I don't watch the news too much. I stay abreast of what is going on generally, but in case you haven't noticed, the media industry has gone nuts! It is less news and more hype. I don't have the stamina to take their emotional roller coaster ride. And my life is far less dramatic than their paradigm of the world, so I don't relate. To me, breath is a gift, and it just gets better from there! To navigate this life properly, I need to keep my faith strong. I need to keep my spirit in the right Kingdom.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
I know a number of families facing hardships. Some have small businesses suffering from a weakened economy. Some have lost jobs needed to support their family. Some have financial issues or personal issues they are facing in their marriage, family, or health. It is the stuff of life on earth. They need to keep their faith strong. They need to keep their spirits in the right Kingdom.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Although unemployment is higher than last few years - and I know people in this category - it is still but a fraction of the employment rate, which is never directly reported. Through Financial Peace University and financial counseling, I connect with a lot of people who are struggling but have watched their financial life turn around, even in this economy. Most people I know are actually doing about the same or better than they have been in recent years. They are doing well. They need to keep their faith strong. They need to keep their spirits in the right Kingdom.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Let's look into 1 Samuel 30:1 - 6:
The order of this account could easily have been different. It could read, "David encouraged himself in the Lord, but David and his men heard some really bad news. All these terrible things happened and David's own men spoke of stoning him. So David was greatly distressed." Do you see how the parts of the story are the same, but the outcome is very different? That is the order in which we often go about digesting the "news" in our lives. A friend recently told me that a book he was reading noted that what comes after the "but" is where we really live our lives.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
"I know God is my Provider, but this job market..." "I know God gives me peace, but did you hear..." "I know God heals, but the doctor said..." "I know God grants favor and success, but I'm the one who..." "I know that God appoints leaders and that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, but this President..." Ouch! These sound all too familiar - and they are backwards!
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Read through Psalms, or Paul's writings - all throughout the Bible for that matter - and you will see this order over and over. The blessing is never disconnected from God. The problem is stated, BUT God... Be careful not to get this reversed in your life, your beliefs, or even your speech. Your hope is in the Lord. Your faith comes by hearing His Word. "Provider" is not only a description of what He does, but who He is. And He is the giver of all good gifts. It's your choice how to respond.
...but [your name here] encouraged him/herself in the Lord.
Oh yes - and if you watch the news, make sure that you, like David, balance the news your hear with a healthy encouragement in the Lord!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
How do you deal with disappointment and setbacks?
I recently got a phone call that dealt me an unexpected setback - to the tune of about $3,000. It affected my debt repayment schedule primarily, which has been a big focus of mine this year. Do I need to write that I was disappointed? I think we each face disappointment and setbacks on an occasional, if not regular basis. What to do? How to respond?
These are but a few thoughts on how to move through and move ahead anyway:
1) Guard your focus.
Don't spend inordinate amounts of time rehearsing the disappointment. It will kill your creativity and hope for life beyond. When you keep hope alive and look beyond the immediate obstacle, you rise above the obstacle that disappointed you and be able to see and chart a course to move ahead. My Pastor says, "You can't lay back in a setback." Well, you shouldn't anyway.
2) Adjust your plan.
This is why a plan is so important. If you have a plan there is action you can take against your disappointment. I am coordinating my third Financial Peace University class. We are working through Week 3 - Cash Flow Planning. It is foundational to the class, just like a plan is foundational to life. We are better able to navigate the waters of disappointment and setbacks if there is a plan. The setback can be addressed - adjust the plan to compensate. Now work the new plan. It makes it much smoother. With no plan, the setback causes chaos and debilitating disappointment. So if you don't have one, make one now!
3) Don't fret what you cannot change.
If we can get this one planted deep inside, our worry will diminish, peace will increase, and the disappointment will loose its power. Disappointment is tied to expectation and can be a powerful weapon against your future, your peace, and your success. It is why so much of our economy is tied to "consumer confidence." Especially at the start of difficult economic times, very little has fundamentally changed in people's lives. But as confidence wanes, people pull back, thus creating the very problem they fear. It's an interesting cycle. Don't let things out of your control rob you of peace, joy, and right-thinking.
4) Be thankful!
