In addition to my regular job, I just recently got a new part-time job. Since January, I’ve been sending out resumes online and got only ONE response. It was for a job that required traveling, which was not included on the requirement section of the application when I applied. And since I don’t have a car, I had to turn the job interview down.
The reason why I started sending out resumes back in January was because little by little my hours were getting reduced. But since I love my job and didn’t want to bail out just because things seemed -ify, I thought by getting a part-time job I could fill in the hours that were reduced and work both jobs, which would equal a full-time job.
About three weeks ago, I suddenly got a call from one of the companies I had applied for only two days after I sent them my resume. So, I went in for an interview and was offered a job immediately. YAY! And not only was I offered a job, but they offered me an upgrade job because the manager thought that my background experience would be better suited for a different and slightly higher paying position she had in mind. And what's really super about this new job is that the manager is willing to work with my schedule; allowing me to let her know what days I want to work and how many hours. So, it's a perfect mesh with my other job.
Anyway, I went through a one-day orientation and then began working there last week and I loved it! It is within the same industry I have currently been working for the past 26 years, so it's job I know well, but at the same time it’s a job that will be training me on new and different products I know nothing about. Therefore, I’ll be learning. And I LOVE to learn.
Oh, and another super thing about this job is that it’s only 5 blocks from where I live!
Now here’s the ironic part.
No sooner had I accepted this new job did I get two other job interviews from resumes I had sent out MONTHS ago, both of which I declined because after speaking with each manager on the phone about the specifics, the jobs didn’t feel right. And besides that, I had already committed to the new job I currently have. However, I thanked them very much for contacting me.
The reason I’m sharing this story with you today is to offer a lesson I've learned, and continue to learn.
Now I’m not going to lie, back in January I was getting a bit concerned about the stability of my job because let’s face it, no one’s job is EVER secure, especially with the economy. But instead of freaking out and getting overly-scared and scattered about whether or not more of my hours would be cut from my schedule in the spring, I decided to do what I could only do, which was to send out resumes and trust that the perfect fill-in job would come along when the time was right.
And another thing I did while I was sending out resumes was that I detached myself from dwelling on my job security, by focusing on everything in my life that I had to be grateful for. And in doing so, it kept my spirits high and my attitude positive.
I know I’ve shared about these two topics many times before, but I’m going to share them again because they are topics that seem to be a learning theme in my life, so I feel they're worth repeating and passing on in case they can be of help and support to any of you.
Gratitude and trust.
I have very little control over the exact direction of my life because things could suddenly change for me at any given moment. However, I do think I have complete control over how I experience those changes. I can either focus on the fear and the future, or I can focus on the good and the present. Yes, I can actively participate by taking physical steps (such as sending out resumes), but I still have little control over how these physical steps will manifest. The only thing I can do is take the steps and stay open.
And in the interim, I think the most helpful thing I can do for myself is to remain grateful for what is good. Right now.
Life is like dancing with a partner.
Sometimes we get to lead. Sometimes we have to follow.
But that’s life. It's an unknown yet, participating dance.
A dance in sensing when to lead and when to follow.
And trusting in both.
Have a fabulous weekend everyone!
X
Well, congratulations YOU. I wish you every success in the new - and the old - job. I seem to remember you had a down side many years ago so your attitude right now is a good and healthy one. With a spirit like yours success is assured. May your god go with you every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you likened the experience to a dance... keep it up, my friend, and watch those toes... ha xx
Congrats Ronnie! Getting a new job in this market is very difficult (trust me I know) and to find a job that is such a perfect fit? Good for you! I am so happy for you and I hope you love all the new things you learn at this new place! I can't wait to hear all about it!
ReplyDeleteExcellent news, Ron, and congratulations on the new job! I think your positive attitude really carried you through those uncertain days.
ReplyDeleteMy father used to say "scared money never wins" and he was right. If you let fear creep into the equation whatever problems your facing become even worse. You have to send positive vibrations out into the world if you're going to lead a positive life.
Btw, there's a movie called "Thirteen Conversations About One Thing" where a character loses his job, but bounces back because of the gratitude in his attitude.
Great post! Have a tremendous weekend, buddy, and take care!
Congrats on scoring a new position with a company you like! That's really fantastic news. I'm sure it eases your financial worries a bit. And your position about doing whatever is needed, but realizing that results rests solely on how you adapt to the outcome is so very wise. You never fail to amaze me with your wit and wisdom. Hope you have a fantabulous weekend! :-)
ReplyDeleteRon, congratulations on the a new job! And I think this is one of my favorite reflective posts you've ever written. It's wonderful! I love how you said that life is like dancing with a partner. And it's so ironic that you shared this today because I recently had a discussion with my closest girlfriend about how much control we really have over our lives and how we react when things don't go as planned. I believe like you, there is only so much control we have over the exact direction of our lives, but we do have complete control over how we experience unseen changes in our plans.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend Ron x
Good morning Valerie!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet and supportive words :)
Yes, you're right, for the past several years my hours have been getting erratic. And after this past Christmas, they started getting even more erratic, so I though it would be good idea to look for extra hours to fill in. And this new job worked out perfect!
