Katie
In the winter of 2017, I contacted Art to ask for help. A series of life difficulties and setbacks had left me in a career that I did not like, was not in my field, and with seemingly no work experience that would enable me to break into my field. I felt so trapped and unhappy that I was considering relocating and was questioning if I had chosen the right field in the first place. Meeting with Art and his wife Jeannie gave me the backing to wait and (I'm sure) kept me from going down many rabbit trails.
After a few of Art's homework assignments, I more clearly saw the trajectory on which God had placed me, and the talents He had given me. I felt affirmed that I had chosen the right field, yet, even if I had not, I'm sure I would have been equally reenergized with the vision Art and Jeannie instilled in me for how our work plays into God's kingdom.
The waiting game came next - long months of difficulties in my current job and no opportunities for change. Art and Jeannie stuck by me during that time by advising me in any small steps I could take, sending me encouraging articles, and praying for me. Just before Christmas, a position opened in my field, and I was hired! Art and Jeannie did not take any undue credit for this transition, but I know it resulted in part from their prayers and encouragement. Although it not the exact position I hope to someday occupy, it is a solid start and a definite "in" to the field. Art and Jeannie rejoiced with me, and continue to support me as I continue on my journey.
There are likely many fantastic career services out there, but I wonder how many of them offer sound Biblical advice with such practical, persistent, and heart-felt care. I would send anyone questioning their career, looking for a change, or wanting to fully maximize the talents God has given them to contact Art and Jeannie.
After a few of Art's homework assignments, I more clearly saw the trajectory on which God had placed me, and the talents He had given me. I felt affirmed that I had chosen the right field, yet, even if I had not, I'm sure I would have been equally reenergized with the vision Art and Jeannie instilled in me for how our work plays into God's kingdom.
The waiting game came next - long months of difficulties in my current job and no opportunities for change. Art and Jeannie stuck by me during that time by advising me in any small steps I could take, sending me encouraging articles, and praying for me. Just before Christmas, a position opened in my field, and I was hired! Art and Jeannie did not take any undue credit for this transition, but I know it resulted in part from their prayers and encouragement. Although it not the exact position I hope to someday occupy, it is a solid start and a definite "in" to the field. Art and Jeannie rejoiced with me, and continue to support me as I continue on my journey.
There are likely many fantastic career services out there, but I wonder how many of them offer sound Biblical advice with such practical, persistent, and heart-felt care. I would send anyone questioning their career, looking for a change, or wanting to fully maximize the talents God has given them to contact Art and Jeannie.
Dennis
I am so thankful for the time Art and Jeannie spent with my wife and I talking and praying about leaving a job I had for 10 years. I was tempted to fear the unknown, and was clinging to comfort and security. Art was such a support for me, asking me questions, following up, and praying for me during my months of job searching.
Art's strategy of reconnecting with old associates and contacts within my industry really paid off. I loved this strategy as it was a much more personal way to apply for jobs. One of the friends I reconnected with ended up being the hiring supervisor at the 2nd largest electrical contractor in the country. This led to him presenting me an excellent offer - a 26% pay raise, excellent benefits, and paid overtime.
It was a difficult decision to leave a job that I was well established in for a new opportunity with much more potential for growth. We felt the Lord guiding us the entire way, and it gave me the faith I needed to take that step of faith. Proverbs 3:5 never felt so real. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Art's strategy of reconnecting with old associates and contacts within my industry really paid off. I loved this strategy as it was a much more personal way to apply for jobs. One of the friends I reconnected with ended up being the hiring supervisor at the 2nd largest electrical contractor in the country. This led to him presenting me an excellent offer - a 26% pay raise, excellent benefits, and paid overtime.
It was a difficult decision to leave a job that I was well established in for a new opportunity with much more potential for growth. We felt the Lord guiding us the entire way, and it gave me the faith I needed to take that step of faith. Proverbs 3:5 never felt so real. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Ryan
Working with this crucial ministry within CLC was an enormous blessing. God gave grace to my troubled heart and alleviated a number of fears I felt after months and months of unemployment. The environment was a terrific mix of being supported in a time of loneliness but also exhorted to work hard to further my job prospects. Working with Art Shenk was the turning point for my resume. I learned to focus on my existing *skills* rather than my past *jobs*. Employers need to see *what* you can do more than *where* you did it. This model was a revelation and immediately I felt clarity in my job-seeking strategy. By identifying the top areas in which I could demonstrate value, I could better target my resume to specific opportunities. This meant I could rearrange my skills as needed, pushing the most relevant experience to the top and ensuring it had a better shot at being seen. Art also helped me by reviewing my resume language and tone. He gave me specific counsel to help me empower the writing in my resume, and then took the time to go over each section - sometimes each word! - as I worked on improvements. It was a wonderful balance of teaching while still instilling confidence in me for the work I needed to do on my own. By God's grace through Art's terrific mentorship, I have received multiple compliments on my resume from colleagues, employers, and fellow job seekers. I've had the privilege of passing it along to be used as a template for both my peers and those further along in their career than I am. I just accepted a dream job in March 2017 with a marketing company that saw my value and made sure I had a terrific salary to match. In my interviews I was commended for my resume and the way I presented my experience. My family and I are rejoicing at this blessing and very, very grateful for those who helped us get here. This is all due to the Lord's kindness and the singular experience of getting to participate in this insightful and important ministry.
Bryce
I found the book "Business Model You" to be super helpful. I loved the idea of mapping yourself onto a business model canvas. The book helps you to critically evaluate your skills, where you fit, and where you could fit if you acquire additional skills. A great read for anyone looking to proactively manage their career trajectory!
Caroline & Steve (Parents of Sarah - graduating high school senior headed toward college as an engineering student)
Thank you so much for spending time with us and for all the useful information. Your advice was very appropriate in that we both had confirmation on the direction we were already headed & gained some new insights as well.
Wednesday Night Bible Study (9 Millennials who worked thru the material together)
Thanks for offering your expertise and making yourself available to us. We felt like we got so much assurance and tools for helping us advance in our careers and doing our jobs for the glory of God!
Frederick MD Home school Co-op (from one of the parents in the C0-0p)
Thank you for taking so much time to help our teens (and parents) explore their God-giving vocational callings! The workshop was inspiring and incredibly helpful! We thank God for you! - Co-op Administrator
Thanks for teaching us. It was so helpful to break down activities that we enjoyed into specific skills we could use for future careers - One of the students.
Thanks for teaching us. It was so helpful to break down activities that we enjoyed into specific skills we could use for future careers - One of the students.
Carla Joy
In 2012 I was employed but not settled. Teaching was an obvious gift, which I had fallen back upon when my career plans for medicine came to a sudden halt. I worked hard but had no summer income, so I was excited when I heard about Art Shenk's class... I needed direction and support.
