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

Changes

Changes are on the way. In life and in the business world changes are a daily occurence. There are a couple of cliche's that come to mind when I think of changes.

1. Change is good.
2. One door closes another one
opens.

Let's take the first one.

Change is good. In my experience this has always been a good thing. I had a previous job that ended many years ago and that led to another job that had a higher salary.

Let's take the second one.

One door closes another one opens. This is true. It's obvious when one door closes opportunities should open up. We have the power to create these opportunities. Sometimes we are lucky enough to have opportunites come looking for us.

What I always tell myself is that nothing is forever. All good things come to an end at some point.

Here's to changes past, present and future.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

On being a father

Here is a little list that my dad put together on what constitutes fatherhood. It is all so true. Sometimes I find myself searching for my own list or rewriting the list that I have. Fatherhood is not easy as you all know. I am still learning things everyday from my daughters. I think they are redefining what fatherhood should be for me. What I tell everyone is that God put me on earth for my daughters just like God put my parents on earth for me and my brothers and sisters. That is my only mission just to raise my daughters into fine women . Here is the list.


A father must be able to carry the world on his shoulders.

Must be able to solve problems.

Serve as a confidant on the spur of the moment.

Act as a consultant when called upon for advice.

Serve as financial planner.

Lends assistance when needed.

Inject common sense into discussions that do not make sense.

Attempt to serve as corporate CEO for the family.

Directs the family in faith and hope..

Serves as business advisor.

When the chips are down, father knows best.

Believes in giving away what he has in order for his children to be happy.

Sacrifices are part of the norm.

Rides an emotional roller coaster on a daily basis..

Loves his family even though it might not seem like it.

A father expects nothing in return and is a father unconditionally.

Whet else can a father do? Just call him, and you’ll find out that fathers can do any thing.

A letter to my daughters about BP Petroleum

Dear daughters,

As you can see from the pictures above BP Petroleum has created a ecological disaster. I'm not sure the reasons behind the explosion. There has been rumors of safety shortcuts, I really don't know. I do know that good men were lost and marine animals are suffering. There are pictures of birds and crabs covered in oil. There are dead dolphins coming to shore.

Drilling companies are always in search of oil for a profit. BP Petroleum was in the Gulf of Mexico for that same reason. Men make mistakes for several reasons. This is a big mistake that can be attributed to man. What are we going to do about it? BP Petroleum is taking the lead and trying to correct the situation along with the U.S government. I just know that Americans in this area are suffering because their livelihood has been taken away. It will be years before it is cleaned up. There are even reports that the oil is drifting to Florida and is there now. I just hope that we can visit there when everything is clean. I would love for you to run your little feet on the nice beaches in the Gulf Coast one day.

Love your Dad