Much thanks for stopping by, dear lady. Have a super weekend!
X to you and Joe!
Thank you, Shae :)
ReplyDelete"Getting a new job in this market is very difficult (trust me I know)..."
Yes, I know you know just how challenging it is because of what you went through this year. But kept the faith, my friend, because you WILL get a job.
Much thanks for stopping by and have a super weekend!
X
Thank you, Bijoux :)
ReplyDelete"We found out last night that Middle Child did not get the summer job she was counting on. I was really upset last night, because you know about her struggles. I'm going to take your advice and focus on the good and the present."
Just know (and I realize right now it may not seem that way) but things WILL work out for your daughter in getting a job. Many times in the past, I too have been disappointed about things that didn't happened that I was counting on. But then shortly after, something BETTER happened that I didn't even expect. So keep the faith, my friend, and know that the perfect job will come along for your daughter. I know it will.
Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!
XO!
Hey there Rob!
ReplyDeleteThank you, buddy :) I'm very grateful that this job came along because it works out perfectly with my other job - this way I can work BOTH of them.
"My father used to say "scared money never wins" and he was right. If you let fear creep into the equation whatever problems your facing become even worse. You have to send positive vibrations out into the world if you're going to lead a positive life."
OMG...I LOVED that!!!!! And your father was right!
And thank you for sharing the name of that film because I'm going to see if I can find a copy at F.Y.E. It's sounds like a GREAT story!
Have a super weekend, buddy, and thank you for stopping by!
X
Thank you, Lisa :) I'm so grateful for this job because it's a perfect mesh with other job - this way I can work BOTH.
ReplyDelete" I'm sure it eases your financial worries a bit."
Yes, it sure does. Normally, I have the month of July off from my other job, however, this July I'll be working the new job until I start up again in August. Honestly, this job is a perfect fit.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for you sweet and supportive words, my friend.
Have a FANTABULOUS weekend!
X
Thank you, Denise :) I'm extremely grateful for this new job because it works out perfectly with my other job. And that was my main concern because I wanted to keep my job, but was looking for something to just fill in the hours. And when the manager said that she was willing to work around my other hours, I was so happy! It's a perfect fit!
ReplyDeleteMuch thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a most excellent weekend!
X
Ron, a big congratulations on the new job! Way to go! I have learned a great deal from what you've shared through your own life on your blog. You're a very funny guy, but you also have a lot of depth and insight. And you're not afraid to share your challenges, but find a way to look at the positive side. "Life is like dancing with a partner." I never thought of life that way but I will now.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, dude! Thank you.
Thank you, Matt :)
ReplyDeleteBack in 2003, I went through what was probably the most challenging, scary, and confusing period of my life so far. But it was through that period that I learned how to alter my perception of what was happening to me by staying positive and looking for all the good in my life because that was the only control I had. Yes, it was a bitch of a time but it was also a time I will be forever grateful for because it taught me something.
Gratitude and trust.
Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. And thank you for your words. Have a most excellent weekend!
X
I'm so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteWhen we are living in tune with life. things flow into place. This is a perfect example.
I love the way you compared it to dancing with a partner, even though I'm a sucky dance partner I still get it!
Great news, Ron, I am so happy for you. Congratulations! And it's living proof that everything works out with a positive and grateful outlook and when the time is right. I really enjoy when you share these kinds of posts because I'm able to learn something that you learned. I love your comparison to life being a dance. "Sometimes we get to lead. Sometimes we have to follow. But that’s life. It's an unknown yet, participating dance. A dance in sensing when to lead and when to follow. And trusting in both."
ReplyDeleteI'm going paste and copy that for rereading. Thank you for sharing your lessons, Ron.
I'll join the others in wishing you hearty congratulations on a job well done! Because finding a job is a job in itself. One without pay and benefits, but still.
ReplyDelete"I have very little control over the exact direction of my life because things could suddenly change for me at any given moment. However, I do think I have complete control over how I experience those changes." Yes! This is an excellent attitude, and one we should all strive to adopt. Have a great weekend, buddy! Don't work too hard...
Ron, this is lovely -- I had NO IDEA you were going through such a time of what could be called 'upheaval,' and I've gotta say, you have handled it with charm and wisdom. Well done!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new position! Of course, they had to hire you. Besides being in the right place at the right time, you were the right person! And I just know you'll do a fabulous job, whatever it entails. Thanks for letting us in on your thought-processes -- yep, being positive, living with gratitude and trust, are keys to living EVERY day!
