How would you say it

[Ava]

so it doesn't come across as awkward?

Suppose your manager has an open position at the senior level (one level above you) and is looking for a person to fulfill that role.

You've been working for him for almost two years and he's very satisfied with your performance. He's offered this open position to a couple of people who've already said no. He hasn't offered YOU the position and you think is because he'll have to give you extensive training. You would take this job if you could.

You would feel very uncomfortable if you ask him to consider you for this position and he turns you down.

Would you tell him at all?

And if so, how would you phrase it?

Thanks

[msventoux]

I would simply tell him I'm interested in the job and would like to be considered for it.

I can't remember exactly, but doesn't he know (and has been supportive) of your goal to finish your schooling and pass the CPA exam?  I think he's allowed you to take time off to accommodate your school schedule.  And does he also know that you plan on relocating in the next year or two? 

He may be reluctant to consider you for promotion, which could entail more work on your part, when you have these other goals that could be considered a distraction from your current job.  Given your situation, I wouldn't be uncomfortable if he turned you down. 

[Ava]

Yes, I know I shouldn't feel uncomfortable if he turns me down. I don't want things to get awkward between us because we have a great relationship.

He knows about my plans and has been very supportive. He's accommodated my schedule in the past and is doing it again now that I'm taking two extra classes that I need.

He knows I plan to move. But if I get promoted I could stay with him a couple more years while I sit for the CPA. I love working for him and now he's authorized me to work from home on snow days. It took me a while to get used to him but I got there.

The fact that I'll be studying for the CPA shouldn't affect him. I'll do it on my own time. We work eight hours and go home. He doesn't expect me to work more hours. The senior analysts don't work more hours; they have more responsibilities and more complex tasks. Everyone does their schedule and leaves, including him.

The problem with my school schedule is that the classes sometimes are only offered at certain times that coincide with work. So he lets me change my schedule for that reason. For the CPA I'll be studying at home on my own so it won't matter.

The other reason I would like to stay longer is because of my dental problem. I have upper teeth that protrude. If you look at me you won't notice it too much, but it's getting worse and it's starting to affect my diction. So I looked into the Dental HMO the company is offering for next year. They cover adult braces with no waiting period. The patient pays 50% of the cost. I looked at the list of orthodontists in their network and I was pleasantly surprised how many they have, with almost all of them accepting new patients. I would like to take advantage of this plan if I can.

I think I'll talk to him tomorrow and say it's fine if he doesn't want me for the role. I don't want him to feel awkward either.

Please send good vibes my way!

OT; how do you get immunity?

[bobosensei]

Ava- you need to tell him those things- what you just said.  Sit down with him and just say what you want.  "hey manager, I am interested in the open ___ position.  I know I would need some training, but I am prepared to do the work.  I also want you to know that even though I still plan to sit for the CPA that I will forego relocating to do this.  So if you promote me I will stay in the area for the next ______  while I finish the CPA."  But then if you make that promise you need to keep it no matter what opens up later.

The bottom line is that he has to weigh the work of training you versus hiring an unknown.  And if you do work well together the main thing holding you back is the fact that he is expecting you to leave so it makes no sense for him to do a ton of working training you just to have you leave and then be in the same position again.  He has to understand that you are willing to stay.  

You seem like you understand the position he is in, so if he decides no it isn't going to be awkward for you.  Don't worry about the manager.  I can assure you he's dealt with worse situations, and having to turn someone down for a promotion isn't going to register on the awkward meter.  How's this for awkward- I once had to send a man 15 years older than me home from work because when I was standing at his desk I noticed bugs crawling in his hair.  It didn't look like lice, but that's what we treated the office for.  And someone from the HR department had to inspect his head before we let him come back.  Now THAT was awkward.

[Ava]

Oct 30, 2015 3:08:13 GMT -5 bobosensei said:

Ava- you need to tell him those things- what you just said.  Sit down with him and just say what you want.  "hey manager, I am interested in the open ___ position.  I know I would need some training, but I am prepared to do the work.  I also want you to know that even though I still plan to sit for the CPA that I will forego relocating to do this.  So if you promote me I will stay in the area for the next ______  while I finish the CPA."  But then if you make that promise you need to keep it no matter what opens up later.

