I don’t consider myself a hustler.  I am a mother of 4, a Girl Scout leader and drive a junk filled van.  The only hustle I know is getting the kids off to school, getting them to sports and getting them fed and in bed.  The only power moves I make are, trying to coordinate the carpool, or organize a sleepover. But I was shocked when during a recent conversation my husband called me complacent.  He works two jobs and up until last year, he supported the whole family.  Just last year I found a  _ data entry position with Girl Scouts.  I don’t make much money in my job, but it’s 5 minutes from my home, and is flexible enough that if one of my kids doesn’t have school, or is sick, they can come to work with me.

We were talking about money and I told him that two positions were opening up that paid more money but require more hours.  He said I should go for them.  I told him that I was happy in my little niche it is comfortable, though it doesn’t quite meet our monetary needs.  And that’s when he said I was complacent.  I had a flashback – Snoop Dogg said basically, the same thing to his wife  Shante, when he suggested she get her hustle on.  He suggested that she could get a beauty salon, a nail shop, a barbershop.   “It’s what you like and you making money, it’s a business.”  Snoop is a millionaire and still he wants his wife to do the damn thing.

But I have 4 kids and no Nanny and my kids have sports commitments.  Should I try to make a power move?  This position would take me to mid level at Girl Scouts.  That would definitely help me reach my goal of starting a program for kids in my neighborhood.  And it would help my family reach a goal as well. So I watched my husband for a few days. He has an hour commute and goes straight from one job to another, gets a couple hours sleep and does it all again.  I would still be five minutes from home and out a couple hours each evening.  Could I do it?

I took a vote.  I told my current supervisor, co-workers and a Director – they all said I would be great in the new position.  That was a boost to say the least.  Going through the application process I realized that I could do this, I could take on more responsibility and take a chance.  The new position would be challenging, exciting and I could help my family as well.  I decided that I was going to work the new position, just like I work the old one.  I would make the uncomfortable, comfortable.  I would push my brand.  I am,” Mom with 4 kids, working full time and doing volunteer work with the goal of having my own not for profit.” I have proven myself in the organization already, I would do what was necessary to get the job done, I wouldn’t jump through hoops and I wouldn’t sacrifice my kids.  But I would do what was necessary for my family.

I am waiting to see if I got the position.  I feel good knowing that if I get it, my husband could stop working his second job.  I feel good knowing that I am taking a chance.  I am stepping out of my comfort zone.  I am ready to be Shante to my husbands Snoop, and I think I may just be a hustler after all.

[UPDATE]
Due to the economic downturn my company phased out the Field Manager position I applied for.  It was a real eye opener though.    I stepped out of my comfort zone and by applying for the position, I  also boosted my profile in GSHH.  I am no longer under the radar and I have the support of more than a few in middle management.

Recently, I was given more responsiblilities and while I am not being compensated financially, anything new that I learn will make me more viable. The assignment of more responsibilities was a vote of confidence and I beleive that having to present myself during the interview process allowed middle management to see a different side of me. It taught me to take a chance, as they say nothing beats a failure but a try and I did it.