Motivational speaker, Bob Harrison, tells a story that has been a huge help to me when I am facing disappointment - and it relates back to #1. Years ago his marriage was in trouble and he was praying about his wife and complaining to God about the many ways she was falling short. God encouraged him to make a list of her good traits - the things he was thankful for - and pray through that list every morning instead of rehashing his disappointments. As he did that, over time, she changed...or maybe she didn't. Maybe the problem was in his focus on the disappointments and his lack of thankfulness. In reality, she did change in response to the change in his attitude toward and treatment of her. And it all grew out of his choice to be thankful for the good things. There marriage was saved and grew into the beautiful thing God wanted it to be.
Something is going well. If nothing else, you are still breathing. If nothing else, God is still God, whether you feel like He is or not. Find these things, write them down, and be thankful for them.
5) Pray.
Another thing my Pastor says is, "You can do much more than pray, but you can do no more until you have prayed." Remember that God has not promised only good things in your life, but He HAS promised to work ALL things - good and bad - together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. That is YOU - or it can be if you choose.
I'd love to read comments on things that help you overcome disappointment and setbacks.
These are but a few thoughts on how to move through and move ahead anyway:
1) Guard your focus.
Don't spend inordinate amounts of time rehearsing the disappointment. It will kill your creativity and hope for life beyond. When you keep hope alive and look beyond the immediate obstacle, you rise above the obstacle that disappointed you and be able to see and chart a course to move ahead. My Pastor says, "You can't lay back in a setback." Well, you shouldn't anyway.
2) Adjust your plan.
This is why a plan is so important. If you have a plan there is action you can take against your disappointment. I am coordinating my third Financial Peace University class. We are working through Week 3 - Cash Flow Planning. It is foundational to the class, just like a plan is foundational to life. We are better able to navigate the waters of disappointment and setbacks if there is a plan. The setback can be addressed - adjust the plan to compensate. Now work the new plan. It makes it much smoother. With no plan, the setback causes chaos and debilitating disappointment. So if you don't have one, make one now!
3) Don't fret what you cannot change.
If we can get this one planted deep inside, our worry will diminish, peace will increase, and the disappointment will loose its power. Disappointment is tied to expectation and can be a powerful weapon against your future, your peace, and your success. It is why so much of our economy is tied to "consumer confidence." Especially at the start of difficult economic times, very little has fundamentally changed in people's lives. But as confidence wanes, people pull back, thus creating the very problem they fear. It's an interesting cycle. Don't let things out of your control rob you of peace, joy, and right-thinking.
4) Be thankful!
Motivational speaker, Bob Harrison, tells a story that has been a huge help to me when I am facing disappointment - and it relates back to #1. Years ago his marriage was in trouble and he was praying about his wife and complaining to God about the many ways she was falling short. God encouraged him to make a list of her good traits - the things he was thankful for - and pray through that list every morning instead of rehashing his disappointments. As he did that, over time, she changed...or maybe she didn't. Maybe the problem was in his focus on the disappointments and his lack of thankfulness. In reality, she did change in response to the change in his attitude toward and treatment of her. And it all grew out of his choice to be thankful for the good things. There marriage was saved and grew into the beautiful thing God wanted it to be.
Something is going well. If nothing else, you are still breathing. If nothing else, God is still God, whether you feel like He is or not. Find these things, write them down, and be thankful for them.
5) Pray.
Another thing my Pastor says is, "You can do much more than pray, but you can do no more until you have prayed." Remember that God has not promised only good things in your life, but He HAS promised to work ALL things - good and bad - together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. That is YOU - or it can be if you choose.
I'd love to read comments on things that help you overcome disappointment and setbacks.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Be All That You Can Be
Whether you are in the Army or not, the old tag line is a great one. With all the uncertainty in the market and layoffs expanding into more industries, a lot of people are getting antsy wondering what the future holds.
David Allen's workflow model, along with Steven Covey's calendar management method have been very useful to me. But like my Pastor says about workout equipment, whether you have an eliptical machine, treadmill, weight bench, or the Total Gym, they all work and any one of them will help you IF you use it! As it relates to your work, find what helps you most and USE IT.
