44 years ago. I remember it like it was yesterday.
I was gainfully employed.
My photo and name were displayed on a professional-looking business card.
And my parents were relieved I finally had a job.
I also recall one of the most embarrassing moments of my career with total clarity.
One day, several months into my first year as a Kodak Sales Rep, I was out to lunch with several clients from the same organization, celebrating a large deal I had secured.
This was my first big order, and I felt on top of the world.
The light-heartedness I was experiencing was quickly replaced with slight panic after paying the bill.
While putting my wallet away, I realized I did not have my keys. So I excused myself, dashed across the street to the car, and noticed the keys on the passenger seat. But, of course, the doors were locked!
Now what?
I quickly found a pay phone (1979!) and called my mother…yes, my MOM. Fortunately, there was an extra set of keys at home where I was still living. She had to leave her job, drive home, and bring the keys to me.
I could cover this embarrassing moment for only so long. When I returned to the table, I promptly told my clients what had happened. I never saw a group of people laugh so hard in all my life.
When we left the restaurant, my mother was leaning against the car, waving the keys in my direction, and waving to the people I was with a sheepish grin that suggested she was both amused but wanted to kill me.
They never let me live that one down!
A wise person once said:
“Embarrassment is the cost of entry. If you aren’t willing to look like a foolish beginner, you’ll never become a graceful master."
Photo by Ivan Shemereko on Unsplash
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