Good for you, my friend -- have a super weekend!
I'm so glad you got another 'fill-in' job. I hear, all the time, in the UK, that people send out hundreds of job applications and never hear a thing back from any of the companies. They don't even acknowledge the applications any more. It's a tragic situation here. Good for you that you have the right attitude to life. It pays off :)
ReplyDeleteRon -- Congrats on all your good fortune of late! I loved this post so much, I shared it on Facebook. BTW, when the hell are you getting on Facebook? Here's the intro I wrote to your post: Sharing an uplifting post from my good friend, Ron, who's the kind of
ReplyDeleteperson you just love being around because they have so much positive
energy. If I could afford him, I'd pay him to just follow me around
every day and give me a lift when I need it. If you're job hunting at
the moment, this post may give you the boost you need right now.
Hey ho Robert!
ReplyDeleteThank you, buddy :) I'm extremely grateful that this job came along because it's such a great fit with my other job. Also, I'll be learning new stuff, which is something I so enjoying doing. I had a feeling last year that things were going to shift and change for me when it came to my job this year. Which is fine, because I've been wanting a change. And I think this new job will give me some new opportunities to grow in different areas. So it's all good.
Much thanks for stopping by and for your sweet and supportive words. Have a FANTABULOUS weekend!
X
Thank you, Mark :)
ReplyDelete" finding a job is a job in itself. One without pay and benefits, but still."
You are so right, buddy! And I know you understand the importance of staying positive when looking for a new job from what you went through the past year and a half. You ALWAYS kept a positive attitude and outlook...and you ended up getting a SUPER job!
Much thanks for stopping by and for your sweet and supportive words. Have a faaaaaabulous weekend!
X to you and Tara!
Helloooooo there Debbie!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet, kind and supportive words, my friend.
((((((( You ))))))
" I had NO IDEA you were going through such a time of what could be called 'upheaval,'"
Many times when I'm going through 'certain' challenges or upheavals in my life, I don't really talk about it (online or offline) because I find (for me anyway) it's best that I just listen to my higher self and remain quiet; allowing it to guide me to what I need to do. However, after I move through it, I will often share the lessons I've learned.
Much thanks for stopping by, Debbie. Have a SUPER-SUPER weekend!
X
Thank you, Babs :) X
ReplyDelete"...people send out hundreds of job applications and never hear a thing back from any of the companies. They don't even acknowledge the applications any more. It's a tragic situation here."
Yes, it's pretty much the same in the U.S. At one point, I was even wondering if these companies were receiving my resumes because I heard nothing. But then suddenly, I ended up hearing from many of them. This job is such a great fit for my other job because I'll be able to do both. So I guess it was just matter of timing, until the 'right' job came along.
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend, and for you sweet words. Have a super weekend!
X to you and Mo!
Kathy, you are SUCH a sweetheart! Your comment actually brought tears to my eyes. I can't thank you enough for not only your supportive words here, but also for your words on Facebook.
ReplyDelete(((((((((((((((((((( You )))))))))))))))))))
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
"BTW, when the hell are you getting on Facebook?"
Bwhahahhahahaha! I know, I'm probably like the ONLY blogger who is NOT on Facebook or has a smartphone. I was actually ON Facebook many years ago, but deleted my account because I never used it.
Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend, girl!
X ya!
Ron, I just stopped back to read everyone's comments, which is something I enjoy doing. You've got such great readers who genuinely care and support you. Thank you for all that you share on your blog.
ReplyDeleteHey Robert! I agree...I've got some of the most awesome readers. I'm a blessed guy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping back, bud. And thank you for your support!
Many congratulations Ron, you're clearly a man in demand.
ReplyDeleteAnd Kathy is right, Fb needs a Ron to make it faaaabulouso.
Ron,
ReplyDeleteThat is the way the universe operates. When you put things out and let the unviverse handle it; the sloution arrives. It is when you think and think and ponder about what is going to happen then that is what you get. You get the S..T that is happening. So when you give it up and walk away into your journey and let the universe do it's thing then your life changes and when your exercise gratatidue it makes bliss. Congrats on your new position I know you will do well. We are all part of the same energy.
UNI - VERSE. One song.
Have a fantabulous weekend.
Dave
Dave, I love how you said this...
ReplyDelete"It is when you think and think and ponder about what is going to happen then that is what you get. You get the S..T that is happening. So when you give it up and walk away into your journey and let the universe do it's thing then your life changes and when your exercise gratatidue it makes bliss."
I agree!
And also, I just want you to know how much you have always inspired me through your own life journey. You take every challenge and allow it to propel you forward with such faith, gratitude, humor, and grace. You walk the talk, and I so admire that.
Thank you!