The bottom line is that he has to weigh the work of training you versus hiring an unknown.  And if you do work well together the main thing holding you back is the fact that he is expecting you to leave so it makes no sense for him to do a ton of working training you just to have you leave and then be in the same position again.  He has to understand that you are willing to stay.  

You seem like you understand the position he is in, so if he decides no it isn't going to be awkward for you.  Don't worry about the manager.  I can assure you he's dealt with worse situations, and having to turn someone down for a promotion isn't going to register on the awkward meter.  How's this for awkward- I once had to send a man 15 years older than me home from work because when I was standing at his desk I noticed bugs crawling in his hair.  It didn't look like lice, but that's what we treated the office for.  And someone from the HR department had to inspect his head before we let him come back.  Now THAT was awkward.

Wow! That is really awkward. I would never come back in that situation, I would just look for another job.

I guess I have it easy and I don't even realize it.

Yes, I'll talk to him this morning. I wouldn't leave him if I get the position, I wouldn't do that. I can stay with him for two more years.

I really like working with him but it's time for me to move forward. I don't want to stagnate at work and I've been doing the same thing for almost two years now. I am ready to take on more at work, specially since my classes will be done forever as of December 18, and I want better compensation and more vacation days as the senior analysts get.

If he decides not to give me this job I'll have to start looking in Florida right now because I don't want to begin working with a new company here. I wouldn't have any ill feelings for him, but it would make me a little sad if he decides not to give me this chance. So, I guess I'm mentally ready to have this conversation.

[resolution]

Oct 30, 2015 6:16:37 GMT -5 Ava said:

If he decides not to give me this job I'll have to start looking in Florida right now because I don't want to begin working with a new company here. I wouldn't have any ill feelings for him, but it would make me a little sad if he decides not to give me this chance. So, I guess I'm mentally ready to have this conversation.

If he decides not to give you the job you can keep working where you are at and just follow your original time schedule. There would be no need to rush off before you are ready. It would be pretty understandable for him to hesitate to give a lot of training to someone that he knows is leaving, so it wouldn't be any kind of embarrassment to be turned down for the job.

[swamp]

Oct 30, 2015 6:16:37 GMT -5 Ava said:

Oct 30, 2015 3:08:13 GMT -5 bobosensei said:

Ava- you need to tell him those things- what you just said.  Sit down with him and just say what you want.  "hey manager, I am interested in the open ___ position.  I know I would need some training, but I am prepared to do the work.  I also want you to know that even though I still plan to sit for the CPA that I will forego relocating to do this.  So if you promote me I will stay in the area for the next ______  while I finish the CPA."  But then if you make that promise you need to keep it no matter what opens up later.

The bottom line is that he has to weigh the work of training you versus hiring an unknown.  And if you do work well together the main thing holding you back is the fact that he is expecting you to leave so it makes no sense for him to do a ton of working training you just to have you leave and then be in the same position again.  He has to understand that you are willing to stay.  

You seem like you understand the position he is in, so if he decides no it isn't going to be awkward for you.  Don't worry about the manager.  I can assure you he's dealt with worse situations, and having to turn someone down for a promotion isn't going to register on the awkward meter.  How's this for awkward- I once had to send a man 15 years older than me home from work because when I was standing at his desk I noticed bugs crawling in his hair.  It didn't look like lice, but that's what we treated the office for.  And someone from the HR department had to inspect his head before we let him come back.  Now THAT was awkward.

Wow! That is really awkward. I would never come back in that situation, I would just look for another job.

I guess I have it easy and I don't even realize it.

Yes, I'll talk to him this morning. I wouldn't leave him if I get the position, I wouldn't do that. I can stay with him for two more years.

I really like working with him but it's time for me to move forward. I don't want to stagnate at work and I've been doing the same thing for almost two years now. I am ready to take on more at work, specially since my classes will be done forever as of December 18, and I want better compensation and more vacation days as the senior analysts get.

If he decides not to give me this job I'll have to start looking in Florida right now because I don't want to begin working with a new company here. I wouldn't have any ill feelings for him, but it would make me a little sad if he decides not to give me this chance. So, I guess I'm mentally ready to have this conversation.

Don't mention you want the job because of the better benefits.  Tell him why the company would benefit from you in that role.   Tell him you feel stagnant and want the challenge and your skills match what is needed. 

Good luck. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Good morning Ava, 

Before you say anything to your boss, please think about this a bit more. 

