Tuesday, March 31, 2009

I'm a Big Girl Now

Now that I'm the Special Projects Manager, I feel like I need to mature three to five years. Changing from coordinator to manager is a huge step at my magazine. Typically, they'd give someone with two years of working experience an Associate Manager title.

I feel that because I'm a full-on manager I need to act older. Turning 24 helped my mentality a bit. But now, I can't just be a young working girl finding her way. I need to know my way.

While I have a lot of great experience for the position, I know that people who have held the position before more have had more. I know some things and am learning others. I've never worked on a hotel contract before and I've never been in charge of an event budget. But I need to act like I know what I'm doing.

And, is it weird that I feel like I need to improve my appearance? I look pretty put together everyday at work but all of a sudden I want to cut my long hair into a more stylish, easy to manage haircut. I want a better wardrobe. I feel like my nails should be polished everyday.

Too bad I don't have the budget for a great haircut, new wardrobe and weekly manicures.

20 comments:

Jessica said...

It will come!

Unknown said...

it's just new. A couple of weeks in and you'll have it all down!

Michele said...

First off, congrats on the promotion! You deserve it, and I know you'll do great! It's awesome to see that at only 24, your making your way in the working world, and your making a name for yourself. I hope to do the same!

Forget the weekly manicures, spend that money on a new office outfit!

Kerry Anne said...

long hair can be styling too! and sleek!

Amy said...

When I started my current job I had the same issue. I did get a haircut and I think that's the best way to look and feel good no matter what you're wearing. Then you can just build on your current wardrobe bit by bit. Congratulations on the promotion :D

Jackie said...

I got a haircut when I first started working and I think that made me "feel" older. I have since let it grow out, but it is funny how something like that can help change the way you feel. I am sure you will do a great job either way!

Cristina said...

You should be very proud of yourself, a manager at 24! I don't know why manicures make me feel prettier, I guess it's the finishing touch to a perfect look!

Congratulations WG!!

Egle Z. said...

congrats on the promotion! it's so exciting! xxx

Cal said...

Exciting! I think that having confidence is half the battle but it's never good to pretend you know something if you really don't. A boss once told me that knowing the answers isn't the most important thing but rather, how to ask questions when you don't know the answers yourself.
Oh and if I were going to splurge on one thing it'd be the haircut...that's what I did when I got my first big girl job :)

Dollface said...

Its great to get a promotion!! And also great to step up your wardrobe to compliment your position.. throw on a blazer, and get some cute Choos, dazzle them with an accessory or two and show them whos boss!! xoxo

shoegirl said...

You can handle the mani/pedi at home and save Working Girl $$! Every Tuesday night, I have a ritual - I deep condition my hair, face mask, manicure and pedicure while watching The Real Housewives of NYC. Then I repeat again usually on Saturday afternoon while doing laundry. It's not as restorative as a trip to Bliss, but it gets my pretty on and keeps my hair/nails/skin in good shape!

MK said...

Get a new pair of shoes and wear more (or less if you already wear too much) eyeliner :D that always helps me when I feel like cutting my hair or doing something to change my look.

Priyanka Agrawal said...

love your post and i so relate to that! i feel the same way sometimes...but it's hard to act older than yourself...or so i have experienced in my work life...i too started dressing up a bit ever since i started managerial duties at work..but wasn't sure of the budget for weekly manicures and what not...

congratulations on your promotion...in this economy it's great to know that you are doing so well...

btw i think long hair rocks lol

K. Michel said...

Well, I'm a guy. Although, you may not mean to, you'll look at my advice a little differently from the others before me. With that said, I wouldn't change much if I were you. They promoted you for a reason, no? They must've liked what you were wearing already, but if you insist on changing your appearance, I'd say go with darker colors. It usually exudes demeanor, which is the look I think you're going for.

Anonymous said...

I get my haircut at a hairdresser school (http://www.avedainstitutes.com/) and it's very very cheap and they do a great job. They take a little longer than a pro might, but my time isn't as limited as my money.

Britni said...

I've got a lot of responsbility as a project manager and sometimes I feel like people think I'm too young to do the job. And I just do better. You'll be great.

Anonymous said...

I definitely think you should update the wardrobe and the makeup. It doesn't necessarily need to be anything drastic, but small tweaks can really go a long way. You could even go to polyvore and search around and create your own virtual outfit. Happy New You!

Jessi said...

Congrats on the promotion and remember they promoted you for a reason - let that give you a confidence boost!

I second what the gals above me have said... there are ways to be chic on a budget! Home manis/pedis, facials, etc. I do them (I'm on a college budget) and I honestly think that some of my DIY nails have looked better than some of the spa mani's I've paid way too much for ;)

You got this, girl!

Unknown said...

I just got a real PR job and have my first trial event April 27th. I have to make an event budget by Sat adn have NO clue what I'm doing. Why don't they teach you these things in school!!!?!

Jessie said...

Congrats!

Let me know if you need any advice or help because that is what I do.

Also, a good website for advice are the MPI forums: http://www.mpiweb.org/cms/mpiweb/messageboard/standardboard.aspx?BoardId=10

Good luck!

Oh and take yourself out to a big fancy dinner with your first big paycheck :)