Most people have certain responsibilities at work that they don't like as well or at which they are less proficient. Complete that work at your best but don't spend all your energy trying to grow an area with little potential. Again, the idea is to become so strong in your strengths that your employer frees you up from your weaknesses in order to maximize the value you produce. It may seem idealistic, but move this way. You may find yourself becoming more bold, more secure, and more valued.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
There are times when you have done everything you can do, and all that is left is to stay standing. No ground may be gained today, but "stand your ground" and do all you can so that "after you have done everything," you may be able to stand.
Don't miss the way to do this - put on the whole armor of God, even before the day of evil comes. Be ready in advance.
God is big enough to make a crooked path straight. Another translation says, "He will direct your paths." Spend more time putting your trust in the Lord than worrying about the path. This verse makes clear that He will take care of the path you take, IF you fulfill the first part of the verse.
Another verse to reference is Romans 12:2. It is my verse for 2009...I'll say more about this in #4 below.
2) Build and/or maintain a solid 3-6 months savings fund
3) Diversify your investments, including some international funds
4) And this should really be #1 - Trust in the Lord.
Back to Romans 12:2 - while so many people are stressed about the future of their job or retirement plan, we who trust in the Lord live in a different Kingdom, and we need to remind ourselves of that.
In the Kingdom of God, His Name is "Provider." His Name is "Peace."...So don't let your thinking be "conformed to this world" but be "transformed by the renewing of your mind". There should be a dramatic difference in how we who trust in the Name of the Lord approach troubled times.
Be all that you can be. Carry the Kingdom of God inside of you. Bring it into your home, your church, your work, your social sphere... May "Your Kindgom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
- Be the best employee in your organization so that of all the people, they want to keep you.
I have been using a "Getting Things Done" workflow model by David Allen to vastly improve my efficiency and effectiveness at work. Anyone who has come into my office in the last couple of weeks has noticed the change. Make sure your work product and ethic reflect that you are doing your work as unto God and not unto men (Colossians 3:23).
David Allen's workflow model, along with Steven Covey's calendar management method have been very useful to me. But like my Pastor says about workout equipment, whether you have an eliptical machine, treadmill, weight bench, or the Total Gym, they all work and any one of them will help you IF you use it! As it relates to your work, find what helps you most and USE IT.
- Maximize your value by playing to your strengths.
Most people have certain responsibilities at work that they don't like as well or at which they are less proficient. Complete that work at your best but don't spend all your energy trying to grow an area with little potential. Again, the idea is to become so strong in your strengths that your employer frees you up from your weaknesses in order to maximize the value you produce. It may seem idealistic, but move this way. You may find yourself becoming more bold, more secure, and more valued.
- Don't retreat.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
There are times when you have done everything you can do, and all that is left is to stay standing. No ground may be gained today, but "stand your ground" and do all you can so that "after you have done everything," you may be able to stand.
Don't miss the way to do this - put on the whole armor of God, even before the day of evil comes. Be ready in advance.
- Trust in the Lord.
God is big enough to make a crooked path straight. Another translation says, "He will direct your paths." Spend more time putting your trust in the Lord than worrying about the path. This verse makes clear that He will take care of the path you take, IF you fulfill the first part of the verse.
Another verse to reference is Romans 12:2. It is my verse for 2009...I'll say more about this in #4 below.
- And as always, when uncertain times come, you can increase your peace and build a safety net by following some good financial advice:
2) Build and/or maintain a solid 3-6 months savings fund
3) Diversify your investments, including some international funds
4) And this should really be #1 - Trust in the Lord.
Back to Romans 12:2 - while so many people are stressed about the future of their job or retirement plan, we who trust in the Lord live in a different Kingdom, and we need to remind ourselves of that.
In the Kingdom of God, His Name is "Provider." His Name is "Peace."...So don't let your thinking be "conformed to this world" but be "transformed by the renewing of your mind". There should be a dramatic difference in how we who trust in the Name of the Lord approach troubled times.
Be all that you can be. Carry the Kingdom of God inside of you. Bring it into your home, your church, your work, your social sphere... May "Your Kindgom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Wisdom and Discipline
Happy New Year! Yes, I know it is the 6th of January, but it is a new year nonetheless and I always get excited for a new year. It somehow signals a fresh start - a new beginning - a clean slate. I always try to make the most of opportunities.
