By Felicia Beard, Business Owner
– Paper Trails
Losing
my corporate job has been the best thing that could have ever happened to
me. Of course in the beginning I didn’t
feel this way. As a matter of fact the news that my job was being eliminated
because the company was “getting out of the Medicaid business” was a surprise
to me, especially since my position had expanded to include commercial products
as well as Medicaid. So, why would I be losing my job? To top it off the same week
I found out about my employment situation I literally had just moved into my
second house.
I
was comfortable in this corporation.
During the 4 years I was there they treated me wonderfully. The first year I started they put me through
their Executive Leadership Development program which made me feel “secure”.
They introduced me to important people on the ladder to success at the company,
and I found myself having one on one strategic conversations with the then CEO
of the company more often than I wanted (as I was slightly intimidated). I was
requested by the CEO of the company--who skipped management levels to request
me--to participate on an executive level committee as his representative. There also was talk of my management
responsibilities expanding into the Albany market. Wow, in my mind I was going somewhere at this
company. Unfortunately, I had no idea the company that had given me so much
security and brought me into the intimate parts of the team wasn’t going with
me, lol. I had a false sense of security
but I loved my job.
I
felt valuable, like I was part of an “elite”, noble team (this was all in my
mind as a lure for my focus). I was loyal to my team as I lost all perspective
of my personal goals and aspirations. The truth be told, I never would have applied
to this company for any job, nor did I apply. This company did not line up with
my career goals. It is important that when a person gets a job or enters their
career, that they not only look at the company to see what the company needs in
terms of filling a position but they must also see how the company fits within
their career plans. A person should research a company to make sure their
purpose will be fulfilled. In addition, whenever I go on an interview I ask the
interviewer questions about their company that allow me to evaluate how this
particular organization meets my interests. I do not want to be unhappy…producing for the
sake of getting paid. Yes, we all have to eat but if we are diligent in our
search and have patience and faith we can have that career that brings us
payment AND joy!
The
job “fell out of the sky” for me on a crisp, clear day just like “manna from
heaven”. I was asked by a colleague if I wanted to work at this company which
she provided the acronym for. I said “yes”, not even knowing what the company
was because my focus was right and I was on guard for this opportunity, waiting
for it to land in my lap due to good focus. When I was preparing for the
interview I was told there was no job available, no job description to see
prior to meeting, they just wanted me to come in for an exploratory
interview. Which was an awesome
experience because I could be me and it paid off. I was scheduled to meet with the executive
vice presidents, senior vice presidents and executive recruiter for the
company. Everyone loved “me” – my
spirit, my personality, skills, experience, and connection to people. As a matter of fact the first person I met
was the Senior Vice President of Government Programs and she claimed me immediately.
We had a great time talking in her office and she took me on the tour of the
facility and introduced me to her staff. Remember there was no position but
because I was “me” and not nervous about man judging me and determining if I
was good enough for them, a way out of no way was made for me. Not only did she claim me as hers on the same
day, she also asked ME how much did I want to be paid for a job that didn’t
exist – huh?? Wow that never happened to me before. I told her the range of salaries I have been
applying for and she said “we can do that!” (I learned to always be prepared
with a figure, even if you are in casual conversation with someone at a
reception because you never know when, where or how manna will fall, especially
when your heart and focus are right.) Finally, and best of all – since I thought I had
no desire to work at this company…the position she was creating for me actually
was in line with my career aspirations and passion. I would be the manager of
Medicaid enrollment for eight Western New York counties. I would be able to creatively design ways to
get health insurance for those who were not insured or knew they could be
insured. I was making an impact on
society and literally helping to save people’s lives. Amazing!
I
did this job for a couple of years as the company began to change. The CEO and
my Strategic Business Unit Senior Vice President retired. I was nervous but
somewhat secure because my focus was on all the investment the company had put
in me, my loyalty to them, and shoot! I was part of the “elite”, noble team
(ha!). Plus my portfolio of products had increased. All these superficial signs had me feeling
like I was going to remain.
