Unplanned Detours Can Yield New Strengths Unimagined

March 23, 2023
Woman squatting on rocky river

“Never become so thirsty that you drink from any cup that’s presented to you. Be selective, be smart, be wise.”

This is true in all facets of life. Don’t settle. You are so worth it.

This isn’t my first rodeo with unemployment. Several years ago, I was operating in a position for what I thought was my dream job I’d always wanted. 

I had a great coworker and what seemed to be a wonderful leadership development opportunity: Impacting the lives of staff, families, and their children in a positive way.

Then the sponsoring founder died, left no will, and those leaders who were under his vision went crazy. They refused to seek any outside advice for the situation. They didn’t want to follow a woman, and I was labeled guilty by association.

Before I knew it, I had an email in my inbox saying the board was going to vote that weekend for removal from my position. People I loved and looked up to were on that deciding committee, and I wasn’t given opportunity to speak or represent myself. They changed the locks to the building on me.
So I walked away and filed for unemployment.

Those in power tried to dispute my unemployment claim, but I won. Five weeks later I found my next gig, and life went on.

That experience hurt me in a way that could have never imagined. How could people I had worked closely with and spent countless hours with think I was the enemy?

The answer: I wasn’t a cultural fit. They wanted “yes” people in position.

Groupthink was happening over time, and I didn’t even see it until it slapped me in the face. Suddenly, the job that I thought checked all the boxes for me, wasn’t checking them.

Sometimes in life, we have to take an unplanned detour, but it will result in revealing a strength within you that you didn’t know existed. 

I have to give credit to my God. He has proven His love and faithfulness to me throughout my life’s challenges and obstacles beyond my wildest imaginations.

I have no doubt in my mind that I will find my next employment opportunity and be able to make a positive difference. Watch me. 😉

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV)

#leaders#job#opportunity#experience#people#love#power#LeadershipDevelopment#ThinkAboutIt#ThinkForYourself#AvoidGroupthink#BeWise#KnowYourWorth#DontGiveUp#YouGotThis

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  • Great article! I appreciate the clear and insightful perspective you’ve shared. It’s fascinating to see how this topic is developing. For those interested in diving deeper, I found an excellent resource that expands on these ideas: check it out here. Looking forward to hearing others’ thoughts and continuing the discussion!

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