Well, I finally did it. I turned in my two week's notice before I went on vacation. Thursday will be my last day of work. It is so bittersweet for me! I've been waiting for this day for so long. Yet when I walked through those doors today, I just wanted to cry! Throughout the day, I would look around and see things that would make me so sad about finally leaving that place. Then I would turn the corner and see something that would make me so thankful I'll be gone. Haha! It was such a crazy whirlwind of emotions!
I have only had two real jobs in my life. The first being McDonald's. I was with them for 5 years before working for Hobby Lobby. Cheesy, I know. But that's what I did. I started working for Hobby Lobby in October 1991 in Springfield, MO. We were store #32, the first store in Missouri. At that time, Hobby Lobby was only in three states: Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. Since then, we've grown to our current 447 stores in 37 states.
In an economy where so many are closing their doors, our founder and CEO David Green remains on the Forbes list of wealthiest people for the 5th year in a row. He is currently #123 on Forbes "400 Richest Americans". Also, he is currently #316 on Forbes list of "The World's Billionaires". What makes his story so interesting though is his humble beginnings. David was the son of a poor preacher who worked at the local 5-and-dime store in high school. He started making frames in his garage with a $600 loan he took out in 1970.
What is so impressive of David Green is not his rank on a list of wealthy people in this world, but his current work philosophy. The company has no long-term debt. David believes the way to good business is to follow biblical principles: "God is the only one who knows the future." Hobby Lobby plays Christian music in all the stores. David has delivered over 420 million copies of the Gospel to children in 100 countries through Book of Hope ministry. I just wanted to share some of his stats with you.
It's not quite 19 years for me because each time I had a child, I took off work for awhile. When I would go back to work each time, I had to start all over again. I would lose all my time and seniority. But that's okay because my kids were worth it. I just can not even believe I will finally have the title of SAHM! Right now I have mixed emotions about it because I truly love working for Hobby Lobby yet I truly desire to be available 24/7 to my family.
I'll admit it. I'm nervous. I'm anxious. I'm excited. I'm starting a new chapter, a new season in my life. Am I ready for the challenges? Yep. I know God will be with me every single step of the way! I'm grateful for His presence to guide me along this new path.
5 comments:
YOU.CAN.DO.IT.! All of these mixed emmotions are normal because it is a BIG change in your life. Just go into it as you did with each child you had...knowing you can go back if you so choose. Once you get into that permanent role of the SAHM you will most likely wonder why you did not do it sooner!! God is blessing you with this move, especially at this time in our failing economy.
If I had to work for someone I would love for them to have the same principals as David Green. I did notice the Christain music flowing throughtout stores. It always seems to stand out in places of business and I commend those owner who are so strong and willing to stand up for their God, beliefs, and faith. I worked for a dentist in my last 3.5 years of working. He was very active in church and is a deacon BUT he refused to play Christian music in his office (at our request too). He was one of these that thought he might offend someone!!!!!!!!!!! Do you see the lack of trust and faith in this deacon???? Big problem here!!
Anyway...back to you...you will LOVE staying at home with the kids. I wish I could have done it with HOlly when she was little...but alas I am doing it now and loving it!!
Blessings to you my friend.
I think once you get used to the paycheck withdrawal, you'll be just fine. I work fulltime, but anytime I've put my famly over my job, God has blessed. He will bless you, too!
Thanks for the information on David Green. There is no Hobby Lobby in this area, but I certainly would shop there if we had one!
Wow, thanks for sharing all that about Hobby Lobby. I don't know if we have one anywhere near us or not, but if I find one I am going to stop in and buy something :)
It won't take long and all those mixed emotions will be gone! Enjoy!!
Kim
Hope you find each day rewarding and I'm sure your children will enjoy you being home. Ah the joys of being a SAHM!
I'm glad your day has arrived! the Lord will bless you as the keeper of the home. Have a great Sunday, with the family! pokey
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