I attended with trepidation.... "over qualified for what I was doing and under qualified for anything else".... that is how I saw myself. Art was calm and knew what he was doing, he listened and he had some tried and true tools that could help me find my way.... What did God want and what had He equipped me to do?
After following the instructions and engaging with the tools, I started my Information Interviews and realized that the specialist jobs which I had considered were too specialized, would require significant additional training and still leave me unfulfilled. The career path for me was Health Education.... I had never heard of it before and I did not even know where to start..... but I was in a safe environment and I felt encouraged and I began the search.
Fast forward to 2013, I still had not found any Health Educators whom I could interview, but I was discovering the world of entrepreneurship and network marketing. Because of the Class and attending some networking events, I had developed some confidence in non-traditional employment! I began taking Network Marketing seriously and began to have some success!
That was the first summer that I did not need to work as a Tutor. I was relieved and I also interviewed for a part time position at a Non Profit organization in Virginia..... My world was expanding and my resume and interview skills, (learned and honed in Art's Class), paid off! With that job, I used my teaching, and coaching skills in a Ministry environment!
I was feeling fulfilled and I was able to save for the summer!
I continued my search for a Health Educator program... there are several out there, but the skills which I learned from the class enabled me to be discerning. I was able to find a program that fit my budget and more importantly, fit my philosophy of being research based.
In the summer of 2015, I became a Certified Health Educator and I am so grateful for the support and exposure which the class provided in helping me identify my strengths and navigate through the skills I needed and the way the Lord was leading me.
I attended with trepidation.... "over qualified for what I was doing and under qualified for anything else".... that is how I saw myself. Art was calm and knew what he was doing, he listened and he had some tried and true tools that could help me find my way.... What did God want and what had He equipped me to do?
After following the instructions and engaging with the tools, I started my Information Interviews and realized that the specialist jobs which I had considered were too specialized, would require significant additional training and still leave me unfulfilled. The career path for me was Health Education.... I had never heard of it before and I did not even know where to start..... but I was in a safe environment and I felt encouraged and I began the search.
Fast forward to 2013, I still had not found any Health Educators whom I could interview, but I was discovering the world of entrepreneurship and network marketing. Because of the Class and attending some networking events, I had developed some confidence in non-traditional employment! I began taking Network Marketing seriously and began to have some success!
That was the first summer that I did not need to work as a Tutor. I was relieved and I also interviewed for a part time position at a Non Profit organization in Virginia..... My world was expanding and my resume and interview skills, (learned and honed in Art's Class), paid off! With that job, I used my teaching, and coaching skills in a Ministry environment!
I was feeling fulfilled and I was able to save for the summer!
I continued my search for a Health Educator program... there are several out there, but the skills which I learned from the class enabled me to be discerning. I was able to find a program that fit my budget and more importantly, fit my philosophy of being research based.
In the summer of 2015, I became a Certified Health Educator and I am so grateful for the support and exposure which the class provided in helping me identify my strengths and navigate through the skills I needed and the way the Lord was leading me.
Ron
So that I might believe, GOD granted me a miracle by providing a job for me and financial blessing…, but first … HE had me deal with some “hidden” sins. Like the story of the paralytic whose friends lowered him down through a roof so that Jesus might heal him … and whereby Jesus did heal him … FIRST of his sins (that of most importance) and only later, of his paralytic condition (so that they might BELIEVE), … our God has dealt likewise with me.
It was in mid-2014 that GOD began to deal with me, once again. First, HE took away the comfort and security of my full-time employment - something I had basked in for the last eleven years. And so, I cried out to GOD for his help - I formed an LLC and started growing my own business. But my business plan was pretty flawed. In fact, it stunk! Over the next year HE gave me an abundance of time to reflect and to review my life, thus far. I was pretty much now living aimlessly, at times, and hopelessly, at times. It took nearly a year, but finally I asked GOD: “What do you, GOD, want from me?” More exactly, at long last I finally reached out to many others … and asked many brother and sisters In Christ to pray for me. Well, GOD of course, did answer those prayers … by first helping me to see my “hidden” sins (those I had been ignoring and no longer fighting against anymore because of my repeated past failures to kill them ... and also, some sins I had never even seen before.
Having much time … can lead to unusual thoughts. One day I walked about my property and considered how my possessions would remain after I was gone. Would they bless my heirs or be a burden on them? I also thought about meeting my GOD … Would I get invited into heaven? What would I say to HIM? I realized … I had nothing … nothing which qualified me for eternal life with HIM. HE was jealous for my devotion to HIM. I’d been lusting after other things, earthly things. I hadn’t been devoted to HIM and HIS truths. It was time for me to change.
In my coming before GOD I was praying for a financial blessing, but GOD first did that of most importance … HE helped me to see that which I had been blind to … my “hidden” sins … and that HE wanted me to actively repent of them … to be again serious about fighting them. And then, second, so that I might believe on HIM (even more so than before) HE responded with a miracle … the miracle of once again abiding in the financial blessing I had first prayed for. (HE provided this miracle so that I might believe on HIM and HIS reign over all things and all the circumstances of my life.)
It was in mid-2014 that GOD began to deal with me, once again. First, HE took away the comfort and security of my full-time employment - something I had basked in for the last eleven years. And so, I cried out to GOD for his help - I formed an LLC and started growing my own business. But my business plan was pretty flawed. In fact, it stunk! Over the next year HE gave me an abundance of time to reflect and to review my life, thus far. I was pretty much now living aimlessly, at times, and hopelessly, at times. It took nearly a year, but finally I asked GOD: “What do you, GOD, want from me?” More exactly, at long last I finally reached out to many others … and asked many brother and sisters In Christ to pray for me. Well, GOD of course, did answer those prayers … by first helping me to see my “hidden” sins (those I had been ignoring and no longer fighting against anymore because of my repeated past failures to kill them ... and also, some sins I had never even seen before.
Having much time … can lead to unusual thoughts. One day I walked about my property and considered how my possessions would remain after I was gone. Would they bless my heirs or be a burden on them? I also thought about meeting my GOD … Would I get invited into heaven? What would I say to HIM? I realized … I had nothing … nothing which qualified me for eternal life with HIM. HE was jealous for my devotion to HIM. I’d been lusting after other things, earthly things. I hadn’t been devoted to HIM and HIS truths. It was time for me to change.
In my coming before GOD I was praying for a financial blessing, but GOD first did that of most importance … HE helped me to see that which I had been blind to … my “hidden” sins … and that HE wanted me to actively repent of them … to be again serious about fighting them. And then, second, so that I might believe on HIM (even more so than before) HE responded with a miracle … the miracle of once again abiding in the financial blessing I had first prayed for. (HE provided this miracle so that I might believe on HIM and HIS reign over all things and all the circumstances of my life.)
