Yup, I took the plunge and had my computer cleaned out over the weekend. I now have a new operating system and am in the process of downloading the files I got off the computer before it was cleaned. I think I should also give myself a new lease in life as well. That means that I have to stop dwelling on the negatives of not having permanent employment and see the opportunities to expand my horizons.
So, what now? Can I see myself living the kind of life that someone who works just for the contract and not for an actual company lives? What are the advantages to this kind of life?
1) I can keep my own hours. This is a good thing since I've gotten used to a pattern of work that has me with a flexible amount of hours. In other words, I could work in the morning, take the afternoon to do outside work and come back in the evening to do more work.
2) I connect with a wide variety of people from all walks of life. Some of their stories are amazing. I can listen to the stories elders tell us and imagine what it might have looked like to them.
3) I learn new skills that I haven't had before. Some of those skills I can use now.
4) I can fellowship with others in the same or similar situations. I can support them and they in turn can support me.
I know it's not easy for me to transition from a solid foundation to a liquid state of scrambling for work. I hate the feeling of never knowing what the next day will bring or if I'll ever find the position I need to make a living. Yet I know I must keep pressing on, learning more about this transition and hopefully get some great gains both spiritually and monetarily.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Starting to See Why I left the Corporate World
Hi,
I spent this morning learning about the legal aspects of fundraising, some of which I gleaned earlier and some I didn't really know. There is a lot to know when you are going out on your own as an independent contractor. One of the things I suddenly realized is that I can use the EIN number I have, and should be using it instead of an SSN number. It makes a whole lot of sense to use the EIN number for business and keep your SSN number for when you are an employee. You get an EIN number when you register with your state which will ask you what taxes you are going to be paying. For most independent contractors, it will be the social security taxes, and the sales taxes. I still have some questions though.
Corporations do make you go through some "hoops" to allow you to get their business. It all seems confusing and time consuming when you have to go through a delicate dance between what is and isn't acceptable. You often wonder if it's worth it. You really have to ask yourself at one point whether or not you want to continue playing the corporate games or start moving in another direction.
I can understand why there are so many rules and regulations. It is hard to know when you're accidentally breaking one especially when you are out on your own as an independent contractor. So I'm taking this slow. Listening intently and learning all I can about what I need to know to help grow my non-profit organization. I'm hoping that in the near future that enough funds and support will come in to grow the vision I have for the organization.
I spent this morning learning about the legal aspects of fundraising, some of which I gleaned earlier and some I didn't really know. There is a lot to know when you are going out on your own as an independent contractor. One of the things I suddenly realized is that I can use the EIN number I have, and should be using it instead of an SSN number. It makes a whole lot of sense to use the EIN number for business and keep your SSN number for when you are an employee. You get an EIN number when you register with your state which will ask you what taxes you are going to be paying. For most independent contractors, it will be the social security taxes, and the sales taxes. I still have some questions though.
Corporations do make you go through some "hoops" to allow you to get their business. It all seems confusing and time consuming when you have to go through a delicate dance between what is and isn't acceptable. You often wonder if it's worth it. You really have to ask yourself at one point whether or not you want to continue playing the corporate games or start moving in another direction.
I can understand why there are so many rules and regulations. It is hard to know when you're accidentally breaking one especially when you are out on your own as an independent contractor. So I'm taking this slow. Listening intently and learning all I can about what I need to know to help grow my non-profit organization. I'm hoping that in the near future that enough funds and support will come in to grow the vision I have for the organization.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Still struggling with the New Economy and trying to find my place in it
Hi, this week has been an adventure. I have yet to gain traction on this new journey that I find myself on. Everyone tells me that you have to be an entrepreneur in order to survive. Yet they don't tell you how hard it is to compete with millions of others who have followed that dream as well. Nor do they tell you that being entrepreneur sometimes means that you're a serf for whatever company or organization wants to hire you. In other words the new word is "independent contractor"....which essentially means that you
1) Scramble with everyone else to find work that will pay more than a pittance.
2)Beg to find any work so you get money in the bank which you need to pay bills.
3)You pay for your own health insurance and everything else with little or no money...Good Luck!
4)You get to expose your personal information for everyone to see and count it a privilege if they don't destroy your identity in the process.
5)You take the risk of losing everything, even your home on the hopes that the company is legit and they will pay what you're worth.
6) If you complain, then you join the thousands that are struggling to find work..
Yes, I know that sounds bitter...but I haven't as yet found out anything different. I actually read a very scary article about computers and robots taking over many of the jobs that we're doing today. I was reminded of a very scary movie I saw as a child called "Future Shock". I still remember the feeling of helplessness I had then about the future. I know now that God is still in control. I have to tell myself this every day. There is some position out there for me. I just have to reach out for it and grab a hold of it.
1) Scramble with everyone else to find work that will pay more than a pittance.
2)Beg to find any work so you get money in the bank which you need to pay bills.
3)You pay for your own health insurance and everything else with little or no money...Good Luck!
