another rung

I originally applied for the Lead Tech position at my new job. However, they were concerned about my lack of experience. The fact that I'd been off the bench for so long was not in my favor, even though I'd been essentially performing duties on a manager level (yet not getting paid for them) at MDA.

So they offered me a floater position instead.
Which is basically a regular tech but knowledgeable in every area of the lab so you can cover any bench. Which was actually ideal since my goal has always been to be trained as a generalist. Generalists are more marketable. Combined with all the other perks of this new job, I took the position even though I really wanted my next move to be a step up. It would still boost my resume more than my previous position.

Fast forward to yesterday when my boss called me into her office and asked if I was still interested in the Lead Tech position, which they have not filled. Of course I said yes, then she said HR would be contacting me about my increased salary and I'd sign a new job description and it would be effective the next pay period. Done.

Now I'm the Lead Chemistry and *Point of Care tech!!

*It was supposed to be just chemistry, but because I have Point of Care experience and they realized they don't have a Lead POC tech, they asked if I would feel comfortable doing it and of course I'd be paid more money. Um, Yes. They offered me more money for something I could basically perform in my sleep. I guess working in point of care for the last couple of years wasn't useless after all!

I didn't say anything to my coworkers because 1. It's not official and 2. It's weird being the new girl younger than everyone else, and everyone trained me and now I'm suddenly their Lead Tech and I don't want to get a big head and overstep my unwritten social boundaries. Tact, y'all. I'm still feeling this bunch out.

I did get some excited "congratulations" from a few of them who must have heard the news, including the chick who trained me in chemistry, and my fellow Lead Tech who covers Hematology and Blood Bank. And my manager gave me a side hug and told me she was excited. Probably because we're just about to switch to a new chemistry analyzer next month and it's going to be HELLA crazy and they just want someone to take the responsibilities, haha. I'm okay with that. I'm used to stress. Now I'm getting paid for it.

There's only one way to move up and this is it! Yeah!