Midlife Career Change

     Hello! Today I have some encouragement and advice for those who may considering a midlife career change, or learning a new job or business along with what they are already doing.

     Here are a couple of good quotes that go well with this subject:

The biggest risk is not taking any risk... In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. - Mark Zuckerberg

Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks. -Warren Buffet 

     If you are needing to start a new career later in life, there are risks associated with this. But, usually the need for making the change, outweighs the risks involved, and you have to do it, like it or not. If you have lost your job for one reason or another, if health issues arise, or if your need for better income forces the change, you must get past mental roadblocks first, then you can focus your attention on what to do and how best to go about doing it!

     Some of the mental roadblocks I wrestled with before starting to learn something new were:

1) Fear of failing: I didn't want to invest time and money into something, and then and then fail, and be in worse shape than before I started. But I have finally realized that if I continued to allow the fear of failing to stop me from ever starting anything, I would never change my conditions. I now have the attitude that if I do try something new and it does not work out, I have still learned a lot, and that will help me towards the next thing I try. Sometimes we have to try many different things before we find the one thing we succeed at, but the key is to not get discouraged, but to apply what you have learned from the past, and use that to your advantage towards the next opportunity!

2) Finding the time and energy: I have a full time job as a cross country truck driver, with a very irregular work schedule. Even when I do have some free time, I don't usually have the energy to focus on doing anything that would require much mental  capacity. But I have been excited to learn, that now that I have found something that I really enjoy doing, like writing this blog for example, it is much easier to find the time, and when I am learning and doing something I really enjoy, I have the energy and focus I need to do it!

     Here is a quote from an article that is discussing the subject of midlife career change:

This old dog can't learn new tricks.

Reality: Says who? Of course there will be a learning curve to any new career you try. But isn't having a new professional challenge part of why you seek this change? As Harkness says, the goal is to find a career that taps into your innate strengths and interests. As for the aspects of the job that may intimidate you (such as becoming tech savvy), accept that getting proficient in these skills may be frustrating and difficult, making mastery of these challenges more gratifying.

If these myths are stopping you from pursuing a career change in midlife, expand your thinking about your capabilities instead of focusing on what you see holding you back. Also consider that accepting these myths is easier than taking a risk. View this entire article here.

     The above example is another excuse I used many times. I had never learned another trade, or had any other education, and I had not kept up with all the new technology that is so prevelant in society today, so I was sure I wouldn't be able to learn anything new.

     I hope I can be of encouragement to those that have any of these same fears when it comes to learning and starting something new. If I can do it, and I am far from being the sharpest tool in the shed, so can you!!

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5.

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."  Proverbs 3:6.

In the area of changing jobs, or in any other area in our lives, it is so needful and important to go to God in prayer. He will give us wisdom, guidance and direction. It is not that He won't allow us to fail sometimes, but He has some plan and purpose for all that we go through.

     

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Working Diligently

     I think the subject tonight is something everyone is familiar with, and everyone can relate to. This Blog discusses making positive changes in our lives, and often that involves learning  a new business on the side, while we are already working a full time job. So I thought I would give some words of warning against being tempted to get involved in something that promises a lot of money quickly and easily.

     The need for additional income is probably the main reason people consider starting a business on the side, and for most of us, we do not have have a lot of time and energy to devote to this, and the people that offer the get-rich-quick schemes are well aware of this. So, even if it is not our original intent, we can fall prey to very clever ads and marketing schemes that promise a lot of money quickly, without much effort on our part.

     Since lotteries are so popular, many business opportunity companies use the same techniques to get people to buy into their schemes. The mind-set today is getting something for nothing, but in reality, this very seldom works out as it is promised. I know these types of schemes are common everywhere, but with online business opportunities, it is particularly common.

     I know I am not saying anything that everyone doesn't already know, but I hope I can offer up some positive encouragement for going back to the basics, and not getting caught up in the get-rich-quick mindset. Just warning someone against something only goes so far, but if you can offer them something  better, that gives them a positive direction to focus on and work towards!

