I have to share this story with you about some special people in my life. Both lost their jobs, both in their 40’s and both in very specialized career paths before this happened. I have always said that God gives you certain talents, which will enable you to survive, and both of them are living proof of this.
Having been a police officer for about 15 years, now in his mid 40’s being without a job was not only a shock but also emotionally shaking. This career had been the core of his life for all these years and now he would have to find another career path. Having always had an interest in medicine, this would be the opportunity for him to find the positive aspect in his situation and begin studying for this field. After attending classes, both on campus and on the internet, he decided to go ahead and apply for a position as a firefighter where he could utilize his medical schooling as a firefighter and EMT. Being in excellent physical condition, he was able to go through firefighter school and performed higher than many of the younger men in his class. After finishing firefighter school, it was time to apply for positions with different departments. Because of the recent freeze in hiring in the state where he lives, at the present time the only positions available were to get on as a reserve, which he has done. This enables him to keep up his firefighting and EMT skills until he can get onto a department permanently. It also allows him to spend more time at home, working as a mentor at one of the local high schools and coaching a sports team.
Then there is the Project Manager, also in his 40’s, which specialized in projects building the buildings where microchips are manufactured. After many months of attempting to locate another position with no results, it was time to deal with the problem directly and start a company to do home repairs and remodeling. With his organizational skills and building experience both of commercial and some residential building, it was logical to begin a home repair business. In today’s world, people are spending money to remodel and update their present homes rather than to sell, taking huge losses on their investments, and purchase another home. From the moment he let others know of his new endeavor, work orders have been constantly coming his way.
Both of these men seem to be so much happier now. They have learned that life may through you a curve ball, but you can still step up to the plate and hit a home run! If you are given lemons, make lemonade!
I guess what I am trying to tell you is that it is never too late to reinvent yourself, to pursue your dreams and your goals as long as you are willing to put in the efforts to do so. I can hear enthusiasm in their voices whenever I speak with them, they are excited about the new opportunities that they have and the new doors that have opened up for them in their lives.
I wish both of them much happiness and success in their new ventures.