Ben
It was in June 2013, I sought to focus on my exams with the intent of matching into a medical residency program in the US. It was a time of uncertainty for me, especially knowing that passing the exams was not a guarantee to securing a residency position.
It took me about a year to pass these exams and after all the excitement of my success, reality set in as I was going to spend the next six to nine months job searching. It was challenging in all fronts; I questioned my rationale for choosing to stop working so as to focus on my exams. Moreover, it kept happening, rejection after rejection from numerous applications I had put in. The negative thoughts began to pour into my mind “you won’t get a job and you will not get a residency position”. I remember specifically coming back home one evening terribly depressed after a discussion I had with another foreign doctor. He had specifically said I should not bother that he was once like me and that I should focus on doing some other business to generate income as I was not going to get a residency position.
Furthermore, the occasional depressive feelings, fear, panic attacks, embarrassment, finally broke me. In retrospect, I think it broke my faithlessness, it broke my pride, it broke my feelings of entitlement, and finally it broke the door through which Gods spirit could step in to teach me to trust him more. I got different positions that were not in my field but I was thankful for the opportunity to work. The more I was grateful for the little I got, the more God blessed me with the right networks and counsel. I was also blessed to have a prayer circle from my care group and family who prayed with me and for me.
One of the networks God blessed me with was a Nigerian doctor who was in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical field. After talking with him, and being inspired by the stories he shared about the field he worked in, I decided to look into it. I believe his words sparked faith in me. After making strategic phone calls to various biotech and pharmaceutical firms, and also sending out emails and applications, I knew I would get in to a Biotech firm but I didn’t know which one. Specifically one strategy I chose to adopt with was to focus on getting an internship position, paid or unpaid.
Then it happened. One of the organizations I applied to called me to interview for an internship position. During the interview the director asked how I knew they had an internship position. To this I responded I didn’t know they had one, I just guessed they would. She went further to let me know their internships usually start in July but she was willing to interrupt that calendar and still interview me. To my surprise, after the interview, she said she didn’t need to interview any other person and that I could start as soon as possible for a 10 week internship to which I was super excited. It then gets better because on the seventh day of my internship, just before lunch time, the director calls me into her office and said there was a full time position that they had put up about a month ago and that she would want me to take it up.
Miracles do happen and the journey for me was just as important as the destination. I am still on a journey to become a family physician in the US. Perhaps the more accurate phrase might be I am still on a journey to becoming the person God has called me to be. Meanwhile dear friends, with regards to my family medicine residency in the US, I don’t know how or when it will happen, but just as I got into this great career path, I know I will write another blog someday about how I got into a family medicine residency program.
Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all
Shalom!
Ben
It took me about a year to pass these exams and after all the excitement of my success, reality set in as I was going to spend the next six to nine months job searching. It was challenging in all fronts; I questioned my rationale for choosing to stop working so as to focus on my exams. Moreover, it kept happening, rejection after rejection from numerous applications I had put in. The negative thoughts began to pour into my mind “you won’t get a job and you will not get a residency position”. I remember specifically coming back home one evening terribly depressed after a discussion I had with another foreign doctor. He had specifically said I should not bother that he was once like me and that I should focus on doing some other business to generate income as I was not going to get a residency position.
Furthermore, the occasional depressive feelings, fear, panic attacks, embarrassment, finally broke me. In retrospect, I think it broke my faithlessness, it broke my pride, it broke my feelings of entitlement, and finally it broke the door through which Gods spirit could step in to teach me to trust him more. I got different positions that were not in my field but I was thankful for the opportunity to work. The more I was grateful for the little I got, the more God blessed me with the right networks and counsel. I was also blessed to have a prayer circle from my care group and family who prayed with me and for me.
One of the networks God blessed me with was a Nigerian doctor who was in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical field. After talking with him, and being inspired by the stories he shared about the field he worked in, I decided to look into it. I believe his words sparked faith in me. After making strategic phone calls to various biotech and pharmaceutical firms, and also sending out emails and applications, I knew I would get in to a Biotech firm but I didn’t know which one. Specifically one strategy I chose to adopt with was to focus on getting an internship position, paid or unpaid.
Then it happened. One of the organizations I applied to called me to interview for an internship position. During the interview the director asked how I knew they had an internship position. To this I responded I didn’t know they had one, I just guessed they would. She went further to let me know their internships usually start in July but she was willing to interrupt that calendar and still interview me. To my surprise, after the interview, she said she didn’t need to interview any other person and that I could start as soon as possible for a 10 week internship to which I was super excited. It then gets better because on the seventh day of my internship, just before lunch time, the director calls me into her office and said there was a full time position that they had put up about a month ago and that she would want me to take it up.
Miracles do happen and the journey for me was just as important as the destination. I am still on a journey to become a family physician in the US. Perhaps the more accurate phrase might be I am still on a journey to becoming the person God has called me to be. Meanwhile dear friends, with regards to my family medicine residency in the US, I don’t know how or when it will happen, but just as I got into this great career path, I know I will write another blog someday about how I got into a family medicine residency program.
Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all
Shalom!
Ben
Sarah
My lengthy job search has taken a toll on my soul- one of my biggest struggles honestly but set against a season of disappointment in many areas. I am weary. I am seeking contentment because life is not demanding more than what we have but trying to find joy and gratitude with what our Father had given us. Thank you for being a genuine, faithful encouragement along the way.
Recently found this quote in a flippant calendar a friend gave me:
The stronger the winds, the deeper the roots, and the longer the winds, the more beautiful the tree. Charles Swindoll
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>Networking - sample email to facilitate making new connections that might lead to opportunities in the hidden job market:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, after speaking to a friend through this, she gave me some feedback to be more descriptive, active, and explicit while focusing on my transferable skills. She also gave me the idea of writing people an email to ask instead as face time with people can be limited.
Hello X,
Would you happen to know anyone in the Human Resource field with whom I might be able to connect? I have over 2 years in human resources and genuinely enjoyed several aspects:
Welcoming staff to give them a friendly face who is quick to help
Educating to ensure those I trained were proficient to best serve customers
Creating instructional and technical manuals for on-boarding and staff development
Establishing order through filing systems and operating procedures
Might you know someone in human resources who might be able to talk with me about evaluating my next steps forward? I would send them an email, requesting a 15-20 minute phone conversation.
I appreciate your consideration!
Recently found this quote in a flippant calendar a friend gave me:
The stronger the winds, the deeper the roots, and the longer the winds, the more beautiful the tree. Charles Swindoll
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>Networking - sample email to facilitate making new connections that might lead to opportunities in the hidden job market:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, after speaking to a friend through this, she gave me some feedback to be more descriptive, active, and explicit while focusing on my transferable skills. She also gave me the idea of writing people an email to ask instead as face time with people can be limited.
