I got good employment news, yesterday, but I didn't and don't want to do a post out of ego flattery or speaking down to anyone. This whole blog, I speak to peers... equals. The concepts and challenges I face and overcome are the same types everyone faces, and I always write with hope that it benefits others. So, I wanted to think about how I wanted to write, after getting a job that starts in a month, tentatively, that will literally almost double my income. As I contemplated it, I realized this story is full of lessons that are good for everyone, so that's how I'll present it.
This whole journey began when I was face down for 3 weeks following my 2nd major eye surgery.. 5th or 6th in total of eye procedures. My budget was stretched out, and I was stressed out.. a feeling that still hasn't gone fully away but is much more manageable and motivating. I remember laying there thinking.... you are smart... you solve other people's problems all the time. What would happen if you applied your logical mind to solving and bettering your OWN situation?
And, so... I began doing exactly that. I analyzed my living situation and determined it to be living far above my financial means without benefits of doing so. I determined that it was unfair to myself to have an MBA and accounting experience and to be living at an income level that barely was over expenses. I knew that my experience could mean something to apply to a past employer, especially as I had built more experience on it, so I began the process of taking steps to apply for the job... for Tulsa and the Midwest long before I had a functioning plan to get me, here. But... I knew that less people would be applying for Oklahoma than Florida, raising my chances.. a good estimation as it turned out. I also knew that the income on Oklahoma lesser expenses would mean more net to save or spend. All this would be true if it was a regular accounting job, too.. not government. So, regardless of the outcome of an application I put in for this job 5 months ago, I did the move as part of the process of solving not only my income and career issues but getting me close to family, again. As it turned out, all of that would bloom, perfectly. But... it wasn't from someone having pity on me or from an unexpected miracle or luck. The entire journey began with discontent, grew with determination, and found fruition with day in day out actions to bring it about.
I'm worthy of the job from my experience, education, and skill ...and they will be blessed to have my sharp independent and analytical mind. But, for years and years, I didn't apply myself to seek more. As years passed, that became not feeling WORTH more and feel I had to compromise and take lesser jobs that only buried me, more. So, another life lesson is.. don't undercut your own future by doubt.
I have a collection of inspirational quotes I keep in a binder, and I came across them, today, as I was getting transcripts and more for employer forms. I think a good way to end this is to give several of them...
Benjamin Franklin...
"There are no gains without pains."
"..the trade must be worked at, and the calling well followed, or neither the estate nor office will enable us to pay our taxes."
"Progress always involves risk; you can't steal second and keep your foot on first." Frederick Wilcox
"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short but in setting our aim too low and achieving the mark." Michaelangelo
"Be courageous. Have faith. Go forward." Thomas Edison
"Our doubts are traitors and make us miss the good we oft might win by failing to attempt." Shakespeare
There's a lot more quotes... but that's enough for tonight.. I'll add more to future ones.
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