Hello

My Journey in the Workforce

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In all honesty, writing this section has been challenging. On one hand, this website is a space for me to share my thoughts. On the other hand, I’m aware that anything published online can be scrutinized years later. The internet, as they say, is forever.

 

Growing up on the border of poor and lower-middle class, I've always enjoyed working. The ability to exchange my time and effort for money seemed like a great idea to me. My mother once mentioned that it was a relief that all three of her children enjoyed working and being employed—a sentiment not all parents can share.

 

Early Job Experiences

 

My first job was at "Ed’s Ribs" when I was 15 years old. The store was owned by a man my mother briefly dated, and my tasks included skinning ribs and washing dishes. It was gross, hard work, and I didn't enjoy it. However, it taught me my first economic lesson handed down from my mother: “You’re not allowed to quit your job until you find another one.” This principle has stuck with me; in over 30 years, I’ve never left a job without having another lined up.

 

I soon moved on to McDonald’s, which, believe it or not, I actually enjoyed. McDonald’s had an excellent training program. They trained you meticulously on how to perform tasks, down to salting the fries. The rationale was clear: consistency in service and product quality across all locations. At 15, my main takeaway was simple: meeting expectations led to more hours and a bigger paycheck. This taught me an important job-related lesson: identify expectations and meet them as best as you can.

 

Climbing the Ranks

 

Next, I worked at a grocery store chain, starting as a bagger and moving up to roles like cashier, front-end manager, bookkeeper, and customer service manager. I was so good at my job that the regional manager selected me to help open three new stores. This period taught me a lot about life and work.

 

A pivotal moment came when I created a schedule with consistent hours for employees. The district manager questioned this, saying, “You can’t do that. Hours are the only thing you have to punish or reward your employees, because we aren’t going to give them raises!”

 

I was speechless.

 

Over time, I learned that many companies don’t care about their employees, despite evidence that treating employees well is good for business. Richard Branson said it best: “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”

 

Transition to Non-Profit Work

 

After some disheartening experiences in the for-profit world, I went to college and shifted to non-profit work. My first non-profit job was chaotic and poorly managed. Although it was my first queer-friendly workspace, it often felt unprofessional and embarrassing. Fortunately, I moved to a new organization with my supervisor and stayed there for almost nine years, seizing many professional opportunities. This job laid a solid foundation for my successful career.

 

Now, I’m in Fredericksburg, Virginia, approaching my eighth year with a non-profit health organization with a 30-year history of helping those most in need. As Executive Director, I’ve opened a Primary Healthcare Clinic and the region’s first and only LGBTQ Community Center.

 

I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in a short time and look forward to sharing my journey and future achievements with you on this website.