Today, I’m sharing an essay written by my friend Penny, who describes an experience that most adults have faced at some point in their life. I cannot stress the importance of documentation---from holding on to receipts at both restaurants and the tailor, to writing up a lease document for a sublet (however informal, but at least signed), to describing the scenario surrounding a theft while it is still fresh in your mind. Yes, these are all personal experiences. Since graduating from college (where my life was very sheltered), I have gotten into the habit of noting confirmation numbers for online transactions, keeping track of names of customer service agents I speak with over the phone, and reporting any kind of financial activity I deem suspicious. While my intention for sharing these snippets of my own experiences is certainly not to scare you, I do hope being aware of these habits will inform your decision making at certain points in your own life. This essay is particularly relevant for current college students, recent college graduates, and anyone who plans on or is currently holding a job.

Without further ado, here's Penny's essay. 

“When I was a kid, my mother promised my 5 year old brother something (let’s say 3 cookies for the sake of simplicity). My brother immediately grabbed a piece of paper, a random crayon, and wrote up a contract. “Here mom, sign here so that I know I will get my 3 cookies,” he said in a professional manner. My mother was taken aback. “Honey, I am your mother. Trust me. I will make sure you get your 3 cookies,” she said with endearment. My brother held firm to his belief and still pressed the paper towards her with the crayon in his hands. My mother reluctantly signed off on the paper and in the end my brother received his 3 cookies. He used the same contract to guarantee on receiving more cookies in the future because my mother was reminded that she signed off on this piece of paper by her signature.

Fast forward to 26 year old Penny on negotiating on her next endeavor in the professional world. She was finalizing on her new dream job. She asked for the offer letter and her future employer promised her that it will come to her soon enough. Her potential employer assured her that everything was going smoothly and they’re so excited to see her. They had a great interview and connected really well. Penny believed in them wholeheartedly. 2 weeks later, the potential employer finally sent out their letter, but with a few changes that were not agreed on verbally initially. Penny was perplexed. Penny also made a few moves towards her new job already, such as putting in her leave with her current position. So she raised her concerns in a gentle manner out of concern and for clarity. In the end, she lost her new job offer.

The Penny at 26 learned a great big lesson that her brother knew at 5, which is to always have everything in writing regardless of how trustworthy and honest the other party can be. Wisdom is an ageless attribute to have. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve walked on this earth for 5 years vs 26 vs 99. Everyone learns their life lessons through experiences and perspectives in so many different ways and capacities. Lesson learned."

Update: Penny found a new job, so no need to worry! :)

As always, I thank you kindly for following along.

Warm regards,
Catherine