During my undergrad days, my school shuttered many times. In my 3rd year, it happened again and then I purposed to get a job. This was at a time when there was a high unemployment rate for full-blown graduates, let alone an undergrad who is still trying to find her footing.
However, I did not allow my status to deter me, and even though my parents were skeptical, they helped me to spread the news within their network.
Honestly, in one corner of my mind, I knew it was a long shot, but I kept my hope alive. Interestingly, within a few days, my parents informed me about an unpaid offer of employment.
They asked, “Would you work for free?”
“Why not?” I responded happily. I was eager and ready to work even if unpaid. Mind you, the location of the offer was in a neighboring state, which meant I needed funds for travel and upkeep.
Long story short, I started work the following Monday, where my boss announced yet again that my work would be unpaid. I gladly accepted the conditions because I knew that the experience I garnered would be the foundation for my career success. I was young, determined, and ready to roll up my sleeves.
A couple of months after I started working, my boss called to let me know that going forward, not only would I be placed on the payroll, but I would also be backpaid. My jaw dropped because I never imagined it.
This happened over twenty years ago, but the lesson is still as powerful today as it was back then.
I’m sharing this story because I believe deeply in the principle of serving before deserving.
Sometimes, the best opportunities don’t come wrapped in shiny packages. Many times, they look like hard work, sacrifice, or even working for free. But when you show up with the right mindset, the right attitude, and a willingness to learn, you set yourself up for something far greater than a paycheck. You build character, confidence, and credibility.
Becoming a high earner isn’t just about doing the work. It’s about how you position yourself, how you brand yourself, and the strategy you bring to the table.
That’s exactly what I break down in my latest video: “The High-Earning Woman: How to Command More Pay and Respect.” I share real, practical steps on how to grow your value, shift your mindset, and take your earning power to the next level, no matter where you’re starting from.
If this story encouraged you, imagine what applying these strategies could do for your journey. So go ahead, watch the video, and share this post with someone who needs the reminder: your beginning doesn’t have to define your becoming.
