On September 19, 2008, I had my first orientation in over 40 years. It was the end of a very long career as an Independent Consultant. Because of necessity, I have taken the path back to working for someone as an employee. I am not completely unhappy about this, because the work that I am doing will give me even more credibility as I develop my literacy workshops and publish my books. Now with nostalgia, I look back 40 years.
September 1968, I walked through the doors of Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company in Philadelphia. At that time, I left Bell Telephone for a school program that did not work out. I was to fly to Fenway, Ohio to complete this second phase of a home study course to be an Airline Reservationist. But, after receiving a letter in the mail telling me that my class had been overbooked, I was out of a job and too embarrassed to go back to Bell. I was 18 years old, and lacked self-confidence. I had started working for Bell right out of high school at the ripe old age of 17. It was during the Vietnam War years, and due to attrition, I moved up the ranks quickly from Information Operator to Assistant Supervisor. I resigned my position to fly off to Fenway for more exciting opportunities. So I took a big drop in pay and with the help of my sister-in-law, I went to work for an insurance company.
I spent 17 years at Penn Mutual Life Insurance in Philadelphia, learning almost every aspect of the back office functions in the insurance business. My first position was counting 15 square pieces of paper that contained the customer's policy information, and placed it in a pile. These piles of paper were then taken into the print room and used as the template to create the policy information page of the insurance policy. In six months, I was promoted to Junior File Clerk. I continued to move throughout the Underwriting Department; then moved on to the Medical Department; and then the Administrative Department into the typing pool; after going as far as I could, they created a position especially for me...Floating Secretary. I couldn't become a "real" secretary because I did not have shorthand or the aspiration to go to college.
After working in every department in the company, including filling in for the President's secretary, I took the company up on an opportunity to move into Data Processing. I took a test called the B-Apt Test. It gauged my analytical abilities and linear thinking. I failed the first time I took it. I realized then that I had been out of school for ten years, and I needed to learn how to study and take tests. I began taking courses at St. Joseph's College, now a University, in Overbrook. When the B-Apt test was offered again, I passed and was able to cross over from the "unskilled" labor force to the skilled world of Data Processing. Out of a class of ten, I finished dead last. I struggled, but I did learn one thing that helped me succeed, how to research and lookup the correct answer. My programming skills improved and over the course of seven years, I was promoted from Programmer Trainee to Project Leader. In 1984, I was one of the first programmers to work with personal computers.
In 1985, Penn Mutual went through major changes and restructuring, and they began a series of layoffs. I was going through a number of personal challenges in my life, and I accepted the voluntary layoff that was given to me. I took the 26 week severance package, purchased a personal desktop computer and began my career as a Computer Consultant. For the next 19 years, I worked for various large and small companies up and down the eastern shores. After the death of my husband, in 2003, my focus and direction dwindled. I was going through the right motions and saying the right things, but inside I was disconnected from my original dreams and goals that I had set for myself. I was actively engaged in staying busy, but getting nothing done.
On September 19th, I changed the course of my career by going back to the basics of getting a job. I had often said over the past 23 years that I would never get a traditional job. But, as they say, "Never Say Never". My eight year project ended with an architectural firm a month before my wedding in August. At that time, I had every intention of working the Tahitian Noni business fulltime that my husband and I started in 2007. But, life had other plans. Even though I prayed and asked the Lord to guide me during those fresh new days as a bride; I just couldn't get into the swing of things. Many unexpected things kept getting in the way; both mental and physical roadblocks, as well as, adjusting to my new marriage.
But, on November 4, 2008, I began an exciting new journey of celebrating life again; Barack Obama was elected President of these United States. "Yes I Can" is again my mantra.
Even though I knew that the Lord has a plan for me; I went through a period of doubt that I could achieve His level of success designed for me. This is what I know...I have survived many trials and learned so much about myself and the needs of people that I have come in contact. I have all that I need to be successful and to overcome my current challenges.
"Yes I Can"...be who He wants me to be. I have been given so many talents, abilities and gifts. I have developed talents that I can pass on to young scholars. "Yes I Can"...pass on to young scholars the talent to write and communicate their thoughts. My gifts are the spiritual gifts of service, teaching and leadership. In June 2008, I received my certificate as a Biblical Counselor. "Yes I Can"...listen beyond the words and hear the hurt and longing in people. These are all talents, abilities and gifts given to me by the Holy Spirit.
As long as I remember to honor His gifts, I know that "Yes I Can"...in spite of financial challenges and hardships. "Yes I Can"...in spite of apathy from friends and family members. "Yes I Can"...succeed in whatever I put my mind to. I just have to remember that 40 years ago I had taken a major step backward, and through determination and hard work I was able to achieve more than I imagined. I know that "Faith without Works" is passing the buck. God will order your steps and place opportunities in your path, and it is up to you to take action.
Never Say Never..."I'll never be able to afford a house." In 2004, I did.
Never Say Never..."I'll never find someone to love me and cherish me the way I deserve." In 2005, I did and in 2008 I married him.
Never Say Never...All things are possible through the love and the support of our Lord.
"Yes I Can"...be someone who can help you. Visit my website: http://www.gladstonepublishing.com and my various links. Or send me an email onesmartlady@gladstonepublishing.com or just leave a comment and let me know what you think. Subscribe to this blog and receive an alert whenever I update "Smart LifeStyles."
In the midst of this economic downward spiral, you can survive and achieve your goals and dreams. Latch onto my coat-tail and together we will succeed.