You have been adamant that you hate your current living situation. You hate the location; you desperately want to leave. You've been very vocal about that here. Why would you want to stay now? 


Because you've made it known that you want to leave for warmer climates, it would not benefit your current employer to promote you. I'm not sure he/they will approve promoting someone who wants to leave soon even if that person says he/she will stay. 


Just another perspective. 

[Ava]

Oct 30, 2015 6:24:00 GMT -5 resolution said:

Oct 30, 2015 6:16:37 GMT -5 Ava said:

If he decides not to give me this job I'll have to start looking in Florida right now because I don't want to begin working with a new company here. I wouldn't have any ill feelings for him, but it would make me a little sad if he decides not to give me this chance. So, I guess I'm mentally ready to have this conversation.

If he decides not to give you the job you can keep working where you are at and just follow your original time schedule. There would be no need to rush off before you are ready. It would be pretty understandable for him to hesitate to give a lot of training to someone that he knows is leaving, so it wouldn't be any kind of embarrassment to be turned down for the job.

I could do that, but I don't want to. It would still take me a while to get a job in Florida, so I wouldn't leave right away.

It's just that I've been doing the same job for almost two years, so far with no chance of moving forward.

Money wise I'm doing ok but I watch expenses very carefully. My student loans are coming due in a couple of months and my commute expenses have grown since my job moved an hour away.

I could make it work with my current income, but it's starting to become a stretch considering those two new expenses. Yearly raises are laughable and the only way to significantly increase your paycheck is to get a promotion.

And I didn't go to school all those years to stagnate. I want to keep moving to bigger and better things. I also think a big issue for many women, including myself, is that we find a spot where we are comfortable and we stay there, and we develop huge attachments to people in our group. Men don't do that, in general. They keep looking for the better chance. That's exactly what I want to do, too. Sure I like the team and my manager, but I need more money and a more prominent role to remain there.

[Ava]

Oct 30, 2015 8:51:28 GMT -5 swamp said:

Oct 30, 2015 6:16:37 GMT -5 Ava said:

Wow! That is really awkward. I would never come back in that situation, I would just look for another job.

I guess I have it easy and I don't even realize it.

Yes, I'll talk to him this morning. I wouldn't leave him if I get the position, I wouldn't do that. I can stay with him for two more years.

I really like working with him but it's time for me to move forward. I don't want to stagnate at work and I've been doing the same thing for almost two years now. I am ready to take on more at work, specially since my classes will be done forever as of December 18, and I want better compensation and more vacation days as the senior analysts get.

If he decides not to give me this job I'll have to start looking in Florida right now because I don't want to begin working with a new company here. I wouldn't have any ill feelings for him, but it would make me a little sad if he decides not to give me this chance. So, I guess I'm mentally ready to have this conversation.

Don't mention you want the job because of the better benefits.  Tell him why the company would benefit from you in that role.   Tell him you feel stagnant and want the challenge and your skills match what is needed. 

Good luck. 

Very good advice, as always, Swamp. I informed him today of my interest in the open position. He was almost on his way out, he had a busy day. So he said we'll talk about it next week. I'll make sure I mention how the company will benefit from me taking that role and not how it would benefit me.

Good thing that I have the whole weekend to put together a speech. In a way is like selling a product to him, heheheh.

[Ava]

Oct 30, 2015 9:26:33 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Good morning Ava, 

Before you say anything to your boss, please think about this a bit more. 

You have been adamant that you hate your current living situation. You hate the location; you desperately want to leave. You've been very vocal about that here. Why would you want to stay now? 


Because you've made it known that you want to leave for warmer climates, it would not benefit your current employer to promote you. I'm not sure he/they will approve promoting someone who wants to leave soon even if that person says he/she will stay. 


Just another perspective. 

Yes, but don't forget that until very recently I was morbidly obese and I suffered from depression.

I've lost 54 pound since February, with many more (unfortunately) to still get rid of.

I exercise every day, and I now know from personal experience that exercise lifts your mood.

I meditate almost every day, and it also helps.

I've found a good doctor who's really helping me deal with my diabetes and weight problems, a good team at work, a great weight loss support group and a Meetup group that I love. Glad I found the courage to sign up and go to their activities because it is fun.

