The direction was always to make six figures.
I had no idea how I was going to get there nor how long it would take. The unknown can be stressful, worrisome, and difficult at times.
Now that I’m here, it’s a number difference with the salary, but a feeling of still having to manage money wisely.
When I moved to San Francisco, I took the only job opportunity I had from a family friend in 2017. It was an interview where I was determined to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
I needed the job; I had been job searching for months with little to no other options. I landed the job, accepted the hourly wage and benefits they offered, and felt accomplished.
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$17 an hour wasn’t the prize; finding my purpose was the accomplishment.
The job was as an educator for individuals with disabilities at a day program. The program was community-based, and I had never worked in the industry before.
It was different, but it helped me learn about myself and the Bay Area, as participants and I would drive around visiting libraries, restaurants, department stores, and shopping malls.
The opportunity for a promotion came within a few months, and I became Program Director with a salary of $60,000—the exact number I had negotiated for with my previous employer.
I felt like I hit gold!
The feeling didn’t last long. I wanted side hustles because I knew I wanted to make six figures. One of the side hustles was special, but it came with a cost.
Sacrificing 8 hours of my Saturdays for $30 an hour.
Easy decision for me.
Fast forward to today, 7 years later. That side hustle turned into my full-time career, working 3 days a week in person.
I’m the administrator who manages the life and care of an adult with autism and epilepsy. I love what I do. I fell in love with the industry, and the industry paved my way to my dream salary.
The unknown could lead to love.
One opportunity could lead to your dream.
Walking in the vision where you saw yourself starts with being the self who’s walking in the vision.
When you’ve been gravitating towards everything you’ve ever wanted since the 8th grade, what makes you so connected? What makes everything happen in that way?
I believe there was an emotion to everything I achieved; the emotion paved the way.
I wanted to be a Pop Warner quarterback. I loved football.
I became a quarterback.
I wanted to play D1 basketball. I loved basketball.
I became a D1 athlete.
I wanted a higher salary. I love money.
I got my Master’s.
I wanted a woman. I love women.
I have a beautiful wife.
I love togetherness. I wanted loyalty.
I’m a husband and father.
The unknown brings worry, I know. And it’s okay. If there’s true emotion, let it lead you.
You just might end up with your dream salary.
Good day,
Cervante
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Walking in the vision where you saw yourself starts with being the self who’s walking in the vision.
That line right there was everything to me 🙌🏾