Hiya.

First of all… APRIL?! Where have those months actually gone? I mean, this year I was going to write and publish so much more. I know time passes by a lot quicker than we like to admit but, wow.

What’s been happening with you,Claire? I hear you ask. Well, I’m going to tell you.

I decided that I wanted to further my career a little while ago. I don’t know about you, but the thought of applying for a position within your current employment is actually quite terrifying. Why? Well, above all else, they all know you. I had initially decided to apply for a role that consisted of being mentored for the role that you would want to progress to in the future. During that application, another position popped up. This one was a full time role that was advertised externally. I decided to apply for them both. It seemed that a lot of the staff wanted me to apply too. Which was lovely to think that they believed in me that much in the short period of time that I had been there. They were wonderful. Giving me advice, helping me with wording etc. Bloody amazing people!

I had a good relationship with the management that were holding the interviews (not a typo, there were multiple). They had a pretty good idea of my role and the various ways in which I dealt with situations that arose. So, what was the problem? I refer back to the previous paragraph. Applying for a position within your current employment is, quite frankly, terrifying. I couldn’t really wing it. I couldn’t blag it- and don’t even try and tell me that you don’t extend the truth to make you look good, because that’s an almighty fib and you know it!

Oh..My..Word! It was and is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I didn’t get the main position, but was offered the initial position that I had applied for. Something I’m so glad I am able to pursue now. It’s giving me the tools I need for the future.

Ok..great story.. where is this actually going..? The thing is, I almost didn’t bother going for either role. I was brushing it off. Telling myself that I should really wait as I’d not been in the job long enough. I’d not had enough experience. I’d have to make sure the boys were prepared for the possible change in my hours. I’d have to make sure the boys were ready for the change. Common denominator? Negativity. All these people believed in me more than I believed in myself.

It can’t win. You can’t allow it to win. You can take the negativity and then switch it round. Life will always have some negatives.. it’s what you do to change that negative into a positive that helps you get ahead.

That’s all for now folks!

C x