| Author | Message | ||
| Hrobinsonw Registered user Username: Hrobinsonw Post Number: 24 Registered: 7-2004 |
I have been dilligently trying to find a job in my field for two years. I get interviews but after i sign off on a background check, I don't get the jobs. My parents had a background check done by one of their friends in the police department, and come to find out, my past record is written up worse than I ever thought. Their are alot of times that I feel the spirit telling me to go off on my own and start my own IT contracting business. But the fear and my father's guidance tells me to look for a corporate job. I am torn between honoring my father and reaching out on my own. My record is my record. I take full responisbility for my past stupidity, I knew better. But I will not let this torpedo me. Do I reach out on my own or stay in pocket and keep waiting? What are your thoughts? | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 874 Registered: 11-2002 |
Is there any way you can avoid having an employeer do a background check? Is there a statement you could have written up before hand and have it attached to your resume' about the background that is unfavorable, giving your understanding of it? There must be a creative way to get around this. My son was having a hard time getting a job. So, the next application he submitted he left blank the employment record and when the boss asked him how come he left it blank he told the boss after finishing school he'd spent a year living in Italy and then six months living in Hawaiil. These are true statements. He left out that he'd had breif employments between galavanting around th world and he got hired right then and there. Try to be creative. Have you contacted an employment specialst? I have a cousin who owns her own business and she teaches people how to act, dress and what to say during an interview. She even does their resumes. She is very expensive for hr services but according to er her clents have an excellant hiring rate. In the meantime, I'll pray about it. | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 449 Registered: 7-2003 |
I have worked for a company for 20 years and we were recently outsourced. I also had to submit to a background check for the first time in my life and it is very unsettling. I don't even have anything negative there. It's just the very idea that someone can poke into your personal life at any time they feel like it all in the name of employment.... But in the day of terrorism, I guess it's one of those intrusions in our lives we have to live with. Suggestions? I guess you could be up front with what they will find in your background check and provide explanations where they exist. I would not close the door on the idea of doing something on your own, but I personally like the "security" of a corporate paycheck. I do know people who enjoy being self-employed and are successful. Right now, at least in our area, there is a glut of IT employees. Especially after y2k was done, my company let contractor's go by the dozens. And they have further cut down our workforce by attrition. If you can provide for yourself on your own, I wouldn't ignore that while trying to get a "corporate" job. It gives you something else to put on your resume and gives you something to do in the meantime. I guess it just depends upon upfront costs to setting yourself up independently and what area of IT you are looking to work. I do mac support and have for 5 years. My education is health administration, so not related, and my work history is publications, not related either except I used to be a mac user. I don't know at what point in the interview process you have to do the background check, maybe you could put that off until you've had an interview? I don't know. Due to our current state of paranoia, valid and otherwise, I just don't see you getting around it. Could you work for a small contracting company that might not do background checks? Or do they all do it now? I don't know. I'll pray for you. As I said, this is my last week working for the employer I've given 20 years to, and next week, I'll be a 20 year employee of a company I only first heard of a few months ago. We got a good transition package, but 40% of us didn't go. It's a weird time in IT where outsourcing is becoming more and more common. At least keeping us was part of the outsourcing contract. Look at your area and see what's going on in the market in general. That may tell you what is the best course of action for you at this time without closing the door for other options. | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 450 Registered: 7-2003 |
BTW, it is not dishonoring to your father to follow the leading of God, if your father is not supportive of that. If you are sure it is the Spirit leading you, and not your own personal desires, look for fellow Christians who might mentor you or provide an objective opinion. That doesn't mean we don't listen to our parents, but sometimes their interests are biased and not particularly in tune with what God wants for us. As an adult, YOU have to discern God's direction for you, and that may or may not line up with what your parents want. It's very different than being a child. So, it is not dishonoring to your father to not do what he thinks is "right". You need to discern God's leading. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 607 Registered: 12-2003 |
