I was in no condition (mentally) to accept new responsibilities right now. So my response had to be humble but honest. Before I could answer, he said “even if it’s only to process through HR and allow me to introduce you to the staff and management. I also want to get you settled in your office, then you can take a few days off before getting into the weeds.”
For some reason, I was comforted by his words. Without a second thought, I said ok and asked for a week of administrative leave (doesn’t count against my earned vacation). He said no prob and that was it. I didn’t bother to press him about the “proven performance” before promotion comment. As strangers meeting face to face for only the second time, the flow of conversation was unusually comfortable. I asked him about the staff I would manage, pending projects, office culture, dress code, etc. Listening to him describe the people, morale, workload, and his expectations, any lingering concerns I had simply vanished. We laughed about the HR rep and how unorganized she had been. I probably thanked him a million times for going out of his way, but he said it was no big deal and just shrugged it off. Eventually, he trekked back down the hill, to the HR building on the other side of town, then back to his office in another DC-suburb.
I returned to the office with a smile on my face. Amazed at the lengths my would-be new boss was willing to go for me. Without realizing it, I compared his persona to my current boss and silently thanked God for giving me the foresight to make the right decision.
Tuesday, 4:58pm
I received the following via email…
Congratulations Ms. xx,
This letter confirms the job offer made to you by xxx for the position of xxx with a starting salary of $xxx,xxx. The effective date of your appointment will be 28 April 2008…
[redacted]
Even when I don’t have it in me to try, He still moves mountains.
This blog is all about Finance, Fitness, Fashion & Fun - the sum of my life. If you like what you've read, feel free to subscribe via (feed reader) or (email) to follow along.
Amen, sister! I’m so glad somethings are looking up for ya.
Can I be the male version of you when I grow up? I have to email you about what happen with my job. It turned out OK actually. Until then hope everything works out for you. and Congrats on closing another good deal!
Congrats Single Ma. You can now exhale.
this post made me smile :). i am very happy for you single ma, congratulations *big hug*!!! funny how life works out, huh lol. yes, He is amazing ^_^.
Oh how I wish I could exhale. If my problems were about a job or money, life would be so easy. In fact, they are the LEAST of my concerns. But I had a revelation and I’m ready to brush my shoulders off. What He has done is allow obstacles to be placed in my way to see how far I was going to push forward on my own. He knows I’m a fighter but I don’t rely on Him enough. So He broke me down until I got to a point where I “chose” to give up. As soon as I decided that I could do no more (i.e. I didn’t care whether I got the job or not), He showed me in unexpected ways how He can move mountains, even when I’m not trying. He literally removed the obstacles out of my way with no effort on my part. He wanted me to see what He could do when I relied on Him. The message I received was: “Single Ma, I know you can do it, but let ME do this for you. I gave you your strength but never think you’re so strong that you don’t need me anymore.” This experience was an eye opener. So I’ve turned over my REAL problems. They are way too much for me to bear. I’m not as strong as I thought I was and I’ve learned that I don’t have to be. One thing I do know is that I’m not a quitter, but when I “choose” to rely on Him, He got me. This post, no this entire blog, is my testimony.
I have always believed …He never gives you more then you can handle and What he brings you to HE will bring you through. Congrats on the new job !!!!!
That’s how good he is!! When we let go and put things in his hands!! Congratulations!! You really touched me with the strong statment!! AA women, yes we are strong, but we are not made of stone. I’m so happy for you, keep pushing on!! God Bless You.
Congratulations, Single Ma!
Congrats Single Ma, I wish you the best of luck at your new post!
That is what I call a sweatless victory. I got emotional reading this for two reasons:
- No matter how many times I witness God’s love and grace for His children, I’m still amazed each time I see Him move
- Your new boss reminds me of my current boss. He went at it with HR to get me the first job I had working for him and he went even further with my current position. There’s nothing like reporting to someone like that.
I know you know this but God is greater than anything you’re going through right now and because you are His child, He will take care of you. My prayer is that His peace, that peace that passes all understanding, will be able to keep you during this time. Stay Blessed!!!
That’s wonderful! Not only are the terms much better, but this boss seems like a real winner. As compared to you-know-who. Glad to hear everything’s working out right. :)
Congratulations!
I should stick these posts to my refrigerator so the next time I have to negotiate something, I know just what to do and I’ll muster up the confidence and nerve to do just that. Good for you! So, when are we having a celebratory/mental unwinding session with our other divalicious buddy?