Hello X,
Would you happen to know anyone in the Human Resource field with whom I might be able to connect? I have over 2 years in human resources and genuinely enjoyed several aspects:
Welcoming staff to give them a friendly face who is quick to help
Educating to ensure those I trained were proficient to best serve customers
Creating instructional and technical manuals for on-boarding and staff development
Establishing order through filing systems and operating procedures
Might you know someone in human resources who might be able to talk with me about evaluating my next steps forward? I would send them an email, requesting a 15-20 minute phone conversation.
I appreciate your consideration!
Bob
I was laid off when our program ended on December 31, 2014. I had been working as a system administrator at the time. Though I had been given a severance package, I had hope that I would be able to find another position soon. I had some immediate contacts for a job and thought this would happen. However they didn't go anywhere.
I began to feel anxious that I may not be getting a job soon. I realized I was entering into a new phase in my unemployment in which fear and discouragement were trying to set in. Fear of not getting a job or that I would get a job that would not pay well since i was currently unemployed. However, two verses from the Bible quickly came to mind.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make straight your paths". Proverbs 3:5,6
The other verse was "Without faith it is impossible to please him..." Hebrews 11:6
I wanted to make sure I would walk in the way of faith in this season so as to please the Lord. And part of that was to guard my mind from anxious, introspective and discouraging thoughts about my situation.
In addition to making this change in my mind and desire to please God, I was fortunate to be apart of a men's prayer group which I was able to receive not only great encouragement and prayer, but also much practical help. One person in particular that I am very grateful for, was able to meet with me on almost a weekly basis to encourage me, go over my resume, advise how to approach the job search effectively and even took me to a McLean Bible Church where they had a weekly events to help people in their job search.
Additionally, I had people from both within the prayer group and my network outside the prayer group that had sent me names of people to contact about jobs in which they had already talked to about me. Some of these resulted in phone interviews that didn't go beyond that. However, after nine weeks of job hunting, I was able to get an interview with one company and it went well. I then got an email from them a few days later offering me a job.
The unexpected part of being offered this job was that they offered me a salary that was more than I had asked for. This was something that was beyond anything I had thought or had imagined. I felt I was experiencing the faithfulness of God and that this was an answer to not only my prayers but the prayers of many in my behalf. It made it all the more joyful in accepting the offer of employment!
I began to feel anxious that I may not be getting a job soon. I realized I was entering into a new phase in my unemployment in which fear and discouragement were trying to set in. Fear of not getting a job or that I would get a job that would not pay well since i was currently unemployed. However, two verses from the Bible quickly came to mind.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make straight your paths". Proverbs 3:5,6
The other verse was "Without faith it is impossible to please him..." Hebrews 11:6
I wanted to make sure I would walk in the way of faith in this season so as to please the Lord. And part of that was to guard my mind from anxious, introspective and discouraging thoughts about my situation.
In addition to making this change in my mind and desire to please God, I was fortunate to be apart of a men's prayer group which I was able to receive not only great encouragement and prayer, but also much practical help. One person in particular that I am very grateful for, was able to meet with me on almost a weekly basis to encourage me, go over my resume, advise how to approach the job search effectively and even took me to a McLean Bible Church where they had a weekly events to help people in their job search.
Additionally, I had people from both within the prayer group and my network outside the prayer group that had sent me names of people to contact about jobs in which they had already talked to about me. Some of these resulted in phone interviews that didn't go beyond that. However, after nine weeks of job hunting, I was able to get an interview with one company and it went well. I then got an email from them a few days later offering me a job.
The unexpected part of being offered this job was that they offered me a salary that was more than I had asked for. This was something that was beyond anything I had thought or had imagined. I felt I was experiencing the faithfulness of God and that this was an answer to not only my prayers but the prayers of many in my behalf. It made it all the more joyful in accepting the offer of employment!
Art
Thanks for everyone's prayers and interest in the Smithsonian Institute (SI) job interview saga that has been going now for over 2 years with three different job "possibilities" none of which have turned out to be God's next step for me in my occupational call. The good news is the 2nd interview yesterday (for the 3rd job opportunity) went great...up until the last 5 minutes of the 75 minute interview! The bad news is my intentional disclosure of my "inactive" PE (professional engineering) license status appeared to be a deal breaker and brought the interview to screeching halt. I always disclose this "inactive" status of over 15 years somewhere in the interview process because I don't want that to become an issue after I am hired...and in all my other jobs including the positions at The Architect of the Capitol and the US Army Corps of Engineers having an "inactive" PE has not been an issue disqualifying me from being hired. Probably not the case with SI though it appears.
But this is where the story gets good.
Since I was in DC for the interview where I took and passed the PE exam over 30 years ago, God prompted me to actually go to the DC professional licensing office and inquire one more time in person (all my other inquires had been by phone) on what it would take to get reinstated without having to "retake" the exam which at my age, would seem to be impossible to pass "again" as it focuses on material that I haven't touched since my college days over 30 years ago.
-----------------------------------
Note: Important sidebar - I had "unknowingly" let my PE license expire because I had "knowingly" stopped paying the annual dues after being informed by the DC licensing board that I could do this and re-egage in paying my dues in the future, them understanding my need for all discretionary income at the time needing to be directed toward our growing family's financial needs (me being the sole provider for our family), not "knowing" I could only do this for 5 consecutive years, so when I contacted the licensing office to inform them I was ready to re-engage in my dues after 6 years, I was told I would need to retake the PE exam.
-----------------------------------
After 3 hours of waiting for and talking unsuccessfully to numbers of people at the licensing office, in God's providence, a gentleman walked into the reception area who at the time I didn't know was the director of the Board of Professional Licensing.
The receptionist I was talking to asked the Director if he had a minute to listen to my story. He listened to my story and much to my amazement, he said, "you only need to pass the exam once in DC" so just apply for the exam again and put in the remarks your expired PE license number and provide a summary of your professional accomplishments....and if everything is in order, he would personally. as the Director, recommend for the Board's approval that I be waived from retaking the exam and that I should be reinstate to "Active" status.
I was stunned.
God in a 2 minute conversation took 15 years of frustration and guilt over my poor decision to not keep paying my professional dues ...and turned my guilt to joy instantly...as a cloud had suddenly been lifted by God's power and to my good fortune and delight in him. The PE reinstatement probably won't be in time for this SI position, but as I told the interviewers yesterday, if I am not the successful candidate for his position, that they should view me as a candidate in waiting for what I hope will be another offering at SI....soon!
Thanks again for praying! Art
P.S. Life Lesson reminded of ..live life each day as Henry Blackaby says, "Experiencing God". Stay in step with the Spirit in all I do ...pray, watch and act....as God regularly does beyond all I ask or think :)
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
But this is where the story gets good.