Have a fantabulous weekend, buddy!
X
Thank you for your kind and supportive words, Dale :)
ReplyDeleteHave a SUPER weekend, buddy!
X
Congratulations, Ron! There's so much truth and wisdom in what you say in surrendering and living the now. Have you noticed how your own attitude can affect the interviewer's?
ReplyDeleteMany just need to learn the dance steps! Are you for hire as a spiritual advisor? :))
Happy June 1st, Ron!
Thank you, Petra :)
ReplyDelete"Have you noticed how your own attitude can affect the interviewer's?"
OMG...it's so ironic you mentioned that because the day before I went on the interview I was kind of jittery because I hadn't been on a job interview in YEARS. However, on my walk to the store I simply told myself to just ENJOY the interview and have FUN, which I did. And right before I left the interview, the manager and I shook hands and she said to me, "The minute you sat down in my office and starting talking, I knew I was going to hire you."
So yes, I think people can probably sense your attitude and your energy.
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend! Hope you're weekend was FABULOUS!
X
Last eeek I completed a microsoft excel training. This week I'm going for Power Point. Who knows what the week after that will bring. Much like you, I like to learn.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how well you were taken care of? You hear nothing for months and suddenly you hear right after you applied AND got the job (which sounds like the perfect fit for you right now)...and then you hear from 2 others?! I chuckle at the planning that went into that one! Amazing....and you were gifted a good opportunity. I gotta say, that gal that interviewed you....impeccable taste!! Congratulations to you, sir.
And you're right. It's all a out choosing your attitude!!
*laughing* …says the woman who chooses to whine on occasion!! LOL!!
Hiya Mel!
ReplyDeleteYou GO! That is awesome about learning Microsoft Excel and Power Point training!!! Isn't it fun to learn something new? It keeps the mind fresh and active.
"Isn't it amazing how well you were taken care of?"
Yes, it is amazing and I'm so grateful that this opportunity was presented to me because it's the perfect fit with other job. I can do BOTH.
Much thanks for stopping by and for your supportive and sweet words. Hope your weekend was fantabulous!
(((((( You )))))
X
Congratulations, Ron! This is so awesome! Ain't the universe grand? Best of luck with the new venture. I can't wait to here all your new stories.
ReplyDeleteRon, she is lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteAw...thank you, Denise X
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chrissy :)
ReplyDeleteYup...the universe is grand and I am so grateful that this job came along because it's such a perfect fit with my other job. And what's even more great is that in July (when I'm off from my other job) I can work a lot of hours in the new job.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl. Hope you had a super weekend. The weather was gorgeous here today. I spent it outside enjoying the hell out of it.
X to you and the gang!
Oh Ron congratulations! What an amazing turn of events. The new job sounds perfect and obviously the universe has been guarding it for you until the right time came along. xxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pearl :) This job came along at the perfect time and is perfect job because it meshes with my other job perfectly.
ReplyDelete"the universe has been guarding it for you until the right time came along."
Yes, I feel very blessed.
Thanks so much for stopping by, m'dear. Have a lovely week!
X
congrats on the job, ron AND the upgrade. that's awesome. great post though. we actively do what we can and that's it. i know people who worry over their job and if it's going to be there tomorrow. i tell them to pretend that it's not going to be and sometimes live that way too. we get comfy but there is no security, so always have a plan b. you were great to sense that and it paid off, literally. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Val :)
ReplyDeleteThis new job is perfect because it works so well with my other job. And it's a very enjoyable job too.
" i tell them to pretend that it's not going to be and sometimes live that way too. we get comfy but there is no security, so always have a plan b."
I LOVE how you said that because it's so true! In all actuality, there is no such thing as security.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a great night!
X
Congrats Ron! It sounds like a blast! It is great you were able to find something to give you more security & manage to keep your spirits up instead of moaning poor me! I hope you continue to like this new job!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Benze :) So far, I am really enjoying this new job. I had been sensing a change and different direction with my job/career for the past six months, and I think this new job will open up some new opportunities.
ReplyDeleteMuch thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a super week!
X
Thank you, Suzi :) I am so utterly grateful for this new job because it's a perfect mesh with my other one. And I was so happy when the manager said that she would be willing to work through my availability.
ReplyDelete"I love the way you compared it to dancing with a partner, even though I'm a sucky dance partner I still get it!"
Yes, me too sometimes. Which is why I continually have to remind myself, "Dance, Ron...dance."
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous weekend!
X
I am sooooo happy for you, Ron! That is fabulous that they recognized your talent and experience and upgraded your position before even hiring you! I really needed this positive post this morning. We found out last night that Middle Child did not get the summer job she was counting on. I was really upset last night, because you know about her struggles. I'm going to take your advice and focus on the good and the present. Thank you and XO!
ReplyDelete