But this is not a New Year's post, exactly. It actually comes from the 1st - chapter of Proverbs, that is. Proverbs is one of the most read books in my Bible. Since the chapters correspond with the days of the month, I think it is great to add a Proverb to your daily Bible reading. Which brings me to this post.
I was reading the first chapter in Proverbs, which starts by laying out the purpose for the book:
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
These are exactly what we all need this year - wisdom and discipline - and you can learn these through study of the Proverbs. Growing in wisdom and discipline will not only help your finances, but your relationship with God, your marriage, your relationship with your kids, your church life, and your work. All of your life will be affected.
So let me encourage you in 2009 to make reading from Proverbs part of your daily life. If this simple task is your only achievement for the year, it will be a fruitful year, because if this is your only achievement it will not be your only achievement! (You may have to read that sentence a couple of times)
And along with it, Psalm 119 (the longest in the Bible) examines the importance of wisdom.
Receive the instruction and apply it in your life. And as a friend of mine says, "Make it a great year!"
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
There Are Always Options
So it's Thanksgiving Day and my family is driving to Wichita to celebrate the holiday. We are getting close to my parents' home when I hear a clatter under the hood. I pull over thinking something has come unclipped and needs to be reattached, but no, it is the serpentine belt coming apart. The outer two edges are flopping wildly, slashing at vacuum hoses, etc., under the hood. Doesn't look good, but at least it didn't break!
We made it to my parents' home. My brother-in-law came out to pick up our family (he has a minivan, too!) to take us to the place of our Thanksgiving celebration (not feeling so festive at the moment). He loaned us his van after taking his family home so we could get back to my parents' and return for a visit the next day. Instead of visiting my sister, my dad, my brother, and I worked on the van, replacing what seemed like everything on the passenger side of the motor (including the water pump for you Dave Ramsey fans). Total cost: $140 and a lot of inconvenience on a holiday weekend.
The advice I want to pass on today is simple, but we often bypass it in the stress or emotion of the moment.
Consider your options
But what do I know about repairing a car? It is so cold and this is a special weekend. I should spend it with family, not repairing the car. Again, consider your options.
Who do you know that could help? My brother-in-law was willing to help with a ride and a temporary vehicle. My dad and brother were willing to help with the repairs (both time and expertise). All I had to do was lay down some pride and frustration to allow for the blessing of their generous gift. More than likely you know someone who could help. You just have to ask. Whatever happened to neighbors and friends helping each other? Don't let the spirit of giving lapse. Look for opportunities to help others and ask for help when you need it.
What must be done and what can wait? I am often tempted to do things that are unnecessary for convenience. "While I'm at it, I might as well..." Thankfully, I don't use credit cards. Back in those days, I would have not only rationalized the repairs to the van, but probably a new set of tires as well! While a new set of tires might be nice, and even needed in the near future, they were not necessary to fix the problem at hand. So, if they weren't in the plan for the month, they should wait. Especially when facing something unexpected, stick to the necessary. Times of crisis are not the best to make decisions - especially financial ones.
What can you really afford? You can afford whatever you can fit into your budget for the month! But isn't this what an emergency fund is for? Yes - and no. I could have coughed up several hundred dollars that Friday to have a shop do the work. It would have been well within the $1,000 baby emergency fund we have in the bank. It was VERY tempting. Don't use the emergency fund unless you have an emergency - and almost nothing is really an emergency. If everything is an emergency, you won't have an emergency fund left when a real emergency comes along! Try, if at all possible, to find it in your budget.
What are you willing to do to win? Stay focussed on the goal. Remember, there are times when we "live like no one else so later, we can live like no one else." Even though it was in my emergency fund, I am closer to my goal of being debt-free because I didn't spend the money on labor. It took some effort, some discomfort, and inconvenience, but in the end it was worth it. I got to spend some great time with my dad and brother, fixed the van, and was actually able to budget the repair into my December budget rather than tapping the emergency fund. Remember, it's your behavior that leads you to win.
