Keep Your Hopes Alive

Eleven years ago, I would not have dreamed I would be writing on a blog about Human Resources issues or anything else for that matter, since blogs didn’t even exist at that time. But here I am and I hope my story will be helpful.

After becoming a widow at the age of 40, I worked as a business administrator in a church for over 10 years. Following a desire and determination for something different in my life, I decided it was time for a change, not only professionally, but personally. I began the Organizational Management program at Lubbock Christian University and moved to Lubbock. I pursued getting another job for a year and half before being hired as an Administrative Assistant at TechTel Communications, a start up telephone company located in Lubbock. I was fortunate enough with this company that after 1 year of learning the business, pursuing my degree and doing the billing, hiring, employee relations, etc., I was promoted to Director of HR due to having been mentored by another professional HR person, who saw potential in me and took the time to learn under her expertise.

3 years later, this same HR professional recruited me to work for Alamosa PCS, the largest Sprint affiliate in the nation. I was there for 4 years until the company sold out to Sprint Corporate.

Fortunately, Suddenlink Communications had an opening as a Recruiter and I was hired. During my tenure here, I took and passed my PHR. About a year later, I took a position as Regional HR Manager for Trinity Industries, but exactly one year later, Trinity sold out their local facility leaving me without a job again. 3 months later, Suddenlink had another opening and I was blessed to be hired back as an HR Generalist II.

None of this is too spectacular or that unusual unless you count the following facts:

1. I was 50 years old when I made the decision to make a change.
2. I kept looking even thought it took me 1-1/2 years to find my new path.
3. I pursued my degree--even though I was older.
4. I worked as hard or harder than some of the younger people.
5. Everywhere I left employment, I left on good terms, enough to get rehired.
6. I never gave up!!

Have you had one of those days, weeks or years, when it just seemed everything was against you? Maybe you lost your job, a family member is ill or you are ill. We have so much that can pull us down and make us give up hope. But, you can’t give up because you have something to offer and people are depending on you. How do you keep going when life throws obstacles at you from every direction?

1. Set your goals--what do you really want to accomplish in your life? You can’t get there unless you have established where you want to go. Write it down and keep it before you every day reminding you of where you are heading.
2. Write down the steps to reaching your goal--Do you want to be a nurse? Then research the educational requirements and financial requirements of getting that degree. Talk to the counselor at the specific school that offers the courses and schedules you can work into your life. Be PROACTIVE. It won’t come to you--you must go get it.
3. Don’t think you are alone--There are people everywhere who will help you if you have a genuine desire and DETERMINATION to better yourself in life. I have a desire to be a millionaire, but don’t have the determination to stop spending on unnecessary things and instead--put the money in savings where it will grow to a million dollars (well, those days may be gone). Desire must go hand in hand with determination to get to the goal line. Seek and find those who will and can help you.
4. Smile when there is nothing to smile about--You’re thinking "what does that do for me?" A smile on your face draws others to you--others who can help you, encourage you, think--this is a person I want to be around or help.
5. Never, never, never, never give up--You will never reach your goals, feel good about yourself or inspire others if you try but give up. Look for every resource to help you get to your goal, whether it be a higher power, friends, family, networking – it will not happen if YOU give up. Stand strong and get’er done!!!!

Life lessons are not easy but they can make you stronger or make you weaker. It is our choice which will win.