One chapter closes and a new one begins

I recently received the news that my job was going to end in September. I have been with this company eight years this past May. I have never really been without a job in the past 14 years, I have always been employed. I think I have a pretty good work ethic. I work hard, I work weekends when necessary, I work overtime when it calls for that. I travel .

When I got the news last week that I was not going to be offered a job with the new company I ran through all of the emotions. We are summoned to the conference room where the news was received. As I glanced around the conference room I see the look of battered troops. I was included. We knew two years ago that this day would come. Our company was always on the selling block . Maybe we forgot about it. Maybe we thought that a sale was impossible during these tough economic times. I was feeling all of these emotions, fear, relief, self -worth and sadness. I know the people in the room were feeling the same range of emotions too. I could see it.

According to About.com some of the things you can do before a layoff hits:

1. Prepare for a layoff by having your resume ready.
2. Prepare for a layoff by keeping your network alive.
3. Prepare for a layoff by sharpening your skills.
4. Prepare for a layoff by taking time for yourself.
5. Prepare for a layoff by thinking about a career change.

I am prepared with my resume. It is polished and ready. I think there is always a silver lining behind everything. Being laid off in a few weeks will allow me to spend some valuable time with my family, specifically my wife and kids. I worked a lot of weekends and I missed several events and family functions. I struggled finding the perfect work-life balance if there is such a thing anymore. I worked hard for my family. I did it for them. I look forward to watching my kindergartner take her first steps into public education. I will be there for that. I will also be there to pick her up after school and asking how her first day was. I will also be able to meet her for lunch on her first day of school.

I will keep you posted on my journey.

Summer doldrums

Summer has been good for the kids but a bit unpredictable for me. It's also been the summer of uncertainty for me with the job market. Companies get bought and sold. My company is not immune to this. My kids have been pretty oblivious to the surrounding job market. I don't really expect them to know what's going on with the job market because they are kids.

I think parents should not get kids involved with their problems especially the job market. I know when I was a kid my dad went through a few job changes but I always knew things were going to be fine and I was always confident when it came to my dad and his abilities.I know my girls are confident with whatever endeavor I choose. Kids have the most important job of all, just being kids and having fun.

I know things will be looking up. They always have a way of turning around. One door closes another one opens . I will keep you posted .

God answers

You say : It is impossible.
God says : All things are possible .

You say: I'm too tired.
God says:  I will give you rest .

You say : Nobody really loves me.
God says:  I love you.

You say: I can't figure things out.
God says: I will direct your steps

You say: I can't do it.
God says: You can do all things.

You say: I'm not able.
God says: I am able .

You say: I am not worth it.
God says: It will be worth it.

You says: I can't forgive myself.
God says: I forgive you.

You say: I can't manage.
God says : I will supply all your needs.

You say: I'm afraid.
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear.

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated .
God says: Cast all of your cares on me.

You say ; I don't have enough faith .
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith .

You say: I'm not smart enough.
God says: I give you wisdom.

You say: I feel all alone.
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you.             


*** Author unknown***

You cause others to stumble when

1. You allow negativity to grow .

2. You compromise your integrity .

3. You break your promises.

4. You speak before thinking.

5. You act out of greed or selfishness.

6. You refuse to forgive.

7. You twist the truth.

8. You justify your behavior.

9. You hurt others.

10.You leave God out of your decisions.


Dr Steve Stephens
Author and Seminar Speaker