4)You get to expose your personal information for everyone to see and count it a privilege if they don't destroy your identity in the process.
5)You take the risk of losing everything, even your home on the hopes that the company is legit and they will pay what you're worth.
6) If you complain, then you join the thousands that are struggling to find work..
Yes, I know that sounds bitter...but I haven't as yet found out anything different. I actually read a very scary article about computers and robots taking over many of the jobs that we're doing today. I was reminded of a very scary movie I saw as a child called "Future Shock". I still remember the feeling of helplessness I had then about the future. I know now that God is still in control. I have to tell myself this every day. There is some position out there for me. I just have to reach out for it and grab a hold of it.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
No Rest for the Weary
You might be wondering about the above title. I am weary of so many things. Yet I know there is no rest for me. You might ask why? Oh there are a number of reasons. One of the biggest is that I can't for one moment let my guard down and give in to the negativity I see all around me. Once I do, then I get stuck in it for a long time. I find it harder to pull myself up or show a positive attitude when I let myself go.
Is that what I need to do? Let go? Yes...it is true that I need not look any further than God's Word to find rest. Yes...it is true that God promises us eternal life and everlasting joy in the world to come. Yes...I can rest in him and I should be doing that. Yet it is hard to let go and sometimes hard to see that hand reaching out to you in the midst of a wearying situation. It calls for trust.
Do I trust God enough to provide for my every need? Yes. He does it even when I don't ask or seem ungrateful. Am I willing to rest in him knowing that he will provide? Yes. I can do this through his strength, not my own. In my own strength, I am nothing. He will strengthen me for the race and equip me for the journey. I need not fear the dark tunnel I find myself in. I only need to grab his hand and move forward.
It is the moving forward that sometimes trips me up. My mind and body long for rest. Yet I know that there is no rest for the weary. We must stand on our guard day and night for Satan's attacks. We have to reach out to God and press forward in his Light. I know this.
Is that what I need to do? Let go? Yes...it is true that I need not look any further than God's Word to find rest. Yes...it is true that God promises us eternal life and everlasting joy in the world to come. Yes...I can rest in him and I should be doing that. Yet it is hard to let go and sometimes hard to see that hand reaching out to you in the midst of a wearying situation. It calls for trust.
Do I trust God enough to provide for my every need? Yes. He does it even when I don't ask or seem ungrateful. Am I willing to rest in him knowing that he will provide? Yes. I can do this through his strength, not my own. In my own strength, I am nothing. He will strengthen me for the race and equip me for the journey. I need not fear the dark tunnel I find myself in. I only need to grab his hand and move forward.
It is the moving forward that sometimes trips me up. My mind and body long for rest. Yet I know that there is no rest for the weary. We must stand on our guard day and night for Satan's attacks. We have to reach out to God and press forward in his Light. I know this.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Learning from the little ones and seeing everything through their eyes
I remembered vividly the first time I heard the good news about the Lord and his redeeming love. I was six...the same age as this little girl. It didn't "take" then because I went back to my old ways soon afterwards. I didn't understand what it was I was committing to...It was a spur of the moment reaction. Yet when I reflect back I realize that it was a true reaction to the news I received. I couldn't understand what it truly meant to commit my life to the One who had my life in his hands. It was a child's reaction of complete and total acceptance. Sometimes I long to go back to that feeling of complete abandonment to my heavenly father...I want to become the child I once was...utterly dependent on my Father. Other times I struggle because I can't accept what's right before my eyes. I tune out to the young voices that have so much to teach me about life and love. It's only when I look into the faces of my precious nieces that I realize how very blessed I am.
I do pray for Aydia. It will not be an easy path for her to travel. She will be tempted as I was to turn away and go back to my old ways. I did, a couple years later, make a solid commitment to the Lord and have been following him ever since.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Working for the long term and thanking God for each day
It has been a really exhilarating and crazy week for me. I learned about the power of the press in regards to a historic building that was set to be demolished. We got a reprieve from demolition, but the hard work begins now. This is getting the word out that we need the support of the entire community in order to make something beautiful happen. I smile when I see my father excited about what potentially could happen here. I know that it will take a lot of work to get anywhere near our ultimate goal of saving the building.
Yet I feel it can be done. We just have to keep talking about our vision, garner enough support from everyone and work together to reach the goals we've set. I tell myself that this is what I have to do in order to find that elusive job...I need to set goals. I need to write down the accomplishments I've done over the past two years, even though I haven't gotten paid for them.
I do thank God for each day. I know that I do have to stop hiding myself away and move forward. Yes, it is scary to expose yourself. I tell myself that I'm not doing it for me....I'm doing it for my family...I'm doing it for my community and I'm doing for the generations that come after me. I am working for the long term. I want young people to feel that they are making a mark in this world, and that their contributions will be remembered. I also want them to know of the contributions their parents, grandparents and others have made.
If saving one historic building will do that, then there is hope.