I still get the blues here and there but nothing like the paralyzing depression I had before. My doctor also found I have a vitamin D deficiency  and now with a daily supplement I'm doing better.

So I was miserable and wanted to move because I thought getting out of this place that I really don't like would magically make all my problems disappear.

Don't get me wrong, I still HATE winter, snow and ice. I still want to live in Florida. But as I am happier with myself and my environment I don't have that urge that I have to be there right this moment. I can wait a little longer, specially if I can get a more fulfilling position and a higher income.

My manager is probably concerned about me staying here long enough to justify training me, and I guess it's one of the things we'll talk about next week.

But he trusts me and he'll believe me when I tell him I can stay around a couple more years. In fact, I would love to keep working for him as I study for the CPA exam. It would be great.

[Phoenix84]

This is something we have discussed here on these message boards.

One reason women don't get ahead in their careers is that for some reason, they feel they need to be %100 qualified before they even apply for a job.  A man will often apply for a job even if he's only %50 qualified or sometimes less, figuring he'll learn the job as he goes along.

If you want the job, and are even remotely qualified, and you think you have what it takes to learn it, then go for it.  And don't forget to negotiate for a higher salary while you're at it too.   Remember, be confident in yourself.

[Ava]

Oct 31, 2015 8:27:10 GMT -5 Phoenix84 said:

This is something we have discussed here on these message boards.

One reason women don't get ahead in their careers is that for some reason, they feel they need to be %100 qualified before they even apply for a job.  A man will often apply for a job even if he's only %50 qualified or sometimes less, figuring he'll learn the job as he goes along.

If you want the job, and are even remotely qualified, and you think you have what it takes to learn it, then go for it.  And don't forget to negotiate for a higher salary while you're at it too.   Remember, be confident in yourself.

Exactly.

I've already informed my manager I'm interested in the job. It entails a lot of new responsibilities and tasks but I know I can learn them.

And if I get offered the position, I will try to get a higher salary.

Going by our salary grades even if they would start me at the lowest income for that level it would be quite a bump. But I would try to get more.

Let's see what happens next week.

[zibazinski]

Oct 30, 2015 20:16:09 GMT -5 Ava said:

Oct 30, 2015 6:24:00 GMT -5 resolution said:

If he decides not to give you the job you can keep working where you are at and just follow your original time schedule. There would be no need to rush off before you are ready. It would be pretty understandable for him to hesitate to give a lot of training to someone that he knows is leaving, so it wouldn't be any kind of embarrassment to be turned down for the job.

I could do that, but I don't want to. It would still take me a while to get a job in Florida, so I wouldn't leave right away.

It's just that I've been doing the same job for almost two years, so far with no chance of moving forward.

Money wise I'm doing ok but I watch expenses very carefully. My student loans are coming due in a couple of months and my commute expenses have grown since my job moved an hour away.

I could make it work with my current income, but it's starting to become a stretch considering those two new expenses. Yearly raises are laughable and the only way to significantly increase your paycheck is to get a promotion.

And I didn't go to school all those years to stagnate. I want to keep moving to bigger and better things. I also think a big issue for many women, including myself, is that we find a spot where we are comfortable and we stay there, and we develop huge attachments to people in our group. Men don't do that, in general. They keep looking for the better chance. That's exactly what I want to do, too. Sure I like the team and my manager, but I need more money and a more prominent role to remain there.

Good for you. Smart woman. I can't tell you how much I regret being too "set in my ways" to go into admin. That's where the money in teaching is. Always look out for number one-you. No one else will.

[zibazinski]

Oct 30, 2015 20:32:26 GMT -5 Ava said:

Oct 30, 2015 9:26:33 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Good morning Ava, 

Before you say anything to your boss, please think about this a bit more. 

You have been adamant that you hate your current living situation. You hate the location; you desperately want to leave. You've been very vocal about that here. Why would you want to stay now? 


Because you've made it known that you want to leave for warmer climates, it would not benefit your current employer to promote you. I'm not sure he/they will approve promoting someone who wants to leave soon even if that person says he/she will stay. 


Just another perspective. 

Yes, but don't forget that until very recently I was morbidly obese and I suffered from depression.

I've lost 54 pound since February, with many more (unfortunately) to still get rid of.

I exercise every day, and I now know from personal experience that exercise lifts your mood.

I meditate almost every day, and it also helps.