     Proverbs 13:11 says: "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."  I think we can replace the word "Vanity" with lotteries, get-rich-quick schemes, dishonesty, etc. I think it is true, that if we do come into money by any of these ways, it does diminish quickly. When we have done little to earn something, we don't value it near as much as we do when something takes a lot more time and effort to earn.

      Here is a dictionary definition of "Working diligently":
      "Diligently is defined as something done with great persistence, care or dedication. When you work carefully on a project and persist in doing it even when it becomes difficult, this is an example of a situation where you work diligently on the project."

        "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." Proverbs 13:4,. In other words, a lazy person will constantly be wanting and desiring things, but unless they organize a plan, and commit to working diligently at it, will it be successful, otherwise it will only remain a dream.

          "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." Proverbs 21:5. Good planning and hard work are the keys to success, but people that want something for nothing will fail. 

     

     I hope these thoughts will be of encouragement to you (and myself as well), that anything worth doing is worth doing right, and that when we commit to doing something, we will stick to it and see it through. And even if it takes longer than we had hoped, if we are persistent, our efforts will eventually pay off! 

     Have "Patient Continuance in well doing"  Romans 2:7.

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Believe On Him

   

Greetings! On Thursday's I am devoting the blog post to the gospel message. I pray these words will be an encouragement to all who read this. The name of this Blog Site is Positive Changes, and there is no more important and positive change anyone can make in their lives than receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior!



    "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."  John 5:24.

     This is Jesus speaking in this verse, the word "verily" means truly, and by repeating it twice, He is emphasizing the importance of what He is about to say. "He that heareth My word": This speaks of more than just hearing (or reading) something without giving it any real thought, but rather, allowing His word to penetrate our minds, to consider it deeply, and be willing to act on it. 

     "My word", in this context, is referring to the gospel message that Jesus is teaching. He would have us to truly consider, and think about the need of repenting (or turning our lives over to Him), being honest with ourselves, realizing and acknowledging our need of Him. 

     "Believeth on Him that sent Me": God sent His Son to be the sacrifice, to pay the penalty for our sin. Do you believe in God? Do you believe that He is the creator of the world? "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."  Romans 1:20 (New Living Translation). 

     We will either spend eternity having "everlasting life" in Heaven, or we will spend eternity in everlasting condemnation, and suffering, and torture, in Hell.

     "But is passed from death unto life": Scripture says "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" and "The wages of sin is death" Romans 6:23. Since we have all sinned, we are seen by God as being dead in our sins, but by believing on God, and the finished work of Jesus on the cross,  we are "Passed from death unto life." This is salvation, there is no other way to be forgiven, and accepted of God, and assured of everlasting life, than by believing the gospel message. 

     Please don't think your life has been to bad, or that you have to try to clean up your act before you can ask God into your life. He wants you to come just as you are, without delay, for He says "Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved". Romans 10:13. and "Whosoever" includes YOU!! 

     If you are not assured of where you will spend eternity, please stop right now, and make a simple, but heartfelt prayer to God, acknowledging you have sinned, but you desire to turn your life over to Him, and that you believe Jesus died to pay the price for your sins, and that you want to receive Jesus by faith, as your personal Lord and Savior. 

Sinner, hear the matchless story;

Listen simply and believe;

From the risen Lord in glory,

Life, eternal life, receive.

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Christians In The Workplace

     Greetings! Today I was thinking on the subject of being a Christian on the job, or as a business owner. This is both a responsibility and a privilege! 

     1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." This would speak of reflecting Christ in all the different areas of our lives! Since our time on the job, or in our business, takes up so much of our lives, it is good to remember the importance of bringing "Glory to God" in the workplace.

     Scripture speaks of Christians as being the "Light of the world." But it is important to understand that we are not the source of the light, it is God living in us and working through us who is the source of the light, we simply reflect His light in a dark ungodly world.

