This morning I start a new job. It’s the first time I’ve started at a totally new company in over a decade. I am so excited. But can I say, I am also so jittery. You know that feeling in your stomach? It’s a good change but it’s still change!?!?!? And you have to prove yourself once more, from scratch, and adjust to new systems and personalities and work loads. Wow.
I’m actually writing this post the weekend before I start, and I’ve pre-scheduled a lot of posts for this month in case I get too tied up at the new job to write. But I’m sitting in a hotel room in Dallas working on my leadership book (or taking a break from working on the book!), and I started pondering what lies ahead at 8 am Monday morning. I want to start fresh. I don’t want to repeat mistakes I’ve made before. Because not only is it nerve-wracking to start fresh, it’s also exhilarating.
So in case you’re starting a new job, or a new career, or a new school, or a new promotion, I’ve written a little list of “Be’s” for us both today:
1. Be thankful. Start off the day with an overwhelming sense of gratitude that you have this exciting new opportunity and the gift of a paycheck. I continue to tell the Lord how incredibly appreciative I am that He has opened this door for me to walk through – I don’t ever want to forget what a gift it is.
2. Be authentic. Start your new job, school, position with a sense of who you are and stay true to it. People will appreciate your authenticity. People will trust you because you are genuine.
3. Be diligent. Wow, well it’s time to prove yourself all over again. Work hard. Show that your steadfast work ethic and team player mentality will help the company weather the trickiest challenges.
4. Be kind. I love to be around people who are good people and generous to others. I know it works both ways. Speak positive and affirming words. Share. Love those around you.
5. Be discreet. Oh heavens, true confession (ironic don’t you think): I’ve just spent the past week speaking some gossipy things. I’m seeking forgiveness. I refuse to make the same mistake. Regardless of the circumstance, don’t be the one that gossips or spreads unfortunate stories in your new position. Your discretion will be recognized and appreciated in this culture of indiscretion.
6. Be prayerful. I have no idea what this new opportunity holds. I don’t know all the players. I don’t know the work load. I don’t know the challenges or the rewards. But I am confident that this is what I was supposed to do and where I was supposed to go. I want to seek God’s hand to lead me in the ways I work, I speak, I interact, I lead, and I follow. Affirmatively offer up your stress at His feet and relax.
Eph. 2:10 – For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Deut 8:18 – But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant…
Col. 3:17 – And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Jer. 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Psalm 90:17 – May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.
You’ll do great!! Good luck!!!
This: ” I don’t know the work load. I don’t know the challenges or the rewards. But I am confident that this is what I was supposed to do and where I was supposed to go.”
My groom isn’t seeing it for me right now (yet), and because he isn’t hearing from God in the ways I am, I am confused about this. I don’t want to resent him if I choose “no” for a new job, yet I feel this is all God and not about lookatme.
So so so hard – I think you start praying for God to bring your husband’s heart around to the opportunity – you need to have support at home.