Since I was in DC for the interview where I took and passed the PE exam over 30 years ago, God prompted me to actually go to the DC professional licensing office and inquire one more time in person (all my other inquires had been by phone) on what it would take to get reinstated without having to "retake" the exam which at my age, would seem to be impossible to pass "again" as it focuses on material that I haven't touched since my college days over 30 years ago.
-----------------------------------
Note: Important sidebar - I had "unknowingly" let my PE license expire because I had "knowingly" stopped paying the annual dues after being informed by the DC licensing board that I could do this and re-egage in paying my dues in the future, them understanding my need for all discretionary income at the time needing to be directed toward our growing family's financial needs (me being the sole provider for our family), not "knowing" I could only do this for 5 consecutive years, so when I contacted the licensing office to inform them I was ready to re-engage in my dues after 6 years, I was told I would need to retake the PE exam.
-----------------------------------
After 3 hours of waiting for and talking unsuccessfully to numbers of people at the licensing office, in God's providence, a gentleman walked into the reception area who at the time I didn't know was the director of the Board of Professional Licensing.
The receptionist I was talking to asked the Director if he had a minute to listen to my story. He listened to my story and much to my amazement, he said, "you only need to pass the exam once in DC" so just apply for the exam again and put in the remarks your expired PE license number and provide a summary of your professional accomplishments....and if everything is in order, he would personally. as the Director, recommend for the Board's approval that I be waived from retaking the exam and that I should be reinstate to "Active" status.
I was stunned.
God in a 2 minute conversation took 15 years of frustration and guilt over my poor decision to not keep paying my professional dues ...and turned my guilt to joy instantly...as a cloud had suddenly been lifted by God's power and to my good fortune and delight in him. The PE reinstatement probably won't be in time for this SI position, but as I told the interviewers yesterday, if I am not the successful candidate for his position, that they should view me as a candidate in waiting for what I hope will be another offering at SI....soon!
Thanks again for praying! Art
P.S. Life Lesson reminded of ..live life each day as Henry Blackaby says, "Experiencing God". Stay in step with the Spirit in all I do ...pray, watch and act....as God regularly does beyond all I ask or think :)
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
Catherine
I had felt uncomfortable with the idea that to get a job I’d have to utilize my network. It felt forced and fake to me, as though I was only going to talk to someone to get something out of them, but you really helped clear it up that networks are about maintaining relationships with other people and being humble to ask for advice on how I could go about finding a job. This in turn helped me become more forward in my inquiries because it no longer felt like I was just taking advantage of people. My perspective changed to one of looking for opportunities to learn from others and build relationships. I’m very grateful for the counsel I received because it adjusted my view of interactions with other people during the job hunt.
Luke
God is good! Last Wednesday I was officially offered a position at the U.S. House of Representatives and I accepted. My last day working for the Architect of the Capitol will be March 13th. The new Job will have much better hours, pay for overtime and it's a 30% increase in salary. What a blessing!
The guidance Art Shenk provided when I was looking to transition from almost two decades of self employment made all the difference when interviewing. Keep your eyes on the Lord He knows your every need! The position I started with at the AOC wasn't exactly what I was looking for but He provided it as a stepping stone for me to network and develop the very valuable relationships that have lead to this new job.
The guidance Art Shenk provided when I was looking to transition from almost two decades of self employment made all the difference when interviewing. Keep your eyes on the Lord He knows your every need! The position I started with at the AOC wasn't exactly what I was looking for but He provided it as a stepping stone for me to network and develop the very valuable relationships that have lead to this new job.
Art
Men, thanks for praying for my recent job transition activity. Yesterday I got a new job! Art
...More details follow:
Proverbs 16:9 "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps"
...has fresh meaning for me.
As you recall, I had applied for two different encore career opportunities at (a) The Smithsonian Institute and (b) the Corps of Engineers Project Management Division (same building I currently work, just different division, different floor. Both had promotion and salary increase opportunity...but more importantly, really cool opportunities to love and honor God by using my gifts and talents he has given me in the service of others. As we prayed the following sequence had transpired over the last month:
...More details follow:
Proverbs 16:9 "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps"
...has fresh meaning for me.
As you recall, I had applied for two different encore career opportunities at (a) The Smithsonian Institute and (b) the Corps of Engineers Project Management Division (same building I currently work, just different division, different floor. Both had promotion and salary increase opportunity...but more importantly, really cool opportunities to love and honor God by using my gifts and talents he has given me in the service of others. As we prayed the following sequence had transpired over the last month:
- Smithsonian's Director of Construction gave feedback through a friend I know who works there...that he had seen my resume and in his mind I was one of the top 3 candidates ...and he was excited about the opportunity to interview me. .
- A week later, I got word from Smithsonian Human Resources Dept that I was not a candidate selected for an interview...much to my surprise and disappointment...but also the disappointment of the Director of Construction who told my friend there was nothing he could do...and he didn't know what happened...and I would need to wait for another future job opportunity.
- Last week the CORPS interview for the second position I was interested in...went great.
- Scheduled 30 minute interview went on for 1 1/2hrs...and we were clearly connecting.
- As I coach others to do during interviews, a new job needs to be a win/win...so I started by giving both interviewers my networking card which is a mini outline of my resume and also the script for my elevator pitch...which I rolled out for 30 seconds...connecting what skill and experience I have ....to the immediate value I could bring to their mission.
- Our interview conversation covered all sorts of stuff I would be doing mostly located in PA....which was not a win/win for me...but I didn't make it an issue at that point.
- In passing the topic of small project processing came up...which I boldly jumped in saying that's what I wanted to champion...and went on to passionately suggest ideas on how to be more effective in small projects.
- They seemed intrigued with my ideas and passion...but the job they had was clearly not small project focused.
- Last Friday I got an email saying I had not been selected for the CORPS postion....another disappointment...as I was now 0 for 2 :(
- This past Wed the two CORPS interviewers asked me to drop by...and when I did, they began to describe how a major client at Fort Meade called this past Monday (after they has sent the rejection email to me) and they said they now had a new need...for someone "Full time" (rarely if ever asked for by a Client)... to do small projects.
- The interviewers asked it I was interested
- I said "Yes"...and the rest is history
Peggy
After unexpectedly being laid off due to a sudden downsizing in the department where I worked, I was really shaken. I reached out to the BTN and was immediately blessed by the support I found there. I’d mistakenly believed that I had an essential position, in an industry that was immune to economic downturns. As a single, working mom in a “secure” job, I had not done enough to further my own career. The job market is very small in my specialized field so I knew I’d need to change careers. The Sigi assessment and the workshops in the BTN were incredibly valuable in walking me through the process of examining my skill set and exploring where in the current job market those skills could transfer. The accountability of coming to the workshops kept me moving forward, and Art gave me concrete steps to take beyond just scouring the internet for jobs. I met others who were walking through similar trials and was very blessed by that fellowship. I got connected with resources where I could expand my computer skills. The resume advice was especially significant as I hadn’t done a resume in over 20 years, and that help led to interviews. I greatly benefited from a practice interview to help me think about how to answer the hard questions. I know I would not have done well apart from that practice.
