The conversation during lunch was interesting. I learned what the salary range is for sales folks at my company. In the interest of not jeopardizing my own job, I can't share what the amounts are that were discussed. But, it is significantly more than I make. I always have known that but learning a more exact range was eye opening.
Some people would find that defeating or learning that would make them angry. I am not upset. I tried sales for a short period in my life in my early twenties and I was terrible at it. I don't seem to have the brain wiring needed to ask people for money (that's really what selling is at it's core). I don't have an issue with rejection (that's often the downfall of people who fail at sales as a career). I just feel weird asking.
I'm wired more to have an 'earn it' mentality. I do the best that I'm capable and work as hard as I can at every job I've had. Whatever my employer decides is an appropriate amount to pay for that work, that's what I've always lived with. Being a 'creative type' of person, my big payday in life comes from the ideas that I have that work out or have some level of success, no matter how small. This blog is an example. I've spent probably twenty times more on camera equipment and computers to create and maintain it than I've ever made from the Google ads that are on it.
I've felt for a long time that I am never going to be financially successful. I do sometimes wish I had more money, it would solve a lot of problems. But, I still feel fortunate. I've done the best I can with the abilities that I have. I can proudly say "I try". Maybe that should be carved onto my tombstone whenever I kick the bucket.
The take away from the lunch conversation for me was a reminder not to be jealous of other people's success. Sure, it would be amazing to own a big beautiful home and drive a new car. But, what I have earned is a rented apartment and a ten year old problematic sports car. Unless I win the lottery, take a picture that the whole world wants to buy, or my company decides that they have a position for me that pays a stupidly huge amount for some skill that they have to have, my lot in life is likely to stay this way. And, that's okay. I get paid what I'm worth.
One thing I was grateful for today was the lunch. And, even though the sandwich I had really upset my stomach, someone else paid for it. I'm really grateful for that.
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| The front counter at Panera at Grant and Swan. This random woman buying pastries almost blocked the view of the Panera employee waving us over to take our order. |
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| She had salad, I had a Chipoltle chicken Panini sandwich with a side of upset stomach. |