Job Update: You Are Who You Say You Are
I’ve been called a lot of things in my career but I’ve only been promoted once along the way. Instead of the traditional upward mobility generations before mine would find in one company, I’ve changed employers for new opportunities that provided growth when it comes to title, client offering and of course salary. Three months into my new role after my COVID-19 layoff, I can now say I’ve been promoted twice.
J’Nay Penn, Art Director.
For the last few years I’ve operated in hybrid creative roles that asked of me many things without an official title, recognition and at times compensation to show for it. They included things like lead designer, creative strategist, art director, mentor to junior staff and even copywriter when need be. My mindset was, you’re on the project and invited into the room? You get it done, even when you know the scenarios you’re put in are not always fair or feasible. On top of that, stepping into these circumstances that forced me to work new creative and leadership muscles felt REALLY good as a proud student of my craft.
Then came my layoff in April at the start of the pandemic that would change so many of our lives. The four months of uncertainty that followed forced me to sit with all of my experiences and who I was as a result of them. As I frantically job searched, I decided no matter what job or title I ultimately landed, I would call myself an Art Director. From that moment on, I would step fully into it whether or not someone with the power and capital to bestow it on me wanted to or not. In August, I took a position as Senior Graphic Designer, where I continued to meet those demands and much more.
In any position you find yourself in, be a master of the role above you and where possible, the role above that one.
I’m writing this entry today to say that while I’m grateful to be standing in the moment of this promotion, I am also proud of myself for owning my truth. I am proud of myself for being resilient and steadfast about knowing my worth and being committed to my personal and professional growth. I am who I said I was yesterday and today the rest of my orbit is simply catching up.
Lessons Learned Along The Way
You are your own best advocate. Show and prove!
In any position you find yourself in, be a master of the role above you and where possible, the role above that one.
Do not tie your worth to the titles given to you in the work place.
(Related to #3) NEVER let someone convince you that titles do not matter. If they didn’t, you would not be positioned to bargain and fight for them.
Do not rush to accept the first offer. You are no less gracious for taking the time to decide if it meets your needs. Sit with it and most times you’ll find room to negotiate.
You can negotiate for so much more than money. Invest in research behind this if you haven’t done it before or feel uncomfortable about it. Extra paid time off, remote work and other flexible schedule opportunities, commuter perks, additional tech and much more are all at your disposal and should be put on the table if it may help you perform your duties.
Use all of your experiences, good and bad, to be the best employee, coworker, manager and person you can be. What was the point of it, if you allow yourself to become what you disliked?
Leave more room for learning than you do teaching and your relationships will be better for it.
Know that so much of this is more about luck and timing than anything else. Your true power is in making sure opportunity meets you working.
2020 Headshots — Featuring my favorite Madewell oversized chunky hoops (check out my feature here) + their black mockneck and a classic vintage linen blazer.
I wrote about the value of a great headshot here. Due to the pandemic, I took these new headshots in my living room with my iPhone 11 Pro, my handy 4-way backdrop and natural light.