I completely agree with Melissa's suggestions/observations above. BTW, have you tried applying at schools/universities? Christian universities also need IT people, as do public ones. The pay may not be as high as corporate jobs, but they usually have reasonable benefits packages. I don't know how much background checking they do, although they will check references. If they do background checks, I certainly recommend being forthcoming about the truth before they find the info on your record. With prayers that God will direct you to the work He wants you to do, Colleen PS--Melissa, you do Mac support?! Awesome! Yea, Macintosh!! | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 25 Registered: 7-2004 |
As someone who has been on the hiring side of the equation, I think most employers only complete a background check when they are considering making an offer to someone. One of the reasons for a background check is to verify what the person has told you (education, employment, past history). Explaining to a potential employer that your aren't proud of everything in your past would never be pleasant, but hearing it from you may keep you in the running. They can form a decision about whether everything is in your past. If they find that you are trying to hide something, I don't know of any that would be interested in discussing why you were hiding something. I wouldn't put it in my resume, but I would strong consider discussing my history IF the other aspects of the interview seemed promising. | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 451 Registered: 7-2003 |
Yes, Colleen, I love my mac. I will love it more when I understand OS X.xxx as much as I did os9! | ||
| Hrobinsonw Registered user Username: Hrobinsonw Post Number: 25 Registered: 7-2004 |
I spoke too soon. God answers prayers. About 2:00pm yesterday afternoon, my boss called to give me a promotion within my department. I am happy. It will allow me too install networks for a few small businesses and be here to give them consistent IT help. I was going to move home when my lease was up. It is funny, I was so obsessed with finding a second job and a primary job because I didn't like feeling broke. God kept telling me I didn't need another job right now. Every job that I applied for I couldn't get because they conflicted with my primary job. Also, I didn't want to bartend anymore. If I got a better job I would have capital to run a business out of my home without pressures of a loan. I just stopped worrying about working all of the time and invested my liesure time in church. I began putting my IT services to work in my church and also started filming, audio taping, and running the projector during the sermon. Through my church's Outreach Program I also began coaching soccer in the inner city housing projects. Needless to say it must have been what God wanted, because the moment that indecision hits me, he replies with just enough for me to build on. Now I can finish my IT certifications, and ever get a few more for free. GOD IS TRULY GOOD AND HE GETS ALL OF THE CREDIT. | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 91 Registered: 7-2004 |
Hrobinson - I am not sure where I found this (as I wrote it in my Bible beside James 1:2 and did not give a reference credit) but I like it: "FAITH IS NOT ABOUT DOUBT FREE CERTAINITY: IT IS ABOUT HANGING ON. FAITH MEANS WALKING IN DARKNESS AND BELIEVING THAT GOD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING. THAT IS THE FAITH THAT BUILDS CHARACTER." Hang on! God has a great plan for your life. Take it from a "wise old mom" (how old are you?...it depresses me to think I am probably old enough to be your mother!  ) James 1:12 tell us we will receive the "crown of life" when we persever under trials. I believe that means a contentment and satisfaction in our lives today. Enjoy your day and rejoice in God's countless blessings! | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 453 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hrobinsonw: that is just how God works. I found a house that was 10s of thousands of dollars out of my price range, but had the space I wanted. I just had a sense about it. And I called to see it. When the agent met me at the door, she was embarrassed to let me in because it needed so much cosmetic work...but guess what? I love that kind of stuff and it's what you can negotiate on price with. They've dropped the price over $40K from their original listing price and I've decided the number God first put in my head wasn't so out of range afterall, and right in range with where I was thinking. The house has been on the market for months and as I sit and wait for God, I have such a peace. If it doesn't work out, I know God will have another house out there. What seemed impossible before, however, now seems inevitable. I asked God one day a couple of