Parable of a Persistent Man

John had suffered a difficult year. His 15-year marriage ended and, as a result, he had to sell his nice home and most of his belongings. With a trailer in tow, he drove through a blizzard to begin a new life halfway across the country. Still, after a year, things were not working out as hoped. Although he found a job, the commute was onerous, the pay was mediocre, and John saw little opportunity to advance his career. He began to search for better opportunities.

Having reestablished some contacts in his original home state, John successfully found employment in his field. Once again, he sold a few remaining belongings in order to fund his 500-mile move. Optimism fueled his relocation. He found a nice apartment and reported for work with his new employer.

The economy was challenging, with a high rate of unemployment. Some companies used despicable tactics to improve their profits at the expense of workers grateful to have a job. It was so, in this case. Upon John’s arrival, the dishonorable hiring manager changed his offer – reducing John’s base pay by 10%. John was understandably furious. But what could he do, having already incurred moving expenses and signing a one year lease on an apartment? He controlled his anger, started work, struggled to juggle expenses that exceeded his income, and began an urgent search for a new job – again – while working 60 hours a week.

Sending blind resumes out for online job postings was not John’s way. He believed in “pounding the pavement” the old fashioned way, resume in hand, wearing a suit and tie. One lead on a job led to several interviews, but no follow-through on the part of the hiring manager. Discouraged but stubbornly undeterred, John approached the same company via another avenue. Here he was met with interest and action.

The screening process for the new opportunity was intense. A series of interviews with operations managers was followed by a meeting with human resources. A personality test was administered. The final interview was with a Vice President. John made his reasonable salary requirements known. An offer was extended in writing (for 10% more than he requested), subject only to the final step of a background check and a drug test – both of which John easily passed. Offer letter in hand, John gave notice at his current job, just a few days after several other management personnel had resigned. The disreputable employer got their just desserts for mistreatment of their people. John got his new job. The new employer had hired a strong contributor.

Optimism and persistence landed John in a career situation ripe with promise for his future. His new employer provided generous benefits, a two-month paid management training program, and great potential for growth. Employee retention and promoting from within is part of their corporate culture.

Good jobs exist for people with skills and the persistence to pursue them. Take heart from John’s story.