This post is not to toot my own horn, but to give a real-life example of how it is done. I run into people all the time who have lots of excuses why they are not getting traction financially. They "don't have a choice." They refuse to consider their options.
You may have to take your car to the shop because you truly cannot do the repair yourself and don't know anyone who can help. That's okay IF you truly have no options. It may not even be your car that is the concern. But whatever you are facing, always consider your options.
Make exploring and utilizing the options you have a habit. If you are willing to do a little extra work, suffer a little inconvenience, and allow some people in your life the opportunity to help, you will find there are many different ways - many options - to solve the problem you are facing, whether it is financial or otherwise.
We made it to my parents' home. My brother-in-law came out to pick up our family (he has a minivan, too!) to take us to the place of our Thanksgiving celebration (not feeling so festive at the moment). He loaned us his van after taking his family home so we could get back to my parents' and return for a visit the next day. Instead of visiting my sister, my dad, my brother, and I worked on the van, replacing what seemed like everything on the passenger side of the motor (including the water pump for you Dave Ramsey fans). Total cost: $140 and a lot of inconvenience on a holiday weekend.
The advice I want to pass on today is simple, but we often bypass it in the stress or emotion of the moment.
Consider your options
But what do I know about repairing a car? It is so cold and this is a special weekend. I should spend it with family, not repairing the car. Again, consider your options.
Who do you know that could help? My brother-in-law was willing to help with a ride and a temporary vehicle. My dad and brother were willing to help with the repairs (both time and expertise). All I had to do was lay down some pride and frustration to allow for the blessing of their generous gift. More than likely you know someone who could help. You just have to ask. Whatever happened to neighbors and friends helping each other? Don't let the spirit of giving lapse. Look for opportunities to help others and ask for help when you need it.
What must be done and what can wait? I am often tempted to do things that are unnecessary for convenience. "While I'm at it, I might as well..." Thankfully, I don't use credit cards. Back in those days, I would have not only rationalized the repairs to the van, but probably a new set of tires as well! While a new set of tires might be nice, and even needed in the near future, they were not necessary to fix the problem at hand. So, if they weren't in the plan for the month, they should wait. Especially when facing something unexpected, stick to the necessary. Times of crisis are not the best to make decisions - especially financial ones.
What can you really afford? You can afford whatever you can fit into your budget for the month! But isn't this what an emergency fund is for? Yes - and no. I could have coughed up several hundred dollars that Friday to have a shop do the work. It would have been well within the $1,000 baby emergency fund we have in the bank. It was VERY tempting. Don't use the emergency fund unless you have an emergency - and almost nothing is really an emergency. If everything is an emergency, you won't have an emergency fund left when a real emergency comes along! Try, if at all possible, to find it in your budget.
What are you willing to do to win? Stay focussed on the goal. Remember, there are times when we "live like no one else so later, we can live like no one else." Even though it was in my emergency fund, I am closer to my goal of being debt-free because I didn't spend the money on labor. It took some effort, some discomfort, and inconvenience, but in the end it was worth it. I got to spend some great time with my dad and brother, fixed the van, and was actually able to budget the repair into my December budget rather than tapping the emergency fund. Remember, it's your behavior that leads you to win.
This post is not to toot my own horn, but to give a real-life example of how it is done. I run into people all the time who have lots of excuses why they are not getting traction financially. They "don't have a choice." They refuse to consider their options.
You may have to take your car to the shop because you truly cannot do the repair yourself and don't know anyone who can help. That's okay IF you truly have no options. It may not even be your car that is the concern. But whatever you are facing, always consider your options.
Make exploring and utilizing the options you have a habit. If you are willing to do a little extra work, suffer a little inconvenience, and allow some people in your life the opportunity to help, you will find there are many different ways - many options - to solve the problem you are facing, whether it is financial or otherwise.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Getting a job (part 2)
Earlier I wrote about my friend who had lost his job but lost no time in finding several very realistic prospects. I believe one reason he was able to capitalize on those prospects was that he had guarded his good name. Today's post discusses another reason he is going to win.
