Comments on: Bird in the Hand

By: Robert Hruzek

Robert Hruzek — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:37:03 +0000

It’s true, Tyler; time does ~~wound all heels~~, er, what you said. I like your philosophy, though, if you can do it. It can get a bit sticky, though, when the roller coaster is just about to make that “death drop”, y’know?

Hey, thanks for dropping by the Zone, Tyler! Y’all come on back sometime.

By: Tyler

Tyler — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:34:27 +0000

This is a great post! I really do believe that time heals all…just 2 months ago, I didn’t know how I was going to survive in this economy and I was probably at my lowest point financially but now things have picked up for my business and I feel like I’m in whole different place.

I think like is an emotional rollercoaster and if we just sit down and enjoy the ride, it could end up being a sweet and beautiful journey.

Thank you for the post!

By: Fly High

Fly High — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:12:21 +0000

Good story – theme tune: “I will survive”?

By: Robert Hruzek

Robert Hruzek — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:47:30 +0000

@Brad – “Sometimes giving up control is the best way to get control.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself, Brad!

By: Robert Hruzek

Robert Hruzek — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:46:32 +0000

@Todd – Man, I feel for ya, my friend. Life can indeed be tough. But one thing I’ve learned over the years is that time has a way of turning even the worst things imaginable into something good. But sometimes it takes a while.

As for me, my faith in God has served to keep me steady, even in the worst of times.

The best (and admittedly unasked for) advice I can offer is, Keep on doin’ what you know to do, Todd. I personally believe things will get better for ya.

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:35:12 +0000

Robert, God is a good manager, isn't he? Sometimes giving up control is the best way to get control. I have to remember that myself these days ... the economy seems to be on a bobsled run straight to hell. But we know things can change, just like that. Brad Shorrs last blog post..Do You Want to Win $500?

By: Todd

Todd — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:23:09 +0000

Robert, well you HAVE had a tough time, haven't you? I'm sorry it happened, glad you lived through it. Right now my sister is going through a tough time and I'm helping her as much as I can but there is only so much I can do. Her hubby was in a car accident a year ago and hasn't been able to work, so he's not bringing in any income. He is in a lot of pain. The doctors say it may be a couple of years (or never) before he can work again. He can't collect disability yet because the doctors won't declare him disabled yet. The person who caused the accident had no insurance. My sister is working three jobs (one full time and two part time) but still not able to pay all of their bills, so they are losing their house. They asked the mortgage company for a special hardship forebearance and the mortgage company refused. So, they might end up having to move in with me in a few weeks. Life can be tough! Todds last blog post..Elections are over

By: Robert Hruzek

Robert Hruzek — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:09:06 +0000

@Kris – You’re actually right on the mark, as I mentioned up there in my response to Jackie. But at the time, it was pretty tough to take. But it’s OK; I’m much better now!

By: Robert Hruzek

Robert Hruzek — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:06:47 +0000

@Anita – That’s exactly how trials feel – like we’re the only ones who are, or who ever have been, going through it! And there ain’t nothin’ better than a great support system in place when it happens.

Lucky for me I had a good group to run screaming to, not to mention a loving, supportive wife!

By: Robert Hruzek

Robert Hruzek — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:03:34 +0000

@Jackie – You are no doubt correct about the guy who hired me. In fact, part of what he told me was that he was about to be “reorganized” within weeks! Even later, a friend who was in a position to know told me the company had a dramatic “workforce reduction” (don’cha just love these euphemisms?).

It was, all in all, probably not the best time to start with them, if you get my meanin’.

By: Robert Hruzek

Robert Hruzek — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:59:28 +0000

@Joanna – Alas, it seem no matter how many times we face trials, it always seems like the first time, if you know what I mean. At least, until I can think straight and remind myself that we’ve made it through before.

It even affects how I look at setbacks now. Most times, the ol’ “inpenetrable wall” simply means “wait – there’s a better way”.

I love that expression, by the way: “Jam tomorrow”! (My personal favorite is apricot, followed closely by black cherry! Not that I’m hintin’, or anything.)

By: Robert Hruzek

Robert Hruzek — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:51:14 +0000

Wow! Great, thoughtful comments, y’all!

@Brad – I’m glad we made it, too! One reason, though, is just down to good fiscal management. During this period of time we had no credit card debt, no outstanding loans (both car and condo had been paid off early), and we both picked up odd jobs whenever possible.

But I’ll tell ya; sometimes a positive attitude is all ya got left, ya know? There were times when it felt like exactly that. But we also knew God was in charge, and we had His promises to rely on. We did our part, of course, but He certainly took care of the details!

By: Kris

Kris — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:39:30 +0000

You were actually lucky you didn’t get that job. The fact that the Personnel Director didn’t even both to call you back to tell you what had happened tells you a lot about the company. I doubt if he was worried about YOUR job – he was probably more worried about HIS.

By: Anita Bruzzese

Anita Bruzzese — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:01:45 +0000

Robert, Great post! I think one of the hardest things about disappointment is that we often feel it's only happening to us...that no one else in life has ever been knocked flat. And, with a job search setback, it's twice as hard because you are not only crushed personally, but in the pocketbook as well. I give career advice, but I've also been in your situation, so I'm speaking from both sides of the coin when I say that one of the most important things you can do for yourself during these rough periods is making sure you have your support network in place. Can they make it all better like your mom used to do when you skinned your knee? No, but they can be there to give you a hug when you need it, a beer when you need it and a "stop feeling sorry for yourself" when you need it. Anita Bruzzeses last blog post..Five Ways to Network With the Boss

By: Jackie Cameron

Jackie Cameron — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:49:59 +0000

Robert, I admire your ability to reflect on this time in your life positively. Sadly so many people are burdened forever more when something like this happens. I coach people in preparation for job interviews and I always remind them that they cannot know what the hirer is looking for other than what they share and they will probably not know why they were not chosen except for what the hirer will provide as feedback. As you found out the individual you deal with in an organisation is always bound by what else is happening in that business. I am sure the guy you spoke to who thought you were "the one" was eaten up with worry about what he had done. You set such a good example by sharing this story. Jackie Camerons last blog post..First rule of effective networking - be nice!