It's been two weeks since a layoff pressed me into a new chapter of my working career. Over the past five years, I've been fortunate enough to work in a field that allowed me to become an expert in the field of employee engagement, social media and traditional marketing, leadership and organizational development, project management and corporate recognition best practices.
Yet, when you're 42 years old and suddenly without employment, you tend to do a lot of reflection of your life, your beliefs and then strategize your next move.
My 10th great grandfather was the Reverend John Livingston - a Scottish man who struggled to decide what to do with his life when in his early twenties. He felt a desire to become a doctor yet also felt a strong inclination to join the ministry.
Now, being in these straits, I resolved I would spend one day before God alone; and knowing of a secret cave in the south side of Mouse Water… I went thither and after many to's and fro's, and much confusion and fear about the state of my soul, I thought it was made out to me that I behooved to preach Jesus Christ, which if I did not, I should have no assurance of salvation. After which I laid aside all thoughts of France, and medicine and the land and betook me to the study of divinity.
http://www.revjohnlivingston.com/Johnbyhimself.html
As soon as I read this passage I felt an instant kinship with this great man who lived in the 16th century near Glasgow, Ireland. I was also delighted to learn that both John Livingston and his father - The Reverend William Livingston - were zealous reformers against the Episcopal church to the point that both had their licenses to preach revoked and were exiled for their views and actions.
These men stood up against the status quo of their day, preached the ideas of change in the face of sharp disagreement and were forced into uncertain futures because of their actions and beliefs.
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So, I find myself in a similar point in my life , exiled and ready to reflect - and so I will use this space as my cave of reflection, thought and advocacy for practices and beliefs in the workplace that I feel passionate about sharing.
Please feel free to comment, push back, and challenge as needed. I welcome the exchange.
- Pat Poyfair
Wednesday, October 17th, 2012
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