Hello 2017! I welcome you with open arms.

Not with relieving arms or anything, because 2016 was pretty effing awesome. Especially if you peek at the goals I set for myself and for Trevor and I for the year:

– learn how to use my DSLR — check!

– create something — hi, it’s me, The Grey Edit.

– run a half marathon together — very hilly, very worth it.

– hit our savings goal — word.

– learn how to build a website — you’re looking at it.

– take the next level in my career — double check!!

Aside from learning a new word every day (fail), reading a new book every month (double fail) and being outside for one whole day (what were we thinking – camping?), we did damn good.

 

Especially in the career department.

I haven’t quite gone into any detail on this front yet, but lemme break it down for you real quick…

– Cortney goes to school for Architecture Advertising — Go Cougs!

– Cortney gets her first real (temp) job as a client services specialist at a healthcare IT company — Wait, why?

– Cortney’s temp job turns real and she’s now a business analyst — Wait, what? How?

– Cortney takes a chance on a tech startup of 20 as a receptionist, somehow manages to excel in finance, becomes manager of the company’s AR and then says wait, what about Marketing? — You cray, bae. 

…I know.

Over the last six years I’ve been happily working for this same startup turned 350+ globally overnight and they’ve been nothing short of amazing to me. One of those places that feels like family, encourages employee growth and has the. best. perks. Like a team of culinary chefs perks that cook you breakfast and lunch daily…

WAT.

When I decided to make the move from finance to marketing, I realized I had a great opportunity to absorb anything and everything making up for my time spent working outside of my desired field. I committed to learning my role and about everyone else’s role on our team. I was like a sponge and after two years I had an epiphany:

what’s my dream job? marketing. 

what’s my dream industry? fashion. 

how could I get there in Seattle? Nordstrom.

And then just like that, it happened. I set a goal. I put it out into the universe. I told my company I was moving on. I applied to one job… and I got it.

New beginnings

Nordstrom, I’ve always loved you. Since the time I worked on your sales floor back in 2007, to the years I’ve worked hard to attain level 3 status. We have a special bond. I feel a connection with you. I follow your progress. I believe you stand out amongst the rest. I know I can market the shit out of you. Thank you for welcoming me in.

I officially accepted my offer to join Nordstrom’s Marketing team on the last day of December and I’m thrilled beyond words to start next week, working downtown Seattle in their corporate headquarters. It still doesn’t feel real to me, but determination sure pays off.

Some advice…

For those of you who may be perfectly content in your job, but realize you still have completely different aspirations, I urge you to do a few things:

– make a plan. where is it you ultimately want to go and what is it you ultimately want to do? work backwards and define steps on how you can get there.

– engage with your peers. though it can feel small at times, it’s a big, big world. chances are you know someone who can get you the answers or the connection you need to take your next step. don’t be afraid to reach out to others who are doing what you ultimately want to do. people love sharing their story with others. ask questions and let them in.

– get your hands dirty. no matter what your desired next phase in life is, there are most definitely a bajillion resources on and offline for you to take advantage of. follow blogs. watch online courses. listen to podcasts. connect with influencers. engage on social media. attend events. practice any way you can. if you can’t afford equipment, borrow or rent. just get in it.

– be bold and take a risk. life is full of decision making and when you make one that’s out of the ordinary and comes with consequences, you’ll probably learn something really valuable. open your mind to new challenges and opportunities. push yourself to to do something — in the end, you’ll become more creative and each risk will help you to clearly define what you want.

– remember this: anything that you do should increase value in your life. if you’re not doing the things that bring you value, it’s time to make some changes.

 

And if you’re looking for guidance to help you take the plunge — check out these books (what can I say, I’m a sucker for self-help books, because hey, they work):

– Leave Your Mark by Aliza Licht – finished this in a few days! great advice from her experience!

– #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

– Girl Code by Cara Alwill Leyba

– You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero.

…plus the wide variety of classes available daily on CreativeLive. Be sure to check out the “On Air” section for updated free videos!

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I’d love to learn what you’re working on currently or what your future goals are. Share your comments below, and stay tuned for my updates on #lifeatnordstrom :).

// cb ✌????