GAOLI MOUA

It was 2014 and I was entering my first corporate job. Although I was excited to walk into this next phase, I was also very nervous facing the unknown. I was mom to 2 small boys and stressed about how entering the workforce would affect my home life. I also felt behind in my career because many of my friends and colleagues were already knee-deep with managerial experience — I couldn’t help the comparison.

During the interview for the job, I had asked about job advancement opportunities and how pay raises were decided. The hiring manager informed me that I would be eligible for a performance review that could improve the pay after the 90 day probationary period.

I was so eager to do well in my job, I studied the employee training documents in detail and created work efficiencies. I was learning all types of skills and enjoying the industry very much, and as a bonus, also really taking a liking to my teammates and managers. I was quite happy.

Very quickly, the 90 day probationary period came and went. I went back and forth, contemplating on whether I should initiate the review process, wait for a pre-scheduled annual review to come around, or just sit pretty and be grateful for the great opportunity.

Nerves and all, I decided that I needed to take initiative. I waited until my colleagues emptied out of the office–the walls were paper thin, and I approached my manager for a performance review. She thanked me for reminding her and would inform me if I needed to take any additional steps.

I hear nothing. 

My mind raced with doubt: did they decide that I didn’t meet the expectations, is there no budget, are they justifying my role within the company?

Then…in my next paycheck, I see that my pay has been increased. My manager pulls me into the office and lets me know that they are happy with my work productivity and contribution to the company and approved the increased pay exhibited in the paycheck. In addition, my request prompted reviews for my colleagues as well, who also benefited similarly.

I learned that I should be confident in my ability and advocate for myself. In advocating for myself, I helped others.

We’re all in it together.