During my 2025 End-of-the-Year (EOY) review with both my former and current supervisors, the former gushed praises about me, stating how much she missed me and wanted me back. Since I’d only been with my new team for the last two weeks of December, the former supervisor had written the review.
One of the few times that my current supervisor spoke was to inform her, good naturedly, that he wouldn’t allow me to return to my former team.
Accolades aside, the meeting motivated me to start making moves on my new team. I’ve had a few months to get the lay of the land. Now’s a good time to explore stretch projects where I can use my math and/or editing skills for the team.
Additionally, my former supervisor reminded me of one of my 2025 goals: to land a pharmacy tech job. When asked about that goal, I admitted that when I get a new position, I pour my energy into that opportunity. I quickly added that I’d completed two continuing education courses to maintain my pharmacy tech certification.
Then, I shared my newest academic pursuit: a 500-hour yoga certification online course. If we’d had more time to indulge, I would have told them about how I’d already read several of the books, taking extensive notes because I didn’t want to spend money on books nor add to the volume of material things I possess.
Instead, we kept the conversation about my 2025 successes, resulting in an above average rating, along with the corresponding pay bump and bonus. I surprised my former supervisor when I stated that this was the first time achieving that recognition. I briefly explained that I’d started working in 2021, so I had to first navigate through a global pandemic before thriving at work.
The following week, I had my monthly one-on-one check-in meeting with my current supervisor. When I mentioned possibile stretch projects, involving math and/or editing, he stated nothing was available. Yet he said that he’d keep me in mind if any Resolutions or Assist Line openings became available since that would increase both my talent and compensation.
When I mentioned adding pharmacy tech jobs to the list, he hesitated. He explained that those positions would be a lateral move. I confirmed that when I interviewed for a new position, I’d also expect more compensation.
For some reason, I thought being a certified pharmacy tech automatically meant that I’d get a compensation bump. Goes to show that I’m still thinking like a teacher, where attaining more education went hand in hand with a pay bump.
As a matter of fact, I was going to bite the bullet and apply to a pharmacy tech job that involved working some weekends. Now that’s off the table if no more money’s involved.
Granted one can have the certification without having the title reflected in one’s job title. Looks like that’s the route I’m destined to go. I’m just not sure if I want to increase my rate of irate callers.