I've found a good doctor who's really helping me deal with my diabetes and weight problems, a good team at work, a great weight loss support group and a Meetup group that I love. Glad I found the courage to sign up and go to their activities because it is fun.

I still get the blues here and there but nothing like the paralyzing depression I had before. My doctor also found I have a vitamin D deficiency  and now with a daily supplement I'm doing better.

So I was miserable and wanted to move because I thought getting out of this place that I really don't like would magically make all my problems disappear.

Don't get me wrong, I still HATE winter, snow and ice. I still want to live in Florida. But as I am happier with myself and my environment I don't have that urge that I have to be there right this moment. I can wait a little longer, specially if I can get a more fulfilling position and a higher income.

My manager is probably concerned about me staying here long enough to justify training me, and I guess it's one of the things we'll talk about next week.

But he trusts me and he'll believe me when I tell him I can stay around a couple more years. In fact, I would love to keep working for him as I study for the CPA exam. It would be great.

If you have a desk area, get that light thing. I don't know what it is exactly but DH had one in his office for winter and turned it on daily to help. Plus we both took 4000 of vitamin D. Daily per our doctors advice.

[zibazinski]

Oct 30, 2015 20:19:46 GMT -5 Ava said:

Oct 30, 2015 8:51:28 GMT -5 swamp said:

Don't mention you want the job because of the better benefits.  Tell him why the company would benefit from you in that role.   Tell him you feel stagnant and want the challenge and your skills match what is needed. 

Good luck. 

Very good advice, as always, Swamp. I informed him today of my interest in the open position. He was almost on his way out, he had a busy day. So he said we'll talk about it next week. I'll make sure I mention how the company will benefit from me taking that role and not how it would benefit me.

Good thing that I have the whole weekend to put together a speech. In a way is like selling a product to him, heheheh.

That's exactly what it is. Good perspective. YOU are the product. Sell yourself.

[mojothehelpermonkey]

Oct 30, 2015 20:32:26 GMT -5 Ava said:

Oct 30, 2015 9:26:33 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Good morning Ava, 

Before you say anything to your boss, please think about this a bit more. 

You have been adamant that you hate your current living situation. You hate the location; you desperately want to leave. You've been very vocal about that here. Why would you want to stay now? 


Because you've made it known that you want to leave for warmer climates, it would not benefit your current employer to promote you. I'm not sure he/they will approve promoting someone who wants to leave soon even if that person says he/she will stay. 


Just another perspective. 

Yes, but don't forget that until very recently I was morbidly obese and I suffered from depression.

I've lost 54 pound since February, with many more (unfortunately) to still get rid of.

I exercise every day, and I now know from personal experience that exercise lifts your mood.

I meditate almost every day, and it also helps.

I've found a good doctor who's really helping me deal with my diabetes and weight problems, a good team at work, a great weight loss support group and a Meetup group that I love. Glad I found the courage to sign up and go to their activities because it is fun.

I still get the blues here and there but nothing like the paralyzing depression I had before. My doctor also found I have a vitamin D deficiency  and now with a daily supplement I'm doing better.

So I was miserable and wanted to move because I thought getting out of this place that I really don't like would magically make all my problems disappear.

Don't get me wrong, I still HATE winter, snow and ice. I still want to live in Florida. But as I am happier with myself and my environment I don't have that urge that I have to be there right this moment. I can wait a little longer, specially if I can get a more fulfilling position and a higher income.

My manager is probably concerned about me staying here long enough to justify training me, and I guess it's one of the things we'll talk about next week.

But he trusts me and he'll believe me when I tell him I can stay around a couple more years. In fact, I would love to keep working for him as I study for the CPA exam. It would be great.

If you have a good doctor who is helping you manage your diabetes and depression, it might make more sense to stay where you are for now. Sunshine helps, but it doesn't fix everything.

[gacpa]

I really admire all you have done and continue to do to live a great life.  You are awesome!

[kjto1]

Ava - how did your talk with your boss go yesterday?

[Chocolate Lover]

[Ava]

Thanks for asking, guys!

We haven't had a conversation yet.

Friday he was very busy, running up and down. He called me to his office just before leaving because he needed a report I had prepared. That's when I said I was interested in the job and the answer was; "We'll talk next week"

He's still very busy and yesterday told me he hadn't forgotten about it, he just will sit down and talk when he finds the time.

