Overcoming Job Loss: A Spiritual Guide

By Sandra L. Bailey

OVERCOMING JOB LOSS ~ A SPIRITUAL GUIDE

The rejection emails and phone calls keep coming and you feel like time is running out and you dont know what to do and where to turn. Discouragement begins to kick in because you have now been unemployed for quite some time. You asked yourself the question, What more can I do? Look no further; Overcoming Job Loss A Spiritual Guide written by Evangelist Sandra Bailey who also experienced job loss can help you put those concerns to rest.

Overcoming Job Loss A Spiritual Guide consists of six faith based principles that will help you to get through your period of unemployment with grace and confidence. They are supported by the Scriptures and will make this difficult period so much easier to handle as you follow the steps outlined.
The content of Overcoming Job Loss A Spiritual Guide allows you to tap into your Source the only wise God and allow Him to open the doors that are closed. He will now be the one pulling the strings for you and giving you directives. Rest in Him and watch Him work for you, He has your next job lined up for you. For I know the thoughts I have towards you saith the Lord; thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11). Dont throw in the towels; see those rejections as a sign that those jobs are not good enough for you!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9781467037914

Sandra L. Bailey

Dr. Sandra Bailey is an energetic, self – motivated, purpose driven young lady who continues to strive for excellence. She is a multi – talented international Evangelist, public speaker, conference facilitator, life coach and the author of “Called to Worship ~ A Lifestyle of Praise” and “Overcoming Job Loss ~ A Spiritual Guide.” Born in Jamaica, West Indies, Sandra migrated to the USA to join her mother and siblings and she currently resides in Englewood New Jersey with her loving husband Ian and daughter Sanian. She serves as a lay minister at the Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) where Presiding Bishop Walter G. McKoy serves as pastor. Additionally she possesses a strong educational background which has culminated with a Doctorate in Theology, a Master’s in Theology and a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition. Her passion for knowledge coupled with her love for people propelled her to begin a Doctorate program in Christian Counseling. Her recent experience with unemployment for over ten months motivated her to pen this book “Overcoming Job Loss ~ A Spiritual Guide.” Dr. Bailey believes that during her period of unemployment she learned some valuable lessons that caused her to triumph. Hence she packaged her experience in this book with the hope that others who find themselves in the same situation will have a point of reference to help them deal with their job loss with Grace. Sandra believes that the combination of her victories and challenges have made her into the respected thought leader she have grown into. Her dream is to host a Women’s Conference to help motivate women to ignite their passion and do the unthinkable. Her mantra is “Nothing is impossible with God.” Dr. Bailey can be contacted at [e-mail]. She is available for speaking engagements and conference workshops.

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Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

PRINCIPLE #1

PRINCIPLE#2

PRINCIPLE#3

PRINCIPLE#4

PRINCIPLE#5

PRINCIPLE#6

CONCLUSION

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My period of job loss was ten months. Those ten months felt like forever, however I am thankful to God for placing people in my life that not only offered moral support but at times financial support. The support system was great but above all that I thank God for the faith I had in Him to believe that this too will pass. I also thank God for the precious promises that I found in His Word on a daily basis.

Special mention of Ian my husband of twenty years, who not one day while I was unemployed made me feel like I had to go back to work. Ian your constant prayer, love and support are always appreciated. It was your strength that I consistently drew from on days when it seemed like I would never land another job of my choice. Your persistent endearing commendation of my professionalism and brilliance also gave me hope. Thank you for everything ~ I love you!

To Sanian my beautiful daughter, I most certainly appreciated your understanding. As you know I have always had this compulsion to buy you everything. Thanks San for those moments when we went shopping and I would pick up stuff for you and you would say, Mom I don’t need that. This somehow relieved the stress of feeling that I always had to get you stuff during my state of unemployment. I love the way you are growing up into a young lady who knows that one’s value is not in the things they possess. Love you!

Thanks to all my friends who have demonstrated care and concern during my time of unemployment. Your check in phone calls and home visits were much appreciated. Special mention to my friend Mike Scoon who took the time to create multiple copies of my resume, critique my attitude whenever I would get in a state of impatience. Thanks Mike for all those pep talks. Your blatant rejoicing when I told you I was no longer going to be employed at my former place of business was initially hard to understand. At first it was not well received, but in retrospect I thank you for always wanting the best for me.