Eventually, it was an email about a job opening, not yet posted on the internet, which I received from someone in the BTN ministry that led me to my current job. I’ve been there over a year now and it has been such a blessing. Just 2 months before being laid off, I’d prayed that God would make a way for me to spend more time with my daughter. I didn’t see getting laid off as an answer to that prayer, but it was. Through the BTN, God led me to a great job where I can use my skills to bless others, with shorter work days, and with more than twice the number of days off in a year. I am deeply grateful to God for his provision of this job, and for the incredible blessing of the BTN ministry.
After unexpectedly being laid off due to a sudden downsizing in the department where I worked, I was really shaken. I reached out to the BTN and was immediately blessed by the support I found there. I’d mistakenly believed that I had an essential position, in an industry that was immune to economic downturns. As a single, working mom in a “secure” job, I had not done enough to further my own career. The job market is very small in my specialized field so I knew I’d need to change careers. The Sigi assessment and the workshops in the BTN were incredibly valuable in walking me through the process of examining my skill set and exploring where in the current job market those skills could transfer. The accountability of coming to the workshops kept me moving forward, and Art gave me concrete steps to take beyond just scouring the internet for jobs. I met others who were walking through similar trials and was very blessed by that fellowship. I got connected with resources where I could expand my computer skills. The resume advice was especially significant as I hadn’t done a resume in over 20 years, and that help led to interviews. I greatly benefited from a practice interview to help me think about how to answer the hard questions. I know I would not have done well apart from that practice.
Eventually, it was an email about a job opening, not yet posted on the internet, which I received from someone in the BTN ministry that led me to my current job. I’ve been there over a year now and it has been such a blessing. Just 2 months before being laid off, I’d prayed that God would make a way for me to spend more time with my daughter. I didn’t see getting laid off as an answer to that prayer, but it was. Through the BTN, God led me to a great job where I can use my skills to bless others, with shorter work days, and with more than twice the number of days off in a year. I am deeply grateful to God for his provision of this job, and for the incredible blessing of the BTN ministry.
Mike
I learned a great deal from my session with you and your wife and am extremely grateful for the spotlight you shined on my situation, as it has helped me to understand it better. And while I have chosen to remain in my current job for the time being, I no longer feel "stuck" here as I have in the past. That's not to say I won't continue to develop my resume and keep my eyes and ears open, but at least for the time being, I have decided that God would have me continue to develop my skill set as I seek out new ways to increase my value to the company where I am ...to become "so good they can't ignore me." Inevitably, five years from now, I will be a far better team leader, communicator, and organizer; which should naturally expand my opportunities outside my current company, or else position me to attain greater leverage where I am as it relates to my schedule, compensation, and all around satisfaction in what I do.
I learned a great deal from my session with you and your wife and am extremely grateful for the spotlight you shined on my situation, as it has helped me to understand it better. And while I have chosen to remain in my current job for the time being, I no longer feel "stuck" here as I have in the past. That's not to say I won't continue to develop my resume and keep my eyes and ears open, but at least for the time being, I have decided that God would have me continue to develop my skill set as I seek out new ways to increase my value to the company where I am ...to become "so good they can't ignore me." Inevitably, five years from now, I will be a far better team leader, communicator, and organizer; which should naturally expand my opportunities outside my current company, or else position me to attain greater leverage where I am as it relates to my schedule, compensation, and all around satisfaction in what I do.
Ed
Asking my wife and trusted friends, what I should do after 7 jobs in 7 years. I had many questions and certainly confusion. There have been tears but by God’s grace there has been laughter. This latest cycle of unemployment lasted 14 months. If I could suggest and this can be easier said than done, the # 1 priority is to do all you can to do is to have your identity in Jesus Christ. Nothing will prepare you better to take on a trial (this can also be a trial of prosperity) regardless of the duration better than having a dependence on our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Nothing!
Regardless of having a job or not, man or woman, single or married, God has a calling for each of us. Husband or wife, son or daughter, we are called to be good stewards of our time and resources. We are called to subdue the earth and everything in it. To be diligent, resting at night, to prepare for the next day’s work. As employees, employers, house wives, mothers, students or where ever God has us. We can place a high priority on God’s Word for who we should be in Jesus Christ. Consider using all God has blessed each of us with to pursue our calling. In my experiences, I can suggest a few key reflection points as I Praise God for every trial. James 1: 2-4.
PRAISE GOD
P for Prioritize - #1 keep your identity in Jesus Christ and the good news of the Gospel – we are born again in the Holy Spirit. Ex 29:46
R is to Remember - To be Humble. God wants to reveal things to you! Some of this may be hard. Pro 22:4
A is for Always - read the Bible, be hungry for what God can reveal. This can come in revelations, a vision, other people (including non-Christians)…. Luke 8: 15
I is to Insure - Seek accountability of 3 -5 very trusted friends (can include professionals but they must know your faith). Be very very honest with yourself and them. A spouse should be at the top of this list. They will be your greatest helper.
S is for Salvation - Know that hope and joy is always rooted in the “Saving Grace” of gospel. Do you really believe that this is the greatest gift. What joy! Rom 15:13
E is for Energy - Use energy and focus to regularly meet w/people whom you can trust (network, network, network). This is so profoundly important! Be sure to include many professionals. BTN, CNM, Marketplace Ambassadors, Coffee shop….
G is for Grace - To Identify any personal skills (gifts) that need attention. Go find help or ask for help. For fee, or professional as appropriate. Eph 4:8
O - is for Others - Along the journey consider others. Even during this trial, you can be a witness for Christ! This brings glory to God! Heb 12:1
D is for Discipline - Learn all that you can to improve yourself. LinkedIn, Resume, Elevator pitch, Companies you would like to work for, 5 FAB’s, interview and close, practice, role play and repeat, 20-30 hours prep for 1st interview. Gen 2:15
Thank you all at BTN who continue to serve the body of Christ.
Asking my wife and trusted friends, what I should do after 7 jobs in 7 years. I had many questions and certainly confusion. There have been tears but by God’s grace there has been laughter. This latest cycle of unemployment lasted 14 months. If I could suggest and this can be easier said than done, the # 1 priority is to do all you can to do is to have your identity in Jesus Christ. Nothing will prepare you better to take on a trial (this can also be a trial of prosperity) regardless of the duration better than having a dependence on our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Nothing!