2) The proactive approach always wins. He began his search the day he lost his previous job. He looked at all job options rather than limiting his search to a narrow industry or job type. He didn't sulk or take a break, but he took care of the important business right away. He got the unemployment insurance claim process started so that if he needed it, it would be ready. He sent out resumes, searched online job postings, and networked with everyone he knew. He and his wife addressed the personal finance side of the situation. What's more, they had already prepared for the eventuality of an emergency occurring. He sought counsel.
I often talk to people who are looking for jobs. They send out resumes in a shotgun blast and wait for callbacks. It's not going to happen for them. They don't get interviews. Don't think I'm minimizing the difficulty of finding a job, especially in a tough economy. But people are being hired every day. It might as well be you.
a) Prepare for emergencies (they will happen). Because he had prepared (had an emergency fund), the stress of losing a job was somewhat diminished and my friend had the emotional and financial capital to take some time to make a good transition.
b) When you're knocked down, get back up. Don't sit and sulk for two weeks before you engage in the process. You were planning to go to work tomorrow before losing your job, so go to work tomorrow looking for a job instead.
c) Keep seeking until you find. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Follow up. Call again. Learn to distinguish yourself. You have only a few moments to make an impression, so be ready. Unending persistence will pay off. Read The Go-Getter by Peter B. Kyne. It's an old book that will teach you how to be one!
d) Do whatever it takes. Lay down your pride and even your dreams for a while. If you still aren't finding what you need, secure temporary work to survive. There are jobs out there. They may not be in your chosen field and they may not be appealing long term, but when you face a crisis (like losing your job) and you aren't prepared, you don't have time to wait for the perfect opportunity.
These two posts are not an exhaustive list of what to do if you lose your job, but represent my initial observations after talking to my friend about his situation.
2) The proactive approach always wins. He began his search the day he lost his previous job. He looked at all job options rather than limiting his search to a narrow industry or job type. He didn't sulk or take a break, but he took care of the important business right away. He got the unemployment insurance claim process started so that if he needed it, it would be ready. He sent out resumes, searched online job postings, and networked with everyone he knew. He and his wife addressed the personal finance side of the situation. What's more, they had already prepared for the eventuality of an emergency occurring. He sought counsel.
I often talk to people who are looking for jobs. They send out resumes in a shotgun blast and wait for callbacks. It's not going to happen for them. They don't get interviews. Don't think I'm minimizing the difficulty of finding a job, especially in a tough economy. But people are being hired every day. It might as well be you.
a) Prepare for emergencies (they will happen). Because he had prepared (had an emergency fund), the stress of losing a job was somewhat diminished and my friend had the emotional and financial capital to take some time to make a good transition.
b) When you're knocked down, get back up. Don't sit and sulk for two weeks before you engage in the process. You were planning to go to work tomorrow before losing your job, so go to work tomorrow looking for a job instead.
c) Keep seeking until you find. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Follow up. Call again. Learn to distinguish yourself. You have only a few moments to make an impression, so be ready. Unending persistence will pay off. Read The Go-Getter by Peter B. Kyne. It's an old book that will teach you how to be one!
d) Do whatever it takes. Lay down your pride and even your dreams for a while. If you still aren't finding what you need, secure temporary work to survive. There are jobs out there. They may not be in your chosen field and they may not be appealing long term, but when you face a crisis (like losing your job) and you aren't prepared, you don't have time to wait for the perfect opportunity.
These two posts are not an exhaustive list of what to do if you lose your job, but represent my initial observations after talking to my friend about his situation.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Getting a job (part 1)
I received a phone call from a friend recently who had lost his job. It was all very sudden and he was asking if I had any advice on how to proceed without getting into a big mess. I asked him a few questions and found that he was doing everything just right. He already had several interviews scheduled and was working several other job leads. He and his wife had reviewed their budget and knew exactly how much income they needed to replace to keep all the bills paid. They had some emergency savings that could carry them for a short time. I really had nothing to add except some encouragement.
I was particularly interested in the fact that he had several interviews while others I have spoken to have had none. How did he do this? And in "this economy?"
