Have you ever had an opportunity to compromise your values for a little bit of cash, but instead you took the high road? I did a couple weeks ago and this is the story. When I arrived in my current city, I immediately started looking for a job. I signed up with a talent agent and then proceeded to apply for jobs at local restaurants and nanny positions. After three weeks of interviews, that I nailed by the way, nothing came to pass. Don’t worry, I didn’t give up, but in the mean time I went on about 7 auditions and was submitted for about 15 convention type jobs… nothing. These companies come into town for these conventions and want people (good looking ladies) to stand in their booth or in front of the door to pass stuff out and all of that. Because they wanted blondes only, I obviously wasn’t hired for one. Until my agent shmoozed me into one and game ON! $500 for two and a half days of work!? Are you kidding?! This was a dream come true and answer to prayer.
The first day I got to the convention, I eagerly rode the escalator down to the lobby to meet my temporary boss, we shook hands and then he then explained that this convention was a real estate/brokers convention, which typically meant 99% men. Good thing I’ve got my hair down and I remembered to spritz that perfume, oh, and so proudly rocking my wedding ring… The other “talent” hired showed up and was a lovely lady who had a great smile. She attempted to connect with me immediately and I felt like we hit it off, kind of. As the night went on, we obviously were instructed to draw potential clients to the booth by explaining about the services and then give some information and in exchange acquire a business card from each. I did exactly this. Some of the men chose to close their pretty little eyes when the opportunity to see my wedding ring came, and the invitations for dinner, golf and trips were flowing my way. I was kind but I mentioned how great my husband was whenever possible.
The lady working with me mentioned a few times that there were men staring from afar and that I needed to go over to where they were standing (20 feet away) and bat my eyes for a collection of business cards to bring back to “our boss.” I told her I wouldn’t, and then explained that I was going to treat these men the way I’d want a woman to treat my husband if he were here. She said that was the most inspirational thing she had ever heard.
The night ended and I obviously had mixed emotions about making money from standing in as “bait” to get potential business for this guy. Oh yes, but then I recalled the bills that were due and remembered the $500 coming from these next two days.
Later that same evening I was in line for taco Tuesday at a local restaurant when I get a text from my agent that says, “client doesn’t think you’re a good fit for his company and doesn’t want you back.”
Y’all, the tears swelled up and I just put my head down. Was it because I wasn’t blonde?! I finally landed a job, and I blew it! What the heck did I do to ruin it for myself? Was I not flirty enough? What was it, that after all this time of so many interviews, auditions, and resumes sent out, that I couldn’t keep a job for a couple of hours? Come on Haley! After the tears and then words of encouragement from my sisters, I started coming to the reality that this was not just some mistake. I had made a choice earlier that evening, to keep my integrity and act like a lovely married woman, rather than to go with the flow, let my surrounding determine my actions and give up my integrity for a couple of days. For what, a measly $500? I had to ask myself if it was worth it or not. I clearly said absolutely not.
It took a few days to swallow, but you know what? I didn’t compromise my integrity. Nothing is worth giving up your morals and values for a piece of change. Have you ever had an opportunity to compromise your morals and values but you took the high road?