Single Ma, if I were your would-be boss, I would have done the same thing. It sounds like you might be moving to a really nice new gig.
I’ve been so sorry to hear that you have been having to deal with such horrible problems that all the topics of your recent fantastically exciting blog entries have seemed of very little importance in comparison. It’s hard to even imagine such horrifying problems, but I can. Best of luck to you, and my condolences on what doesn’t work out.
Congrats Single ma, You’re back on the bandwagon!
Be thankful for what you have and not what you don’t have !
Congrats! I read your blog on a daily basis and you continually keep surprising me. Now that your professional like is back on track, you can really tackle your issues—personal. Those are the hardest to get through but we all know in the end, it will either make or break us. Knowing you, it will make you stronger. Good luck and keep on posting. You are an inspiration not only to black professional (or aspiring) women but to everyone who want to improve their financial, professional and personal life. He
When I think read this, the song “Living Testimony” comes to mind.
Thank you for sharing and I wish you an abundance of blessings. If I could hug you right now I would.
Inspirational and humbling. It sounds like your new boss will soon become a trusted connection, even a friend. Whether he removed the obstacles himself or He intervened on your behalf, you are blessed to be supported in this way.
Congratulations! A great boss can make such a difference, and it sounds like you’ve got one now!
Congratulations Single Ma!
This is good. I am glad that you are going into a situation where you feel comfortable. And I’m glad you know and acknowledge where your blessings come from. Enjoy the ride. Can’t wait to see how you show off on the new gig! Have a great weekend!
I was in a similar situation with my last job when my boss approached me about signing a non-compete agreement:
Me: Non-compete? What is that?
Boss: It says you can’t go work for a competitor for 18 months.
Me: Is my position really that critical?
Boss: Of course it is – without you the entire system would break down – it would be chaos.
Me: Huh. Cool.
Boss: So, if you just sign here and put your initials…
Me: Wait a second. Does the fry guy have to sign one of these also??
Single Ma you are right on the money with your comment above and this post (after Chele’s). Sometimes we get so used to being independent that we forget that we aren’t really doing this by ourselves. I know I get hard-headed at times but HE continues to bless me and every way and keeps reminding me that it is HIS battle not mine. Same way he has worked on you. Unconditional love like that is amazing isn’t it? Regardless of anything, HE always has your back. And it makes you so much stronger and wiser to acknowledge HIM and what HE can do. So Let Go and Let God SM!! (I am making that my theme this year.)
RELAX, RELATE, RELEASE!!!!! :-) (Remember that from A Different World? LOL!)
Be blessed sweetie.
Good for you – my mother always says “let go and let God” and I’m usually too fiercely independent to follow that advice. But when things get too overwhelming and I turn my problems over to Him, something wonderful happens. I may not get what I want, but I always get what I need. And the same thing happened with you ….
Good luck on Monday – looking forward to hearing all about your first days in the new job!
uh uh get it, get it, uh uh get it, go Single Ma it’s ya birthday. Go go go go. That’s what I’m talking about. Negotiate for what you want.
I am amazed that they gave you so much grief about the tenure agreement. What do they mean they can’t change the contract? Don’t they know that all it takes is the person at headquarters to approve, and a pen? People are too afraid of printed contracts.
Glad you didn’t have to sign it. That’d be a lousy leash!
I knew it’d work out, whether it was through the efforts of God or yourself. Nothing is impossible.
Coming out of lurkdom, to offer my sincerest Congratulations!! I wish you continued success and blessings. You have been an inspiration.
Congratulations, Single Ma!! Wishing you continued success
Congrats on the new job! I just wanted to tell you that I have the coat in that pattern!! Lol!
I’ve been out of town so my congrats are delayed – but I echo all of the well wishes above. Great job taking care of you and your best intrests – you deserve every success!
New reader here….Girl you a person after my own heart! I’ll have to get to know you better.
Congratulations…great things ahead for you with this determination, focus and love for the work you do.
Sharon…PR Mom
Congrats on the new gig. Negotiated like only Single Ma can.
That guy seems like a nice boss and really knows how to recruit. The faxing of your documents before you start is pretty weird I think. I always just brought identification on the first day. Congratulations!
Read this awhile ago and totally forgot to leave a comment!
But yeah… best. post. ever?
Congrats on the new job, and I’m glad your boss is awesome and hot. the 10 minute answer roundabout from the other post does sound a bit BS, but I’ve heard of such practice before in interviews.. in either case, you kicked ass and got the job.