Happy effin Friday! And I’m even more delighted for this particular Friday because I’m taking a break and not returning to the office until next Wednesday.

It’s been quite a challenging week. I returned home from NY on Monday and decided to have a *big* conversation with my boss.  I’m planning a big move and I need their support. I’m making this move on my own, but I’m doing it primarily for the job – to expand our client base. I’ve been to NY 5 times now, and each time I visit a new agency. These meetings have resulted in four requests for proposals (all new business.) I’m building relationships. That’s what it’s about, especially when it comes to advertising. I felt confident going into the meeting with my boss – especially when I was told that I doubled the former VP’s sales compared to this time last year. Numbers speak volumes.

There’s one thing I’ve learned over the past 18 years when it comes to careers: we must know our worth. It’s one thing to recognize our worth, but it’s an entirely different story when it comes to presenting it to the boss. The conversation started well, but then it took a turn for the worst. I detest confrontation. I grew up with the constant bickering. The back and forth. Conversations that go nowhere.  My guard goes up. But not this time, I knew it was time to stand my ground and not back down. I get extremely sensitive when it comes to my career.  I’ve spent the last 18 years building my brand and I won’t let anyone take that away from me.  Yes, the economy is by no means healed, but we always have a choice. So, I gave them an option and should know their answer in a week. I am ready …. for whatever the future holds for me. I can’t let fear stop me from thriving in life.

So take these three words with you each time you walk through the office door: KNOW. YOUR. WORTH.