TEST PREP
Balancing test preparation and
personal commitments
Seeking a promotion and going through the pro-
motional preparation process can quickly become
a stressor. If not managed properly, this stress will
eventually become a major distraction and ulti-
mately result in a reduction of your interest. Let’s
face it, the world does not stop because a promo-
tional examination is going to be administered in
the coming months. However, striking a balance
between your commitment to the promotional
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process and your family or personal life is a must.
ESPOSITO
Being successful and maximizing your potential
requires you to make a commitment to continu-
ously prepare for your examination. This commitment does
limit your availability and free time, but the potential reward
can pay dividends. Earning one promotion early in your career
can add $500,000 to your income over the remainder of your
career. So initially, you invest six months of your time, and in the
end, you may realize ten, fifteen or even twenty years of bene-
fits. The additional pay, increase in pension and reduced time
working an overtime shift or road job are all benefits for you and
your family.
I have found that family members and friends are not always
informed about the dedication that is needed to properly pre-
pare for a promotional examination. My best advice for anyone
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preparing for an upcoming promotional exam is to talk with
family and friends about your goals and commitment to this
process as you begin to study. Their support is one of the secrets
to success, and it can also serve as a motivator because you are
setting a goal to advance your career.
Take the time to explain how much time and effort is involved
in the process, and assure them that the benefits of a promo-
tion will outweigh the sacrifices mad