Regardless of having a job or not, man or woman, single or married, God has a calling for each of us. Husband or wife, son or daughter, we are called to be good stewards of our time and resources. We are called to subdue the earth and everything in it. To be diligent, resting at night, to prepare for the next day’s work. As employees, employers, house wives, mothers, students or where ever God has us. We can place a high priority on God’s Word for who we should be in Jesus Christ. Consider using all God has blessed each of us with to pursue our calling. In my experiences, I can suggest a few key reflection points as I Praise God for every trial. James 1: 2-4.
PRAISE GOD
P for Prioritize - #1 keep your identity in Jesus Christ and the good news of the Gospel – we are born again in the Holy Spirit. Ex 29:46
R is to Remember - To be Humble. God wants to reveal things to you! Some of this may be hard. Pro 22:4
A is for Always - read the Bible, be hungry for what God can reveal. This can come in revelations, a vision, other people (including non-Christians)…. Luke 8: 15
I is to Insure - Seek accountability of 3 -5 very trusted friends (can include professionals but they must know your faith). Be very very honest with yourself and them. A spouse should be at the top of this list. They will be your greatest helper.
S is for Salvation - Know that hope and joy is always rooted in the “Saving Grace” of gospel. Do you really believe that this is the greatest gift. What joy! Rom 15:13
E is for Energy - Use energy and focus to regularly meet w/people whom you can trust (network, network, network). This is so profoundly important! Be sure to include many professionals. BTN, CNM, Marketplace Ambassadors, Coffee shop….
G is for Grace - To Identify any personal skills (gifts) that need attention. Go find help or ask for help. For fee, or professional as appropriate. Eph 4:8
O - is for Others - Along the journey consider others. Even during this trial, you can be a witness for Christ! This brings glory to God! Heb 12:1
D is for Discipline - Learn all that you can to improve yourself. LinkedIn, Resume, Elevator pitch, Companies you would like to work for, 5 FAB’s, interview and close, practice, role play and repeat, 20-30 hours prep for 1st interview. Gen 2:15
Thank you all at BTN who continue to serve the body of Christ.
Carolina
When I think of the last few months and God's fatherly care and provision for me through ministries such as this, I am left with nothing but praise and gratefulness to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than we ask for.
When the company I worked for downsized, I was let go. Within a week, two short term contract opportunities knocked my door and I jumped into freelancing. Contracting is not ideal for a job seeker, but until full time work is a reality, I have learned to pursue a lot of short-term projects. The next four months were a mix of fun assignments with uncertainties while praying for God to show me what direction I should take with my broad, yet young communications experience. My biggest challenge was trusting him for a job that would fit my unique interests and experience but I was often dishearted that I would have to "settle" for a job I didn't want.
For a while, He had set my heart on a contract that I considered this to be the "dream opportunity". God in His wisdom shut that door to open up a wider door with a non profit where I could contribute in significant ways and be valued for my talents as well as grow professionally. Although I didn't see it like this at first, God established my steps as he promises to do. Time and time again, I was comforted by many verses in Psalm 37 like v. 23,24: The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
Four months into this job, I am extremely fulfilled in my responsibilities and thrilled for the challenges ahead. It makes me freshly aware of God's perfectly orchestrated career moves for me reminding me He wants us to trust in Him always, even when the future looks uncertain and bleak.
When I think of the last few months and God's fatherly care and provision for me through ministries such as this, I am left with nothing but praise and gratefulness to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than we ask for.
When the company I worked for downsized, I was let go. Within a week, two short term contract opportunities knocked my door and I jumped into freelancing. Contracting is not ideal for a job seeker, but until full time work is a reality, I have learned to pursue a lot of short-term projects. The next four months were a mix of fun assignments with uncertainties while praying for God to show me what direction I should take with my broad, yet young communications experience. My biggest challenge was trusting him for a job that would fit my unique interests and experience but I was often dishearted that I would have to "settle" for a job I didn't want.
For a while, He had set my heart on a contract that I considered this to be the "dream opportunity". God in His wisdom shut that door to open up a wider door with a non profit where I could contribute in significant ways and be valued for my talents as well as grow professionally. Although I didn't see it like this at first, God established my steps as he promises to do. Time and time again, I was comforted by many verses in Psalm 37 like v. 23,24: The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
Four months into this job, I am extremely fulfilled in my responsibilities and thrilled for the challenges ahead. It makes me freshly aware of God's perfectly orchestrated career moves for me reminding me He wants us to trust in Him always, even when the future looks uncertain and bleak.
Patrick
Taken with permission for an email sent by Patrick
"Clearly, this type of guidance can make a tremendous difference in the level of satisfaction and therefore success that individuals have in their careers and beyond."
"Clearly, this type of guidance can make a tremendous difference in the level of satisfaction and therefore success that individuals have in their careers and beyond."
Javier
Hi Art, Exciting news: a few hours ago I received an email letting me know I was accepted for the Senate internship! I'm almost sure I will do it, but I want to pray about it tomorrow and let them know by COB tomorrow or Friday at the latest.
Also - tomorrow I'm meeting with a recruiter at one of my dream places to work for, to, in her words, "discuss opportunities at IJM", though I had initially reached out for a basic informational interview about the work of IJM/fighting human trafficking in general. I'm also going in with an advantage, because the lady I'm meeting with already knows me from applying and being accepted to one of their field office (abroad) internships last year, and I heard she likes me. Who knows what'll come up! Javi
Also - tomorrow I'm meeting with a recruiter at one of my dream places to work for, to, in her words, "discuss opportunities at IJM", though I had initially reached out for a basic informational interview about the work of IJM/fighting human trafficking in general. I'm also going in with an advantage, because the lady I'm meeting with already knows me from applying and being accepted to one of their field office (abroad) internships last year, and I heard she likes me. Who knows what'll come up! Javi
Ryan
The Lord really used this time of unemployment to help me clarify and focus in on what I really wanted to do. I had general ideas of where I was skilled that really needed to be refined and specified. Utilizing important faith-based organizations like BTN and the Career Network Ministry was crucial - each provided a number of resources for me to take advantage of, allowing me to make my resume more impactful, take full advantage of LinkedIn networking, and explore vocational sites like SIGI3. These means of grace were so instrumental in my job search - thank you, Jesus, for these ministries!
I am now doing exactly what I wanted to do - working as an Operations Manager. God used this time not only to provide me with a wonderful job, but grow me along the way - I had no choice but to turn to him (always the best thing to do!), drawing closer to my Savior and allowing my wife and me to build our faith for his provision and goodness. We are so grateful for all the prayers that were lifted up on our behalf; the Lord does hear us and has a perfect plan laid out with perfect timing. Thank you again to everyone at BTN for your consistent care and for laying down your lives for this important community of the unemployed.