weeks ago to make it blatantly clear if I should pursue the house (primarily because I need to find different day care...) and that afternoon when I got to my sitter's she gave me notice that she couldn't watch my baby any more. That seemed like pretty loud confirmation. I've been approved for the loan and really just need to move off dead center. The funny thing about it all is that I have no emotional attachment because I've put all my faith that God will provide. I don't have any anxt or panic that I need to move quickly. As you walk with God longer and farther, that happens sometimes. But there do remain those times you can't see the footprints till looking back... that's growing, right? Congratulations on the job...and don't underestimate the power of prayer as you "spoke too soon". Sometimes I think God wants us to be vulnerable and open to the support of others, so we're not an island and we can be the body to each other. | ||
| Hrobinsonw Registered user Username: Hrobinsonw Post Number: 26 Registered: 7-2004 |
I am 26 years of age. Romans 5:4 is my favorite. It helps me in my times of need. Thank you for your support. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 613 Registered: 12-2003 |
What wonderful stories, Hrobinsonw and Melissa! That lack of angst and panic that you described, Melissa, is one of the things I am so grateful for. Sometimes it is that deep peace about unresolved situations or choices that is the confimration to me that God is leading me where He wants me to be. I praise Him for being so personally involved with our lives and for providing exactly what we need. Colleen | ||
| Hrobinsonw Registered user Username: Hrobinsonw Post Number: 27 Registered: 7-2004 |
In thinking of my situation and God speaking to me. I have to share my midday lesson. So I go to midday Bible Study at my church which is around the corner from my job. Today's lesson is about Abram, Sarai, and Haggar. The pastor focused on Abram and Sarai's exchange leading up to Haggar bein impregnated. It reminded me of my situation. I was maintaing but growing impatient with what God had began to say to me. All in all, I persevered, though I felt I was withering. This is interesting. Abram was given the promise. Not Sarai or Haggar. So ultimately he will be held responsible for his actions. But eventhough Ishmael was born, out of sin and disobedience, Isaac still came as promised. God doesn't waver from his grand scheme. Free will without perseverance can cause us to trust ourselves and in essence sin against the will of God. His plan goes through but the consequences of our sins live long after us. As an example, God made a nation of Ishmael. Genesis 16:122 states that (paraphrased) Ishmael will be against everyone and everyone against him. Today two planes in Russia dropped out of the sky. They are investigating terrorist acts. They don't expect it to be terrorist related, but it is the fact that with everything going on in the world with terrorists attacks, Sadaam Hussein, Israel vowing to kill of the Hamas. All of these terrorist, islamic groups all grow from Ishmael's seed. 4,000 years later we are dealing with Abrams lack of perseverance through adversity, and his willingess to hold on to God's hand. I don't fault Sarai because she is like Eve. God gave instruction to Abram. Sarai was being a wife caring for her husband in his stress and struggle in faith. Her suggestion was to ease his thoughts. But that is where Satan gets Christians. If God speaks to us, knowing that God is not tangible, faith is somewhat of a trial because we are constantly trying to deciper between personal thoughts and desires and God inspired thoughts and desires. Our situation becomes God vs. what makes sense. God says you will have a child with Sarai. The biological facts don't add up to God's assertion. So IT MAKES SENSE TO SAY, "He meant having a child with me via my servant, Haggar." Now you have pitted God up against what makes sense through biology. I thought that it was interesting, and I wanted to share my thoughts on our lesson today. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 511 Registered: 3-2004 |
Hrobinsonw, I am always amazed how God takes care of us. Congratulations with your job. I just got a full time job after working part time since last October. God made sure I had enough money to cover my bills, then within the last month my patient case load dwindled to 1 patient. That is when God provided the full time job I had been asking about. Thanks for sharing about Abram and Sarai. God is truly awesome. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 623 Registered: 12-2003 |
Your observations, Hrobinsonw, are really good. Faith is always persevering against apparent logic, it seems--but in some intangible way, God confirms Himself to us. Thanks for your insights. Colleen | ||
| Hrobinsonw Registered user Username: Hrobinsonw Post Number: 28 Registered: 7-2004 |
