I became a Unity truth student over twenty years ago and with the zeal that newcomers often express, I jumped into the teachings and practices with life-changing expectations. After nearly a year of putting into practice what I was learning, I had a long “getting to know each other” conversation with another congregant. Shortly afterward, she phoned me to tell me about a position that was opening in the agency where she worked. She encouraged me to apply. I protested that I did not have the education for that type of job. She assured me that I was a natural and could succeed despite my limitation.
Having learned that God opens doors in many ways, I believed that if this was for me then the doors would open. I wanted the job. I had some slight relevant work history, and it was the type of career I had wanted to follow when I left the military in my early 20s. I was surprised when my application and cover letter earned me an interview. Traveling to the interview, I was very nervous. I had heard about using a mantra to get centered and calm, so I made this one up on the fly: “God is in absolute control of this situation. All things work together for good so I can safely let go.” This mantra calmed me, but I had to fill my head with it constantly as I drove; there was no room in my thoughts for negative thinking because every time such a thought arose I drowned it out with my mantra.
I was relaxed and calm during the interview and felt more curious about what was happening than anxious as I responded to questions. I was totally honest about my short-comings in pertinent education and the experience needed for the position. I liked the people and they seemed to respond well to me.
I was floored when I was called the next day and offered the job contingent on my salary requirements. I was told that human relations would call me the next day to work that out. I didn’t have a clue what the usual starting pay was, so when I called my friend to thank her, I asked. She told me that new inexperienced college graduates were earning $18,000 per year. When the HR manager called and asked me what I expected to make, I thought of my inexperience, swallowed hard, and said 18 (hoping I could get that much). There was hesitation on the other end of the line, and then he said, “That’s more than we usually start someone, but let me see what I can do.” Much later, he called back and offered me over $26,000 a year!
I was stunned but covered up my confusion as I blurted out my acceptance. Afterward thinking about what had happened, I realized I had asked for 18 (thinking $18,000 yearly) and he had heard 18, meaning $18 per hour ($37,000 yearly)! I never would have had the nerve to ask for that much money; after all, my degrees were in another field and I had little experience that translated into what was needed. Unknowingly, I had successfully negotiated a higher starting salary.
How has your life been changed as a result of your ordeal?
When I was hired, I immersed myself in study for my new job. When I began working I did not hesitate to ask for guidance from my co-workers and supervisors. After my first year, and with glowing performance review, I told my supervisor that I was thinking about going back to college to get a Master’s degree in my new field. She dissuaded me by telling me that I had the basic skills and knowledge naturally. I would perform even better as I gained more experience.
Three years later, I did go back to college and earned two more degrees. I earned my professional license and eventually became self-employed. My life, my consciousness, my self-esteem, my career, my relationships, and my income drastically changed because I had the strength to follow my guidance step-by-step until I arrived in a second successful career. To get to this place, I practiced the principles of faith, prayer, mediation, intuition, visualization, affirmation, tithing, positive thinking, and courage.
What would you advise another facing similar circumstances based on what you have learned?
Even though it may be scary, I advise following your guidance. Even the small steps taken can be signs that you are on the right path. Don’t get overly concerned with the destination just take the next step. When you are in the flow, doors will open without resistance. All that you have to do is show up and step through.
Thank you – if you would, please tell us a bit about yourself.
I used to be very shy and unassuming because I did not love myself. I had learned when I was young that I did not have much worth, and that consequently, I would not be successful. I had problems having committed relationships and my first career was not very fulfilling. I have learned that I needed to experience the heartache of failed relationships so I would eventually be open to grow. I also learned that I needed my previous jobs and the experiences that came out of my first career to mold me for my second. In so many ways, despite what had often felt like despair, all things have worked together for my good.