Yet I feel it can be done. We just have to keep talking about our vision, garner enough support from everyone and work together to reach the goals we've set. I tell myself that this is what I have to do in order to find that elusive job...I need to set goals. I need to write down the accomplishments I've done over the past two years, even though I haven't gotten paid for them.
I do thank God for each day. I know that I do have to stop hiding myself away and move forward. Yes, it is scary to expose yourself. I tell myself that I'm not doing it for me....I'm doing it for my family...I'm doing it for my community and I'm doing for the generations that come after me. I am working for the long term. I want young people to feel that they are making a mark in this world, and that their contributions will be remembered. I also want them to know of the contributions their parents, grandparents and others have made.
If saving one historic building will do that, then there is hope.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Pressing forward towards the high goal
Yup....I've stopped obsessing about my situation, and I've stopped focusing on myself. My high goal is to reach out and love others as Jesus does. Only when I stop focusing on myself and my problems can I begin to see everything in a new light. Yes, I do have issues that seem insurmountable now. They are not going to go away on their own, yet by obsessing about them and hoping against hope that a light will break in this current darkness isn't going to help me or the people around me. In fact by obsessing over the facts that are staring me in the face about my current monetary and support issues will deter the very ones who are still willing to help.
I am unique. I do have some unique qualities, but if I'm misusing those qualities then I am doing a disservice to myself and to the people around me. I press forward daily by:
1) Avoiding negative stories and not listening to those people who only want to tear you and others down.
2)Looking for the positive in everyone. You can find one positive thing about everyone if you think about it long enough.
3)Listening and learning. By focusing on what others are saying, you can better help them. This also is good because it takes the focus off of you.
4)Praying and asking God for direction. Sometimes, as it has in my situation, it brings you in an entirely different direction from what you've known in the past.
5) Starting each day by thanking God for what you have. I am amazed when I stop to think about God's provision for my every need. He knows what you need and when you need it.
6) Learning a new skill and using it frequently. Right now I'm slowly but surely learning more about Social Media, am focusing on a Marketing Campaign and working on Public Relations pieces...None of these skills are skills I possessed before.
7) Remaining open to opportunities to help. People tell me all the time that you never know what may happen. I'm praying for steady employment right now, but also hope to start a club for young people in the area.
8) Being creative. In other words changing up what you do each day in some small way. I have to work on this myself as I am a very structured person with certain times to do each task. Yet I'm finding that it's more freeing to let myself go and explore different options. I tell everyone that you really shouldn't depend on the Internet for everything...and this is a good lesson for young people to learn now.
9) Setting up projects with specific and measurable goals. When you have something to look forward to and accomplish, you tend to be more enthusiastic about life. I know that I have set some goals for myself to accomplish within the next six months or so. Some of these goals I'll have to reevaluate soon.
10) Accepting and knowing that you can't do it in your own strength and that you will fail sooner or later. I'm learning this lesson the hard way. I am stubborn, and I can admit that...but not so stubborn that I won't accept help. Some things are still hard for me to accept. I failed a couple of times.
Some days it is hard to press on. You feel very pressured by forces beyond your control. This is when you need God's love and support the most. He is there. Remember his love for you and press on!
I am unique. I do have some unique qualities, but if I'm misusing those qualities then I am doing a disservice to myself and to the people around me. I press forward daily by:
1) Avoiding negative stories and not listening to those people who only want to tear you and others down.
2)Looking for the positive in everyone. You can find one positive thing about everyone if you think about it long enough.
3)Listening and learning. By focusing on what others are saying, you can better help them. This also is good because it takes the focus off of you.
4)Praying and asking God for direction. Sometimes, as it has in my situation, it brings you in an entirely different direction from what you've known in the past.
5) Starting each day by thanking God for what you have. I am amazed when I stop to think about God's provision for my every need. He knows what you need and when you need it.
6) Learning a new skill and using it frequently. Right now I'm slowly but surely learning more about Social Media, am focusing on a Marketing Campaign and working on Public Relations pieces...None of these skills are skills I possessed before.
7) Remaining open to opportunities to help. People tell me all the time that you never know what may happen. I'm praying for steady employment right now, but also hope to start a club for young people in the area.
8) Being creative. In other words changing up what you do each day in some small way. I have to work on this myself as I am a very structured person with certain times to do each task. Yet I'm finding that it's more freeing to let myself go and explore different options. I tell everyone that you really shouldn't depend on the Internet for everything...and this is a good lesson for young people to learn now.
9) Setting up projects with specific and measurable goals. When you have something to look forward to and accomplish, you tend to be more enthusiastic about life. I know that I have set some goals for myself to accomplish within the next six months or so. Some of these goals I'll have to reevaluate soon.
10) Accepting and knowing that you can't do it in your own strength and that you will fail sooner or later. I'm learning this lesson the hard way. I am stubborn, and I can admit that...but not so stubborn that I won't accept help. Some things are still hard for me to accept. I failed a couple of times.
Some days it is hard to press on. You feel very pressured by forces beyond your control. This is when you need God's love and support the most. He is there. Remember his love for you and press on!
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