Chasing......paper & my dream job

It's 2 am, and I don't know why I'm not trying to get some beauty sleep .... Lord knows, as a mom, I could stand to catch up on my sleep any chance I get.  But as it happens, my mind is in hyper-active mode when baby sleeps. lol  I love watching him sleep.  He's a little terror sometimes, so seeing him calm and peaceful is extra special.

Monday, I start my new job.  I am not sure what to make of it as of yet, but I have vowed to be open-minded, and to give it all that I have. (I won't mention the school/company name, but let's just say I will be in online admission enrollment.) I will be completely frank, and admit it wasn't something I would jump at the chance to take normally - but in order to get to where I want to be, I need to build my base.

Ultimately, as stated in previous posts, I want to get my MBA (and even though I've already been told I can acquire a FREE MBA through this school, I'm still going to apply to ASU's WP Carey MBA program. Why? Because it has a great reputation, national ranking, and credibility in the business world. I know the name of the school on your degree isn't the end all be all, but let's face it .... it can open some doors. And even if it means the program will cost $50,000, it's worth it.) Now don't get it twisted...I do still intend on taking some classes with this school, to beef up my tech/computer skills, and they also offer 'certificates' that include some of their post-grad coursework, specifically in Marketing Management, that I'm interested in.

So these next few months is all about GMAT prep, taking the test in Spring - getting my application materials in by summer... Having my eye on the January 2011 start date.  If I really got my ass in gear, I could apply for Fall 2010.... but preparation is key right now.

These are some objectives I need to line up to make my application stand out (another list, I know):

1. kick ass GMAT score
2. 2 phenomenal business references (I would like a very recent one lined up)
3. relevent coursework started (specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and MS Access). Marketing jobs will almost always highlight the Photoshop Suite skills as a plus!
4. More volunteer/community service is a must. I've been out of it since having Calvin, but I'd really like to get back into doing something for the community again.
5. If possible, join some local organizations/networking groups.
6. Most importantly.........show increased level of responsibility at job, with measurable goals/benchmarks achieved.

I've been promised/talked up on how quickly/easily you can get promoted, with a raise in as soon as six months ....... I'm not quite sure what to make of that, if it's like a 'bonus' for sticking out the probationary period or what? They have also told me I can apply for promotions after 8 months.
Well........we will have to see, won't we? Again, let's keep an open mind.

Even if I feel luke-warm about the position, my Plan B is to get into an MBA program and continue applying for marketing jobs.  Always gotta have your exit strategy.  And NEVER feel like you can't quit a job.

I have heard too many people bitch about their jobs, and witness their misery. But do they quit? No. Because they're too chicken shit to stick their necks out there to find something else, or they're just not hungry or motivated enough to hunt down what they want. They just settle for the job they have, continue to bitch about it everyday, making everyone else around them miserable because they are dissatisfied with their lot in life.  I can't STAND that! If you're unhappy about your lot in life - do something about it! Word!