Here we go
again…starting a new job.
I don’t know
what to expect. It’s a new, grant-funded program, so myself and two others are
basically contracting our services for a year. Then, if we’re “lucky,” as our supervisors
inform us, we may be hired on.
I was raised
when you worked a job for 30 years and retired.
That was
shot when my reporting job of 16 years ended in 2010; 40+ jobs were eliminated in
the newsroom alone. It still exists, but the paper is only a shell of itself,
run by a handful of just-out-of-college kids.
I’ve never
quite bounced back from that financially. I’ve had one full-time job in the past
eight years, piecing part-time work together with teaching college courses (the
pay, nationwide, is dreadful, but that’s a whole other blog), subbing, and the
like.
As mentioned
in the last blog, the last gig was retail. And it wasn’t the greatest, but I believe
that we learn from life situations, and from that I learned to appreciate those
who work in retail.
I also
learned that I needed to do something different. I needed work that challenged
my mind, used my skills, and gave me some creativity and flexibility.
I think I’ve
found that in this new job. As I haul items from home to personalize my cubby
(yes, a desk job!), I have a new joy.
But this is
no time to relax. I’m challenged to show what I can do, to sell myself, of
sorts, on how valuable I can be. I know I’m being watched by others in the
department. I’m careful to be pleasant, to dress appropriately even when some
of them are super casual, and to look as if I belong there among my full-time,
benefitted and vested co-workers.
I am no less
than them. There are people who have said they would not do this job because it
doesn’t pay enough. I heard someone once say that sometimes you have to make a lateral
move, or a move that appears to be taking a step down, when it’s really in preparation
for propelling you forward.
Yes, I am
the woman for the job, which provides a steady, consistent check for my
household, as well as an opportunity to show my talents and hone new ones.
The contract is for a year. The ball is in my
court. This is my time to shine.
Prayer of Gratitude
Father God,
thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. You are my strength, my Rock and my
Redeemer. I am indeed grateful for this new job, which is another stop in my
life journey. I’m excited about the untold opportunities You are giving me
through this job—Thank You! You see everything. You see those who are struggling
on the job hunt. You see those who are piecing work together just to keep their
households afloat. I ask you to strengthen those who are heavy and burdened (Psalm
119:28). You see people who are miserable on their jobs, who believe their
choices are limited. But in YOU, oh God, we can have hope! (Psalm 31:24, 38:15)
Jesus died so that we may have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Part of the abundant life is joy and peace, and living, working, and doing what
we are purposed here on earth for. Work is important to You and it’s important
to us. Please bless those who are seeking a change in their work lives, and may
they give You the glory, honor and praise. In the all-powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
