The Gift of A Job

After 15 years with the same company, I found myself out of a job. They’re advertising my replacement for someone to fill this position with a degree and a mere two of the 30 years’ experience I possess. If only they had asked me to take a reduction in pay rather than reducing staff.

I’m from the old school. I landed my first job because I told the manager he should hire me because I wanted to work. He hired me on the spot and never regretted it. I was so thankful! That was the beginning of a lifetime of loving cars. Imagine! Someone was actually willing to pay me to labor over the most beautiful thing in the world to me!

Being an Army brat, I was taught about timeliness, a job well done, and courtesy and respect for superiors. I carried this through my entire life and career. I believe if a company is willing to invest their time and money in you, you should give them the greater degree of care and consideration. 

I hear people complain about their jobs all the time. My response?  Find something else! No one is holding a gun to your head and making you work that job! There are others that would kill to have your job, and probably at less pay.

Every single job has something good about it, whether it’s the mere fact of earning income so you can survive, or the opportunity to work in an inside environment instead of outside in the heat, rain and cold. Remember when you were offered your job? They told you what was expected of you, and how much they were willing to pay you to do it. That was your “opt-out” clause. Take it or leave it, and if you take it, be committed to an excellent job. After all, what you do is a direct reflection on you, your beliefs, and what others can expect from you.

Honesty is paramount in any position. An employer trusts you with their products, equipment, and, most importantly, their customers. We have come a long way from slave-labor, although some may still believe they are caught up in it. Making the most of a bad situation frees you from bondage, and spills out onto others.

I remember one of my sons telling me once (after chastising him about his regular tardiness) “It’s ok, no one ever says anything." I looked at him, incredulously, and spouted “and they won’t until they fire you!”

A job is a gift, and I always treat it as such. I remember once I was terminated during a pregnancy due to my interracial marriage. I was forced to use the back stairs to take my personal belongings to my car. No one was going to hire me now, six months pregnant!  I interviewed everywhere, and even offered to work for less and to expect nothing after the delivery as long as I could work up until then. No one was hiring a pregnant gal. I wasn’t asking for insurance, salary continuance or anything, I just needed to work to support my family. I will never forget the call I got on Christmas Day, apologizing for calling me on a holiday, but offering me a job. I was elated!  I cried and thanked him so much for such a wonderful gift on such an appropriate holiday! 

I gave that employer my all, and in turn he also took care of me, and we are still friends today. I like to maintain friendships with colleagues and former employers. After all, they gave me a job, trusted me with my skills and experience, and in turn, I attempted to give them back sevenfold.

So the next time you think you’re in a dead-end job, or dread going to work, do this:  Look around at the homeless and beggars. If you’re driving a car, look at the bus stop and see the folks who can’t afford a car. When you’re buying your $4 Frappuchino, look at the man wondering where his next meal is coming from. Then, when you arrive at your job, give thanks for the fact you were able to afford the car that got you there, the fact that you got there without getting killed on our interstate systems, the comfortable office where you have the opportunity to earn a living, and that today you just might make a positive impact in someone else’s life. 

A job is a gift. Treat it with the utmost respect and courtesy, and pray you do not suffer the alternative.