POST 18 on June 15 2014 - Thoughts upon leaving Goodwill. TOPIC: I took a 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go' test PLUS motivational thoughts.

I took this test, and even though I had been laid off, it made me think. Here's my email to the creator of the test, Scott Dinsmore at Liveyourlegend.net. The link for the test is at the bottom of this post.

"OK, my thoughts about your test. Sorry, long-winded as usual for me.

Even though my work laid me off about 3 weeks ago, I took the test. I had interesting thoughts, VERY interesting thoughts!!!

1. Overall, it determined if I was ready to go or not.

2. The test brought up some questions of my OWN! It...Made...Me...THINK!!!

     a. I compared the way I HAD felt about my company the last 2 years (2012 to the present) with how I felt prior to those last two years (2004 to 2011).

     b. The test questions made me think about what I WANTED in employment, vs. a paycheck.

     c. I listed the questions then put in comments of my own. Example: for questions #5, 10, 14, 17, 21 and 24,  I put in a comment that 'I'd like to get this question/answer into my resume or an interview, or at least get the concept clear somehow vs that old cliché, ‘use my talents and skills to the benefit of self and company’.'  Word document is attached.

     d. IMO, Questions 22 and 25 are the most important, because one has to define those within oneself before they can be applied to any potential employment!

 # 9 comes close because I need to DEFINE my personal values before I can apply them to a job!!!

A little background: Prior to 3 1/2 weeks ago,  for 10 years I worked at a local non-profit organization. We provided education, training and employment services to the disabled and disadvantaged. MY Division, was the embodiment of this. We used to be the reason our organization existed and it was OUR Division that embraced and gave REASON for the MISSION.

The company has changed. Management's version of the Mission and the organization's vision has changed in the last 2 years, and changed to the tune of doing 34 layoffs, terminations, RIF's, whatever, since December of 2013, half of them within my Division, including me.

So, with the comparison to the two time frames in mind, the percentage was 51% that I'd say yes it was time to go, but at least to go on very good terms. And I did.

As Clarence Oddbody said in the 1946 movie, "It's A Wonderful Life", "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

After 10 years, I left a hole.

I'm planning to be THAT GOOD at my next position, to do the exact thing for any company I'd leave: to leave a legacy of a 'hole'.

You have provided a HUGE step for me, in that direction.

Well done, Scott: WELL done!!"

The test referred to is at http://shouldiquittest.com/

Even if you love (for the most part) what you do, take the test anyway; it will line you up to analyze your own purpose at whatever organization you're at and in your life.

It's Never Too Late To...