To proud or not to proud

"You are proud", she said.

"So I've been told", I smiled tapping furiously on my phone—yes, I was on Twitter.

It was a date and she had just told me that she liked that I was smart. Naturally, I replied, "I know".

"Proud" is an over flogged adjective when people cannot understand the confidence you have in yourself, and the work you do—and when they're not comfortable with how you express it, they misconstrue it as arrogance.

I know. I've been there, but that's not the point of today's Jour—nnal.

On my WhatsApp status, I shared the reply of a recruiter who replied my application—sent out of boredom and being broke—about 2 months after I had sent it.

"Your application has been accepted . . . here is a design test . . . to be submitted on or before . . . reach out to me if you have any questions", the 4-paragraph email signed off with N, the name of the recruiter.

I was raged.

Actually, I wasn't. I laughed instead, and I laughed hard—for two reasons. One, I didn't need a job, I already had one and some. Two, this was an Art Director role.

I will never understand companies who are looking for Art Directors and Senior Designers but expect the applicants to partake in a test—an unpaid one, at that.

"Thanks for your reply . . . I regrettably will not be taking this offer . . . because I am not comfortable with the idea of a design test to understand my capabilities . . . I have had other opportunities since the last time . . . wishing you luck . . . regards", my email replied.

Yes! I have decided to give them rejection emails. I'm that "proud" or "sassy". Whatever!

"Your email is well noted . . . would you be open to a chat as a next step if you're still interested", N replied shortly after I sent my rejection.

Again, I laughed.

"Yes, I'm open"

"We'll schedule a time next week to have that chat with you.", N signed off.

Yesterday, N reached out asking for a 12 PM call with me today. "I can't make it", I said.

"How's 1 PM then?", N replied

"Perfect"

Everything about growth and development is knowing that you're worth it.

You've invested so much time and energy into honing your craft and becoming better as a designer.

If people won't respect that, it's your job to make them respect that. Whether you're a visual designer, copywriter, social media manager—it is not pride to position yourself for respect.

People value those they respect. Respect comes—every time—before VALUE.

You deserve any accolades you get, and yes—you can always negotiate. Your skill might not be leverage enough, but how you communicate it is.

Have a nice Tuesday.

Ciao.

PS: Wish me luck in my "chat". Try not to reply with luck—tell me, instead, your own story.

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