Having a Job is the New Raise

“Having a Job is the New Raise.”

This is the tagline on one of the ever-popular “someecards”

that people love to post to their Facebook.

I have posted this one to mine.

The little share-able online postcards are usually hilarious but sarcastic

and even inappropriate at times.

But this one is so true.

I went to college from 2005 to 2009, and I majored in Communications.

It was a small private college and my department only had maybe 50 seniors

The year I graduated. Out of those, only a select handful of truly

“go-getters” had a career lined up at the end.

I unfortunately dragged my feet, not being certain what I wanted,

And graduated near the bottom of my department

And somewhere in the middle of the entire class of 2009

As far as GPA goes.

After college was over, there was nothing but a sort of

“purgatory state” waiting for  me as I fumbled around trying to find

A means not to be a successful career woman but

Just to survive.

I bounced from part-time retail job in the mall to a just-barely-above-minimum-wage

Full time job at a pack-and-ship store to weekends at the garden department in Home Depot to getting some cash for assisting people with errands.

For two and a half years.

Finally, In 2011 I landed a bank teller job, which I still have today,

But could have obtained without the college degree.

It figures.

Sometimes, I hear about someone young who was a genious

When it came to business skills and they have launched their own business

Making hundreds of thousands on a cutting edge service or product.

Or I hear about a girl like me but who pursued, aggressively, a passion like

Politics or not-for-profit causes from the time she was 12 and now,

In her early 20’s, is getting tugged in every direction to accept high-paying jobs

In that field.

And of course, I feel down on myself.

Why didn’t I try harder?

Now I’m learning to stop feeling that way.

To be thankful for what I do have.

To realize God has a plan.

To know that I am right where I need to be.

“Be still and know that I am God” – Psalm 46:10

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” 

–Proverbs 3:5-6

I have sat here in this basic 9-5 job that just pays the bills

For two years now and I have watched the world around me.

I have seen big companies fold.

Seemingly stable companies (like other banks) get bought out

And undergo mergers and fire many people.

I have seen news about downsizing that happens out there.

I watch the unemployment rate steadily rise.

I hear about Obamacare wrecking the benefits that people have.

I hear stories of people who obtain a bright, shiny new career only to get let go

months later…

And I sit here, with my steady 9-5, my unchanged health benefit plan fees,

My reliable weekends and holidays,

And even if it isn’t enough to really cover unexpected issues,

my paycheck is always the same amount

and always on time.

I may not be “top banana” of some company nor is my name on the door of a private office, but God has been faithful to me and seen that my basic needs be met (and then some).

With such an unstable job market and such rough economic times,

Anyone with a job is blessed.

It doesn’t matter if you are behind some sort of desk 9-5

Or if your work random hours as a server or fry cook.

Right now, those of you out there that are employed anywhere

Or married to someone that is,

Are ahead of some 11,000,000 other Americans that are not.

Don’t gloat.

Remember those people and say a prayer for them.

Donate to your local food bank and clothing drive.

But realize how much worse it could be

Than not being a highly successful career professional in a clean-pressed suit.

If you have an income and means to pay the bills honestly, you aresuccessful…

But more importantly, you are blessed.

If you don’t have a job and you’re looking,

First of all have faith.

Rely on God, don’t blame him for your struggle.

He’s got you. And the bible says:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” –Matthew 6:33

And second, remember all this that you’ve read here.

If you once had a career or always wanted one,

But you get that much anticipated phone call from…

…a grocery store or a small office that wanted a receptionist…

Rejoice!

Having a job really is the new raise.