Blessing in Disguise

This Thanksgiving long weekend has me thinking about the things for which I'm grateful, the most recent being a new job. In September 2016, I started working for a group of 5 doctors. It didn't take me long to realize this was not the type of work I wanted to do long term.

Originally, I had completed a course in medical transcription and at one point I ran my own home-based transcription business. When voice-to-text software became available, I lost a major account and was forced to look for work elsewhere. Working for these 5 doctors was my second job in a doctor's office. This job gave me opportunities to do some transcription work, but unfortunately there were many other demands for my time as well. I became increasingly unhappy in my work. I updated my resume and actively began searching for something else.

On Friday, August 24, 2018, two of my doctor bosses called me into their office to talk. They sat down on one side of the desk and I sat across from them. The tension in the air felt almost tangible. One of them was breathing fast and shallow. I knew whatever he was about to say was not going to be good. He proceeded to say that due to staffing issues they had to let me go. This news was completely unexpected. I took a deep breath. I sensed God's presence and in my spirit I heard Him say, "You're going to be OK. Stay calm! I want you to receive this news with grace. The way you respond is going to speak volumes." I could see how nervous they both were. I calmly accepted the news and listened to their explanations. I could tell they felt bad. When they were done, I calmly asked them to keep me in mind if they ever hear about a job opening in the transcription department at the hospital.

I delivered the news to my coworkers, packed my things and went out for lunch with one of my coworker friends. I was feeling rejected which never feels good and wondering "why me." When I arrived at home my cell phone rang. It was one of my bosses. He had gone straight to the hospital to work after speaking with me and made a few phone calls. He gave me the name and number of the person I needed to contact about a transcription job at the hospital. I set up an interview, did some tests and was offered the job.

Exactly one month after being let go, I began working for the transcription department at the hospital. The hospital is Catholic so there are pictures of Jesus and crosses everywhere. There is a chapel and every morning there is a prayer that goes out across the sound system. I love my new job and I'm very happy.

God is good! He had a plan and because I followed his guidance I was able to move forward into that plan.