My
focus was off – way off! Let me tell
you... In addition to the company’s executive level personnel changes, the
whole system of insuring the uninsured in NYS was moving to an online process.
To make sure there was no steering or bias when selecting an insurance carrier
NYS was funding community organizations to be enrollers, and the state set up a
telephone enrollment center that had more freedom and flexibility with the
application process. The insurance companies were being relieved of a lot of
the duties they previously had (duties I managed) and these new centers became
the one stop market for people looking for affordable insurance. However, I held on because my focus was
off. The position that was originally
created for me CHANGED dramatically not just physically, but conceptually. I
had become a real “Salesperson” for commercial products that were in some cases
priced out of the realm of affordability. This position, which paid very well,
was no longer a fit for me but with money like I was getting I wasn’t going to
walk away – are you kidding! --- Focus off!!
Therefore,
I lost my focus on so many levels – I kept my relationship with God for certain
things but I wasn’t trying to hear Him about my job. Naturally, even though I
wanted to keep my job something within me was telling me this position was not
going to last much longer. However, because I wasn’t listening to the voice
inside of me, the voice of God that had not steered me wrong in all this time,
I shook it off and continued to listen to man and rely on my false sense of
security.
Focus
is so important. God tells us that if we stay focused on Him and do not look to
the left or the right and do all that He instructs, everywhere our feet step we
will have great success. I am a great example of this. When I was focused on
Him and listening to Him instead of my false network system and personal
relationships, God rained manna from heaven for me. If I
had listened to the inner voice instead of getting caught right back up in
“what man can do” and “how the system is going to watch out for me”, at bare
minimum when my job was eliminated I would have been prepared and not left
feeling betrayed. I mean, truth is we
will have afflictions in life. I am not mad but I was bitter at first, these
people were my friends and had my back – right!?! Regardless, I choose to live
life according to the terms God sets. I would be bored and feel purposeless if
life had no challenges or if all was wonderful 100% of the time.
I started this writing by saying I am glad I
am no longer at the corporation that employed me. I am glad because I got my focus
back. God speaks to me daily and I have a personal relationship with Him which
I lost depending on something temporal. I operate my own business, Paper
Trails, which brings in income to care for not only my needs but my wants (i.e.
God promised to provide me with shelter but He didn’t say it had to be a 4
bedroom house but that is what He gave me; he promised to get me places but He
didn’t have to give me a new vehicle but He did; he promised to feed me but it
doesn’t have to be steak and boy how I enjoy the steaks He provides). He loves
me and I love Him.
When
we submit our lives to God and sincerely open our hearts to receive Him, letting
go of all our skepticism, and believe that He is and invite Him into our hearts
and life, God does exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask and think
of. So, thank you corporation - you
helped me get my focus back and in spite of not having the commitment of a
“consistent” paycheck from your system – I promise you, God has not let me miss
a beat! I have my freedom, spend time with my family, I enjoy beautiful weather,
travel and love being with God. I cannot thank you enough. And if I ever was sent back by God, because
truth be told, God is in control of all things – the corporation didn’t hire me
in the beginning and it didn’t eliminate my position, this was all God’s doing
– I will do my very best to never lose my focus again. God is my guiding light
and He makes me to lie down in green pastures!
I
hope that you get focus in your work life. Listen to the voice that speaks
softly in your spirit. Trust not in princes or the systems of the world. You
could have worked 30+ years of your life, show up to work one day and receive a
pink slip. Your company could shut down without notice. You could be part of
senior leadership and have your contract bought out or not renewed. Nothing is
secure but God. Set your focus on Him and listen for His leading. He will never
let you down, even when transition comes He will give you peace which passes
all understanding, strength to endure and manna from heaven during the
wilderness experience.
Listen
for His voice. If he is telling you to
step out on your own and start a business trust Him and seek Him for His
plan. If He is warning you that
something is changing in your current employment situation and you need to
start looking elsewhere don’t be caught off guard, don’t idolize the salary or
network. God cares for you and He will never let you down. Get your focus right
and look at Him.