So I know he did not forget. I think he's not going to give me the job, though. He's way too happy with me in my current role and the new position would mean a lot of training. He's more interested in someone who can come in and be ready in a couple of weeks; someone with more experience.

He's great, though. Today I had a test and he allowed me to leave two hours earlier so I could relax and read my notes before I took it. I really want to stay with him, I feel comfortable and valued.

I'll keep you guys posted. We'll probably talk before the end of the week.

[zibazinski]

That's all well and good but you need to make it clear that you are looking to advance, not stay in the same old same old. Of course it's easier on him to leave you there and not train you. It's easier on you, too. But you want/need more money and a challenge. You have a brain and ambition. This needs to be addressed. A lot of people, not just women because DS is the same way, just accept whatever crumbs come their way. Don't be a crumb catcher.

[zibazinski]

Congrats on the weight loss btw. Don't know how much you have to go but that's awesome. Your boss should see just from that that you have willpower.

[TheOtherMe]

Nov 5, 2015 5:50:27 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

That's all well and good but you need to make it clear that you are looking to advance, not stay in the same old same old. Of course it's easier on him to leave you there and not train you. It's easier on you, too. But you want/need more money and a challenge. You have a brain and ambition. This needs to be addressed. A lot of people, not just women because DS is the same way, just accept whatever crumbs come their way. Don't be a crumb catcher.

If you want the job, you do have to go after it and not let him push you aside.

Good luck.

[Ava]

Yeah, I will have to push, I guess.

He said we'll talk during the week. But we haven't talked yet and the week is over.

I understand he's understaffed and overwhelmed, and he has lost his right-hand man. But still, a whole week has gone with no conversation. I guess I'll have to gently bring up the subject on Monday?

[Ava]

Hi, guys;

My manager had a conversation with me today regarding the Senior Analyst position.

He said that right now he needs someone with extensive experience to the point that the candidate he's considering has 20 years working in the industry. How could I ever compete with that?

He said the idea is to bring onboard a person who won't be a manager but who'll be a in a Senior/Lead role able to wear all the hats and assist as needed. The person will also be a de-facto second in command for what I understood.

He also said he loves having me there and he would love for me to stay on for a very long time, but the position I hold now is all he can offer me. He promised to get me the best raise possible come March, when we get our yearly raises. But I know it won't be much, because the company does not give good raises. The only way to increase your income there is by getting promoted. I just said thank you for that, but it really doesn't make a difference for me that he'll try to get me a better raise. It won't be much anyway. (I only said "thank you" out loud, the rest was only in my head but I didn't say it)

So that door is closed.

I would be lying if I said it doesn't matter.

It was a shock to be rejected and to know there's no room for advancement for me where I am now. I've been with him almost two years, three and a half with the company, and it's strange to be turned down to grow in the department. I have been turned down for two other positions in the company (different departments) during this year and I won't be applying internally anymore. I'm done.

My first reaction was well, if not this, then what. What am I going to do.

The decision I've made is to finish the two classes that I'm taking right now. That will bring me to mid-December.

Leave for the holidays. Enjoy my vacation. Come back mid-January and focus on the CPA exam and finding a job in Florida, any job that pays the bills in any geographical location within Florida. Then take it from there.

Thanks for bearing with me, everybody.

[obelisk]

wow that sucks! wishing you luck in the long run.  20 years is too much to ask for the position and salary.  You know that based on your position within the company.  This is based on the other candidate within your company declining the position.
Time to stick to your long term plan.

[Ava]

Nov 13, 2015 22:52:39 GMT -5 obelisk said:

wow that sucks! wishing you luck in the long run.  20 years is too much to ask for the position and salary.  You know that based on your position within the company.  This is based on the other candidate within your company declining the position.
Time to stick to your long term plan.

Thank you, Obelisk.

Time to get going.

Onwards and upwards.

[bobosensei]

that stinks Ava, but it's best to know where you stand.  Keep working towards your plan, and try to take what you can from the experience.

I have been turned down for 2 promotions before.  So I know what it feels like.  

[suesinfl]

Ava, sorry that things did not work out like you had wanted, but now you can concentrate on your classes, spending time with family and the CPA exam. Keep pushing, we know that you can do this. You have come such a long way, so don’t give up. Florida is a beautiful place to live!