Flyinglady, congratulations on your job. God answers prayers in his own time. Take off with it. And Colleentinker, it seems so simple to quote a child but as you get older it makes the world of sense, "God is great, God is good." The interesting thing about yesterday's discussion between us is affirmation. Last night I returned to church to record the prayer service. The lady presiding over the service spoke of the exact same message. The pastor was standing next to me upstairs in the booth while she was downstaris speaking. We just looked at each other and grinned. I wish you all could hear the sermons from my church. Better yet, I wish that we could all share sermons from each of our churches. Maybe that is something that I will look into as I try to get this video streaming thing down for my church. Talk to you guys later, have a nice day. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 626 Registered: 12-2003 |
Speaking of sharing sermons, Hronbinsonw, our pastor has been doing a six-weeks series which calls his answer to The DaVinci Code. He's actually quite a scholar, and he has been giving historical background explaining how our four gospels became part of the canon, historical info re: the apocryphal gospels, especially the Gospel of Thomas, etc., and this last Sunday he had an amazing sermon on whether Jesus was merely a man or more than a man. Next week the title of the sermon is, "Is Jesus Really the Only Way?" They have been remarkable; I've been learning a lot. I'm going to share the web address where, if anyone's interested, you can listen to them online or download them as MP3 files and listen offline. Here it is: http://www.trinityonline.org/resources/multimedia/index.htm Praise God for the way He teaches us and helps us grow through the gifts He gives His people! Colleen | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 457 Registered: 7-2003 |
Oh, thanks, Colleen. That sounds very interesting. Our church has also been doing an interesting series lately on "controversial" topics for our day. Two weeks ago was "Truth we can Know" and talked about whether or not absolute truth exists. Last week was a discussion of homosexuality which was one of the most scripturally balanced discussions I've heard. It's been a bit of a contention in the larger churches in our area especially. The largest church in our area did a sermon on the subject, which created a backlash as the pastor tiptoed through the minefields to keep from offending any attending homosexuals. Several hundred left the church (not too many %, they exceed 12,000). But another area pastor, who is quite outspoken, took the transcript of the sermon into his pulpit and blasted it point by point. My pastor talked from the perspective of watching this within the community and the impact on our church because people listen to sermons from other church's pastors, and that seemed to surprise him. And though he tried to be gracious, he had to disagree with the first pastor and stand on what the Bible teaches. (though he wasn't overtly positive on the techniques of the 2nd pastor) It was an incredible sermon. In the next few weeks, we going to hear topics of the role of women, abortion and Islam. They are some of the longest sermon's he has done (I do the CDs, so I know these things...), but they are some of the meatiest sermons...very different than a verse by verse study of a book, though that is very valuable too. It just reminded me that the name over the door doesn't guarantee the content inside. Funny thing is, after this series, we're doing the 40 days of purpose. I think that's an interesting springboard into that study. On a further interesting point, my real estate agent called last night on a glitch with that house...and I thought Satan's really going to test my faith on this one. We'll see if I can live those words or have to eat them, regardless of the house outcome itself. So, I'm praying for strength to stand firm and be content with the outcome either way (like I was yesterday when I posted and everything was going well....) :-). | ||
| Hrobinsonw Registered user Username: Hrobinsonw Post Number: 29 Registered: 7-2004 |
You guys are great. Thanks colleen, I don't know you but I love you already. It is funny how the internet works. You reach Christians all around the world. I didn't want to shelter myself in the church community like SDA's do. But I did want to keep myself in constant day to day study in order to keep my thoughts zeroed in. That way I can go into the world and combat amongst wolves and be refreshed spiritually when needed. I have to say, I came to this forum because my fiance' was stressing me out with her SDA beliefs. What I recieved in return is a daily refreshing glass holy spiritade. Because of Christ delivered through yall, I barely pay her much attention. I focus on my own life and pray that God uses me as an example. Our conversations are enlightening. I wish that we could sit down and bounce ideas off of each other. But anyway, let me stop babbling and check your website. Love yall | ||
| Hrobinsonw Registered user Username: Hrobinsonw Post Number: 30 Registered: 7-2004 |
I almost forgot. Colleen, who is the guy that does the streaming audio for your church. If you could please tell me how to get in contact with him. I would very much like doing the same at my own church. |