To Elder Owen Buckley – thanks for all you do. You always seem to go above and beyond to ensure that I was doing fine. To my dear friend Janet Dillion – Wynter thanks for the delicious meals you prepared for us, we totally enjoyed them.

To my dear sister Jackie Glenn of Boston, Massachusetts who circulated my resume within her company of employment and among her business associates. Jackie your dedication and persistent follow – up certainly paid off and for that I am eternally grateful. Thanks for those weekly reminders that God knows best. I love you!

Last but certainly not least to my Pastor, Bishop Walter G. McKoy and the saints of the Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic), Englewood NJ for your prayers. May God continue to bless you all richly.

INTRODUCTION

Life was good; you had a job that allowed you to live comfortably and also enabled you to afford the finer things in life. You lived in a middle class neighborhood, driving a fine car, the kids are enrolled in swimming, taking tennis lessons and you were able to vacation twice per year and not to mention eating out quite often at some of the finest restaurants. Unfortunately one day this came to a screeching halt creating major setbacks in your well laid out plans. How could this happen to me and what am I going to do? You questioned.

It was business as usual; you woke up and did your morning routine which involved your morning devotion acknowledging your Maker. You believed that in ALL your ways you should acknowledge God and allow Him to direct your path. You got the children ready for school and then headed to the office. This morning in particular the traffic was so heavy that you made your exit two exits earlier to avoid the bumper to bumper scenario. Finally you made it to the office and gave God thanks for His journeying mercies and His travelling grace.

As customary you started the morning going through those emails that came in after you had left the office the previous day. Most of the emails as per usual were FYI’s, however there was this one invite for a 10:00am meeting with the CEO of your company and all other employees on your management level. This was an unusual surprise because meetings of that nature are usually planned in advance to ensure the attendance of everyone involved.

Being one of the managers that had a later start time the office was already buzzing with speculation as to the reason for this somewhat urgent meeting. There were a lot of ideas ranging from, the business was folding under, strategic plans for the upcoming quarter, changes our client required in our performance and the list kept on growing. Management employees were gathered in groups whispering among themselves.

The longest two hour period for you that day was from 8:00am – 10:00am. You sat at your desk with your personal speculations that you were too afraid to share fearing that it might just be the reality. At approximately five minutes to 10:00am managers began filing into the dedicated conference room to secure their seats. The look of trepidation, confusion and anticipation was noticeable on all the faces. The room grew still as everyone awaited the arrival of upper management and the CEO to make their grand entrance.

They greeted everyone with the usual, Good morning how is everyone doing this morning. A few persons muttered fine reluctantly. The CEO went straight to the heart of the matter which was the reason we were all gathered together this morning. At this point you are now being told that everyone on your management level positions and the department that you managed will be eliminated in a matter of months. The room grew silent as everyone avoided eye contact with each other. The explanation that they gave for the elimination of positions was one of their largest clients had decided to take their business elsewhere. The apologies began to flow and so did the tears of most of your colleagues. The end date was given which allowed you at least six months to make the transition. During this whole process you sat there engulfed in your own world thinking about your personal situation followed by the aged old question, What am I going to do?

Your thoughts raced, you had spent a decade at this company and now the curtains are coming down involuntarily. Fear of the unknown gripped your thoughts but then came the comforting voice from within, "For we know that all things work together for the good to them who love God to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28). That was your queue to demonstrate what you have been preaching and teaching others for years as a minister of the Gospel. You needed to look straight into the face of this adversity – job loss and KNOW that God is ABLE!

After the announcement your management team appeared to be considerate by stating that employees who were not in a state of mind to work for the rest of the day were at liberty to leave the office. However you being strengthened by the Word of God stayed for the entire day knowing that Jesus doeth all things well. There was not much accomplished in terms of work because your day was spent being a sounding board for many who needed to vent. You left the office with mixed emotions. The fear of the unknown captivated your thoughts on the drive home that evening.

Breaking the news to loved ones was hard but nevertheless you did it with a sense of assurance that Jesus doeth ALL things well. The support you received from friends and family members was great and this made the load of pending unemployment much easier to bear. The journey from unemployment to re-employment definitely had some bumps in the road, some expected and some unexpected. There were moments of despair, trepidation and much anticipation but within all of that