Hard times make you stronger
Finding strength in adversity
Photo: Frazh CC-By-2.0
Life is made up of peaks and valleys. Like a rock, we get tossed and tumbled in the valleys. It builds character, strength-making us shine on the peaks.
My “day time job” as a Design Engineer is one that, for the most part, has been stable during my career. Don’t get me wrong, there have been ups and downs. When you throw in the fact that about half of my career has been as a contractor, i.e. a temp, it’s amazing.
Early in the summer of 2008 the contract that I was working on, ran out. I found myself in a not-so-uncommon situation of being out of work. Not a rare scenario in this line of work, we’ve been pretty good about keeping a nest egg. Plus, I’ve always been able to land a job within a few weeks.
Adversity precedes growth. – Rosemarie Rossett
There was something different this time though. It was just before the US economy started to take a header. The industry that I specialize in was ahead of the curve. The job market was already in the toilet, with the exception of a very few companies.
With the local market being non-existent, a looming mortgage and two car payments, we came to the conclusion that I was going to have to broaden my search to other parts of the country.
Aside from my faith, my family is my rock. Everything that I do, in some way, is for them. The thought of not being there for any amount of time was not sitting well.
I had many nibbles, but was finally offered a position at a company in San Antonio, TX–2,000 miles from home! The good news was that I had family there, so that made it slightly better.
Aside from texting, daily phone calls, video calls on Skype, and flying home once a month (BTW, Southwest rocks!), I didn’t see my family for ten months. Finally we made the call that if no jobs at home turned up, I was going to fly home, and move them all down here.
A learning moment
That was a tremendous adversity. During that time away from home I leaned a lot about myself, and what I needed to do to really lead my family better. My faith grew stronger. The love of my wife and children grew deeper. What was revealed to me were the things that really mattered.
This is just one of many examples that I could have written about. The moral of the story is the same-life happens. There will be bumps along the way. What choice do you have but to pick yourself up and keep moving on?
When it comes to your health, what are some of your adversities? Perhaps it is time. Or an injury. Or money. What is standing in your way? Are you going to be beaten in the valley? Or will you shine on the mountain top?
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Great post! A quote that has been resonating with me lately is this:
“For every failure, there’s an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.” ~Mary Kay Ash
This has got to be forwarded to my family!!! You are the best and I am very proud of you lover!!!
It’s very hard while going through a struggle, but when it is past, I can see where I have grown. It has taken me many, many years to be able to do that, but now I can’t help but see growth with every step. Nice article, Todd.
Outstanding post!
Thank you ladies for the kind words. I appreciate it.
You’re good. Like, really good. You know I’ve been freaking out and you’re totally making me feel better. *hugs*
@Julie That really means a lot coming from you. Thank you.
Frankly, I’d be freaking out too if I were in your shoes. But, it appears that you have a great support system, so I know that you’ll be fine.