DO rebuild your bridges..
So this week I’m in the middle of a deep and winding job hunt. Last week, I interviewed with a law firm for an administrative position. I’ve done that kind of job and can really kick ass in the position. This week, today actually, I went to an interview at one of the larger cell phone providers for a financial care position. I love numbers and I love talking to people so I think that one could be rocked, too. Haha. I notice I have a lot of faith in my self. Great.
A background check is in the works for both of them. Meaning I am being considered for employment pending the results are favorable! Great news.
This makes me nervous.
I had a bleep back in the day and sometimes I’m concerned that if an employer comes across it, they will not be able to cross it. Considering this apprehension with my past, I wanted to contact previous employers so that at least I knew the employment verification part of the background would go smoothly.
I thought I left my last 4 jobs on decent terms..but not wonderful. Got fired from one for talking back to a customer. I HAD to do that. Let me tell you, that customer was one of those self righteous happiness vacuums that just had took it waaaay to far. I have patience, but she tried to take my dignity. My managers actually weren’t too mad about it, either.
At the next job, I quit on the day of a really important event. Another instance where common courtesy was lacking. That was bad. I left a note with the keys on his desk.
The next I was fired after they downsized. The most recent, I quit after fulfilling one of a two week resignation notice. Not bad on those two.
So, I actually contacted all of these employers to give them a heads up that they would be contacted for date and wage verification. I was as nice as possible. The funny thing is that my niceness was genuine. I didn’t hold any kind of grudges… I treated them all as if they just relived the best memory I have of them with me.
I just feel amazing now. For about 5 years, I’ve been oblivious to what impression I left with these people or if they just hated me for leaving. Turns out I left a much better impression than I ever imagined. They greeted me warmly, wished me well, and told me how happy they were for me. What an incredible boost of confidence to know your trainers, managers, and teachers all have good memories of you.
I really tore myself up sometimes about “letting these people down”. I guess my expectations of myself are too high? Other people see the best in me… sigh. That’s just how life should always be.
At this point I just have to highly recommend you touch base with anyone in your past..especially in your professional path. What would you say? Hi, I am writing to express my gratitude for the experience you’ve allowed me to have with you. I look back and realize I would not be me without your part in it. And I thank you and wish you well. LOL Or whatever words you want! ::wink:: WHY? Once you make peace with the past, you can finally move on to the future. Not only move toward it, but with a greater sense of confidence and accomplishment than you’ve ever had.