1) Guard your good name. Understand that your decisions today affect your tomorrow. Some of the job openings my friend applied for had many other candidates who were disqualified during the background check investigation phase of the process. His good name served him well. This point is easily overlooked, especially while we are young, but consider it carefully when you interact with others, both in your job and outside your employment. You never know when someone you meet might be sitting across a desk from you or have the option of sending you a customer.
a) Treat customers well. My wife and I recently stayed at a bed-and-breakfast that has outstanding service. We made it a point to tell the owners how impressed we were with the evening innkeeper. They said they had hired her from a store in which they often shopped. Their satisfaction as customers led them to think of her when they needed a new employee. And if you ever want some time away in Kansas City within walking distance of the Country Club Plaza, we highly recommend the Southmoreland (http://www.southmoreland.com/) for your stay.
b) Treat vendors well. Again, you never know when you might be knocking on their door to apply for a job. I have found that treating others well, even when you are a customer pays off. I have easily resolved potentially tough situations by remaining calm and extending grace, even when the "customer service" was lousy. I have done this regularly with vendors with whom others rarely reach a resolution (e.g., mobile phone providers). It doesn't always happen, but often. Have you ever taught your kids about the Golden Rule? Why, as adults, do we forget the simple lessons in life?
c) Be careful not to burn bridges when you leave employment. Leaving on bad terms may have future consequence. It may lead to a bad reference or take your freedom to apply for a future position in that company. The Bible says that as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people. And as an aside, remember that God knows you lost your job. If you truly believe He has a plan for your destiny and you trust Him, you can walk in peace even when you lose your job. To gain some insight on this point, study the life of Joseph (starting in Genesis 37).
Another recent example of how the past interacts unexpectedly with the present is a business that recently got a very beneficial lease contract. The lessee was referred to them by a person who had an association with them many years ago. Many years prior, the business had no idea the relationship would lead to a referral in the future, but when you understand that your decisions today affect your future in unforeseen ways, you will tend to guard your good name by treating people well and parting on good terms.
"Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold." -Proverbs 22:1 (NLT)
I'll stop for today. Next week I'll discuss the next reason I think my friend has been so successful finding great job opportunities.
I was particularly interested in the fact that he had several interviews while others I have spoken to have had none. How did he do this? And in "this economy?"
1) Guard your good name. Understand that your decisions today affect your tomorrow. Some of the job openings my friend applied for had many other candidates who were disqualified during the background check investigation phase of the process. His good name served him well. This point is easily overlooked, especially while we are young, but consider it carefully when you interact with others, both in your job and outside your employment. You never know when someone you meet might be sitting across a desk from you or have the option of sending you a customer.
a) Treat customers well. My wife and I recently stayed at a bed-and-breakfast that has outstanding service. We made it a point to tell the owners how impressed we were with the evening innkeeper. They said they had hired her from a store in which they often shopped. Their satisfaction as customers led them to think of her when they needed a new employee. And if you ever want some time away in Kansas City within walking distance of the Country Club Plaza, we highly recommend the Southmoreland (http://www.southmoreland.com/) for your stay.
b) Treat vendors well. Again, you never know when you might be knocking on their door to apply for a job. I have found that treating others well, even when you are a customer pays off. I have easily resolved potentially tough situations by remaining calm and extending grace, even when the "customer service" was lousy. I have done this regularly with vendors with whom others rarely reach a resolution (e.g., mobile phone providers). It doesn't always happen, but often. Have you ever taught your kids about the Golden Rule? Why, as adults, do we forget the simple lessons in life?
c) Be careful not to burn bridges when you leave employment. Leaving on bad terms may have future consequence. It may lead to a bad reference or take your freedom to apply for a future position in that company. The Bible says that as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people. And as an aside, remember that God knows you lost your job. If you truly believe He has a plan for your destiny and you trust Him, you can walk in peace even when you lose your job. To gain some insight on this point, study the life of Joseph (starting in Genesis 37).
Another recent example of how the past interacts unexpectedly with the present is a business that recently got a very beneficial lease contract. The lessee was referred to them by a person who had an association with them many years ago. Many years prior, the business had no idea the relationship would lead to a referral in the future, but when you understand that your decisions today affect your future in unforeseen ways, you will tend to guard your good name by treating people well and parting on good terms.
"Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold." -Proverbs 22:1 (NLT)
I'll stop for today. Next week I'll discuss the next reason I think my friend has been so successful finding great job opportunities.
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