When I was released from prison, I knew that finding a job would be one of the biggest challenges I was yet to face. After spending several years behind bars, I had a criminal record that made it hard to find employment. But I was determined to turn my life around and start over.

During my time away I completed every program the facility offered. I also made detailed plans that I felt would put me on the road to success, if I followed them. My focus was always on improving myself so there would be no chance of ever being in that lonely desolate spot again.

Every weekday morning I would pull my sock up and over the gaudy embarrassing black plastic box strapped tight to my ankle and slip into my freshly ironed slacks. Standing in front of the mirror, making sure the knot on my tie was just the right size, I would look myself in the eyes and say, “Today is the day.”

One day, I saw a job posting for a position at Duncan Donuts. I walked inside and felt out of place in my new Wal-Mart suit. I asked for an application and when I walked up to the counter and handed to the cashier, I asked her if I could speak to a manager.

I was nervous as I sat across from the owner. It was hard to read if the interview was going in the right direction from his point of view. I told my story and at the end of my revealing where I had been, why I had been there, what I had accomplished since then, and what my plans were, I said, “I am just looking for someone to give me a chance.

To my surprise, the owner offered me the job on the spot. He said, “I know you probably won’t stay with me for long, and I’m not going to be mad when you find a better paying job and have to move on. I am going to give you a chance.”

Working at Duncan Donuts wasn't glamorous and the pay was $7.25 per hour, but it was a start. I learned how to make coffee, donuts, and other baked goods. I also learned how to interact with customers and work as part of a team. It wasn't easy, but I was grateful for the opportunity to prove myself. I worked with a team of very kind people and we became like family.

Over a short period of time, I made a lot of friends who started out being customers and one of them set me up in an old mobile home with a rent payment I was able to afford every week.

After a few months I was offered a short-term assignment implementing an inventory system for a potato chip factory, and when everything was up and running they offered me a full-time position running the warehouse.

I knew the time had come for me to move on, but I will always be grateful for my time at Duncan Donuts. It was a stepping stone that helped me get back on my feet and start a new chapter in my life.

If you're in a similar situation, don't give up hope. There are always opportunities out there, even if they're not what you initially imagined. Keep trying, keep learning, and keep pushing forward. You never know where life will take you. #determination #persistence #success

HAPPY LABOR DAY EVERY BODY!! I work full time M-F and part time on every other weekend and work any and all holidays if scheduled or offered. Saving my ends, reaching my goals. As positive and motivated as I am, nothing last forever, in my world. It gets greater later! #laborday

I'm telling you the truth... (Read w/o Delay.)

No one ever told me about the challenges I would encounter in life during adulthood. Did they tell you?

They didn't tell us that, these seven(7) critical factors could halt us on the track of life, if not adjusted or corrected accordingly:

• Finances
• Happiness
• Marriages
• Children
• Friendship
• Employment
• Fitness/Health

My assignment is to encourage you to take action one-step at a time; keep your head high; maintain your posture and passion, then strive forward.

Which means, "never give up on your race."

Then, everything else will fall-in-place for you.

I Believe You Can...!

#workfromhome #interview #resume #firstjob #jobsearch #unemployment #veterans #determination

I'm telling you the truth.. (Read w/o delay.)

Sadly, so many people think, act and feel as if they're going to fail. I use to be one of those people too.

After years of in-depth studies, I learned..."so as a man or woman thinketh, so he or she shall become."

Listen, you're not going to fail even though you're falling.

There is an "outstretched hand" prepared to catch you in the midst of your fall.

Follow your dream, act towards what you believe, then everything else will fall-in-place for you.

I Believe You Can...!

#workfromhome #interview #resume #jobsearch #application #veterans #determination