I am now doing exactly what I wanted to do - working as an Operations Manager. God used this time not only to provide me with a wonderful job, but grow me along the way - I had no choice but to turn to him (always the best thing to do!), drawing closer to my Savior and allowing my wife and me to build our faith for his provision and goodness. We are so grateful for all the prayers that were lifted up on our behalf; the Lord does hear us and has a perfect plan laid out with perfect timing. Thank you again to everyone at BTN for your consistent care and for laying down your lives for this important community of the unemployed.
Sharon
I have spent the last few years recovering from a stroke that kills most people who have this kind of stroke. God has been so good to me, and has restored me to the point that I am now looking for work again – although not as stressful as I used to like it, and with a very different heart now. I was initially very unhappy with my stroke, but God used Psalm 119:75 to change my mind and my heart:
I know, O LORD, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have
afflicted me. (Psalm 119:75)
God is totally faithful and totally good. Psalm 119:68 says,
You are good, and what You do is good; teach me Your decrees (Psalm 119:68)
Yes, God used Psalm 119 to completely change my heart.
I was the General Manager of a biotech company prior to my stroke, and I lived on the stress of the job. I am now looking for an office management position, but have not had any interviews in months – until now. Everything is in God's timing, and I hope I never forget this. We are expected to do the best we can with the gifts God gives us, but the outcome is God’s responsibility - and I know in my head and my heart that He didn't restore me to the point He has, to abandon me now. Deut. 31:6b, 7b, and Heb. 13:5b all say that God will never leave us or forsake us. We just need to believe this and live like this - to persevere and to trust in Him!
I had a phone interview late last week with an intellectual property law firm in Alexandria, and then was asked to do a face-to-face interview this past week. I am hoping to do the final interview - and I'm hoping to get the job, but God will determine this; it won't be because I have been unprepared for the interviews.
Whatever the outcome, I totally trust in God's plan for my life. If this isn't the job He wants for me then there will be another one down the road. My life – and my career – are in His hands.
I know, O LORD, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have
afflicted me. (Psalm 119:75)
God is totally faithful and totally good. Psalm 119:68 says,
You are good, and what You do is good; teach me Your decrees (Psalm 119:68)
Yes, God used Psalm 119 to completely change my heart.
I was the General Manager of a biotech company prior to my stroke, and I lived on the stress of the job. I am now looking for an office management position, but have not had any interviews in months – until now. Everything is in God's timing, and I hope I never forget this. We are expected to do the best we can with the gifts God gives us, but the outcome is God’s responsibility - and I know in my head and my heart that He didn't restore me to the point He has, to abandon me now. Deut. 31:6b, 7b, and Heb. 13:5b all say that God will never leave us or forsake us. We just need to believe this and live like this - to persevere and to trust in Him!
I had a phone interview late last week with an intellectual property law firm in Alexandria, and then was asked to do a face-to-face interview this past week. I am hoping to do the final interview - and I'm hoping to get the job, but God will determine this; it won't be because I have been unprepared for the interviews.
Whatever the outcome, I totally trust in God's plan for my life. If this isn't the job He wants for me then there will be another one down the road. My life – and my career – are in His hands.
Michael
I wanted to write my testimony regarding how the Lord met me through providing my new job.
I would like to begin by sharing that this has been a long journey to say the least. It's felt like a dark cloud over my life in many ways. I feel like I've been living in a dry dessert. Like the Israelites who were waiting to enter the promised land. It was frustrating not being able to find a job because I thought the experience I gained at the University of Maryland's journalism school would provide me a position somewhere. This was a season where God was drawing me to himself constantly and reminding me that my hope and true satisfaction is found in the Gospel and the sacrifice that Jesus Christ purchased me back from the grave. I would want to tell people to find your identity in Christ and not in a career or any other "thing" we as humans tend to idolize whether it be status, a relationship or hobby. None of those things truly satisfy but leave us running back to the Savior.
I hope I can be an inspiration to others who might feel burdened or downcast from job searching. The passage in Matthew where Jesus calls "all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest," really ministered to me. I want people to know that if I can find a job, they too can find a career, even if it takes years! The Lord taught me a lot about patience and depending on Him through the trial of finding a job. James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
I pray that others would not look at their job search as a burden but an opportunity to step out in faith and trust God. I hope people would rejoice in their trials and see that God uses these kinds of trials for us to depend on Him and not ourselves.
The last thing or "nugget" I would want to remind people is the importance of assuming responsibility. Yes--we are living in the midst of a tough economy where the current job market is challenging to say the least. But lets not allow a tough economy or hard job market as an excuse to become negligent or lazy in not pursuing a career God has for us. We must remind ourselves that we are a redeemed people who should make all the effort to use the gifts and talents God has given us all for His glory.
I can't finish writing this without thanking you and the BTN team for all of your wisdom and guidance in your assistance in my job search. God is certainly using you to help others discover their vocational gifting. I loved your ideas in finding vocational gifting through doing activities we enjoy and networking with others through informational interviewing. I thank God for your help that was so instrumental in my job search. God bless you. Michael O'Neill
-Michael
I would like to begin by sharing that this has been a long journey to say the least. It's felt like a dark cloud over my life in many ways. I feel like I've been living in a dry dessert. Like the Israelites who were waiting to enter the promised land. It was frustrating not being able to find a job because I thought the experience I gained at the University of Maryland's journalism school would provide me a position somewhere. This was a season where God was drawing me to himself constantly and reminding me that my hope and true satisfaction is found in the Gospel and the sacrifice that Jesus Christ purchased me back from the grave. I would want to tell people to find your identity in Christ and not in a career or any other "thing" we as humans tend to idolize whether it be status, a relationship or hobby. None of those things truly satisfy but leave us running back to the Savior.
I hope I can be an inspiration to others who might feel burdened or downcast from job searching. The passage in Matthew where Jesus calls "all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest," really ministered to me. I want people to know that if I can find a job, they too can find a career, even if it takes years! The Lord taught me a lot about patience and depending on Him through the trial of finding a job. James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
I pray that others would not look at their job search as a burden but an opportunity to step out in faith and trust God. I hope people would rejoice in their trials and see that God uses these kinds of trials for us to depend on Him and not ourselves.
The last thing or "nugget" I would want to remind people is the importance of assuming responsibility. Yes--we are living in the midst of a tough economy where the current job market is challenging to say the least. But lets not allow a tough economy or hard job market as an excuse to become negligent or lazy in not pursuing a career God has for us. We must remind ourselves that we are a redeemed people who should make all the effort to use the gifts and talents God has given us all for His glory.
I can't finish writing this without thanking you and the BTN team for all of your wisdom and guidance in your assistance in my job search. God is certainly using you to help others discover their vocational gifting. I loved your ideas in finding vocational gifting through doing activities we enjoy and networking with others through informational interviewing. I thank God for your help that was so instrumental in my job search. God bless you. Michael O'Neill
-Michael