Getting a Do-Over - I Should Have Quit before I Got Fired (Part Trois)

Getting a Do-Over - I Should Have Quit before I Got Fired (Part Trois)

I HAVE HAD some rich discussions with the folks whom I have reprimanded (or had to terminate) over the years. We sometimes talked about aligning our God-given talents with other forms of work; we sometimes talked about taking the initiative to create change (rather than have the change happen to us); and we sometimes talked about admitting to ourselves that we play the starring role in our success and failure. Rarely is something done to you without your active involvement.

I asked Sophie what she thought about these topics and how she would direct someone who is facing the reality that a job change is imminent. Here are her thoughts:

Following your life purpose will disappoint someone in your life, perhaps even many someones. Not following it will disappoint you and dishonor why you are here.

God always challenges us in one of three ways—by pulling us (It will be fun and exciting to go there), pushing us (I’m not having fun here anymore), or kicking us in the rear (I’m seriously ill; or I have been let go). If we don’t listen to the pushes, we will eventually get that kick.

Being kicked is painful but not fatal if you realize that 1) you’ve learned some valuable lessons; 2) you created, or at least in some way contributed to, the situation in some way; and 3) redemption (something better or knowledge that will help you or others) is always an outcome if you allow it to be. That means letting go of the “what-ifs,” resentments, and desire to see yourself as the victim.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10, NASB)

Choose to be true to yourself. Keep your chin up. You’ll find the right fit.