The Job Update You Have Been Waiting For

Because I have been in a bit of a tizzy this week for multiple reasons, I forgot to really inform my blogging audience of Alan's new job. He worked really hard to get his resume out there on the internet. Once the holidays and "year-end" were past, job calls really kept him hopping. Many, many different companies contacted him about positions locally and as far away as Indianapolis, California, and central Pennsylvania. I told him that I was willing to move, although the thought of trying to sell the Squirrel Infested Home was a bit daunting. Alan, however, wanted to stay local if at all possible. Most recently, he had had some phone and a few face-to-face interviews with some local companies.

So, last Friday he was given an offer from a company about 35 minutes away (Lexington). At that time, he was also interviewing with another company - that was an hour away (Reidsville) - for a position where he would be helping to develop their purchasing department. This company also seemed like they would make an offer. It was Crazy Land. But a good Crazy Land when you have two job offers and you've only been out of work for six (very short) weeks.

The dilemma: take the sure thing which is not the dream job but is very secure or wait to see if an offer would be made for the company farther away and less secure, but a really interesting position? What a wonderful dilemma to have!

So, we prayed. We consulted friends and family for their opinions. We prayed some more. We hashed out the pros and cons. We (no, just Alan) talked to both companies again. Kept on praying. As it turns out, Reidsville job needed another week to make a decision. We just didn't feel it was fair to leave the Lexington job hanging so long. So, the decision was made...for the...

Lexington job. He was supposed to start this past Tuesday, but they told him not to come in because of the snow (only in the south...and maybe Minnesota). And while it's not his dream job, it looks like it's going to be a really good thing. The co-workers are going to be really good to work with (compared to some Crazies at his previous company). His vacation benefits are better than when he started at his last company. They offered to pay for our health insurance during his "probationary period." He can leave every day at 4:30 p.m., and actually even earlier if he gets in earlier (as long as his work gets done). AND here's my favorite part: he gets to wear a company polo shirt every day, which means much less ironing for me. A Wife Benefit!

You know, the past six weeks really haven't been so bad. Of course, our family and friends have been unbelievably supportive. And we have definitely learned that there are many ways that we can cut back on our expenses. And I've felt very convicted to be a better steward of what God's entrusted us with (hence, becoming a Dave Ramsey Disciple). BUT, God has been so faithful to make His presence known the whole time. It's definitely been a faithful building time in our lives and renewed our trust in God's ability to provide.