     "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  Matthew 5:14-16.

     "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."  Philippians 2:14,15.

     Some examples of bringing "Glory to God" in the workplace would be: Honesty and uprightness; loyalty and faithfulness; being dependable; for an employee, doing more than what is expected of you; for a business person, providing more value for your customers than what they would expect.

     It is also good to remember, especially when considering this subject, the truth of the old saying: "Our actions speak much louder than our words." It is not always appropriate to be preaching to others on the job or in business, but we do have the privilege of working and behaving in a way that will bring glory to God without saying a word!  

     This is an excerpt of an article that Charles Stanley wrote: "Let’s look at a scriptural model for the believer to follow. For one thing, we should view ourselves as servants. Next, our true boss is Christ; therefore, we work diligently and with integrity, knowing that our reward is from Him. Then, since all authority on earth is God-given (John 19:11), we should obey our superiors gladly—unless, of course, our boss tells us to do something that goes against Scripture. And finally, all those we work with and for have worth from the Creator, and we should treat them with respect." More from that article can be read here!

     The Lord knows that it is not always easy to be lights in a dark world for Him, some bosses are unreasonable, some customers are very difficult, but if we look to Him in prayer, He is able to help us. And when we stumble and fall, don't be discouraged, He is able to pick us up, dust us off, and give us fresh strength and energy to face the next challenge!

     "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10. (New Living Translation)   

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Focusing On The Business At Hand

     Hello! Today the subject is how to better focus and concentrate on our 2nd business. Those of us that are learning or working a 2nd business in our spare time, need to know how to make the best use of the little time we have available, in order to get anything accomplished.

     This is an issue I have really struggled with. Often times, I have sat down here at the computer, intending to work on my business, and I allow my mind to wander off onto half a dozen other things, and before I know it, I'm out of time, and I have not accomplished anything that I needed to!

     What has worked well for me is, when I first sit down, to write down what I need to do, in the order of priority, and then check off each item as it is completed. It always amazes me how much more I can get done, in less time, when I do this.

     "A study published in Science magazine suggested that people spend 47% “of their waking hours thinking about something other than the activity they’re actually involved in.” What’s worse, that mental meandering makes them more unhappy than others who are able to focus on the task at hand and don’t allow their minds to wander...
     ... As you compose your daily to-do list, consider the number of times daily that you stray from what you set out to do. Is it because you have too many items on your to-do list, or perhaps because you didn’t accurately estimate how long it would take to accomplish each? Or is it because throughout the day you allow yourself to stray, and your mental meandering consumes valuable chunks of time that could be applied to the task at hand?"

     The above quote is from an article dealing with this same issue that can be read in full right here.

"It is better to focus on what you can see than to meander after your self-interest; this also is pointless and a chasing after wind."  Ecclesiastes 6:9

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The Gospel Of Grace

THE GOSPEL OF GRACE

 Hello! I am going to shift gears on Thursdays from now on, and instead of discussing business matters, I will be sharing the gospel message.

     Many people think they will go to Heaven because they have lived a good life. Perhaps, they treat all of their neighbors fairly, maybe they volunteer for charity work, and have never broken the law, maybe they were even baptized, or go to church regularly, but the bible, God's Word, says that no one can live up to God's standard of righteousness.

"As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one..."  Romans 3:10.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God..."  Romans 3:23.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  Romans 6:23.

     Salvation cannot be earned, it is a gift of God that must be received by repenting (that is, turning your life over to God), and believing that His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, died to pay the penalty for your sins on the cross.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  John 3:36.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."  John 14:6.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast."  Ephesians 2:8,9.

      This is the gospel of grace, plain and simple. If you have not received the gift of salvation, please stop right now, and confess to God that you are a sinner in need of salvation, that you want to turn from the path you have been on, and that you believe the Lord Jesus died for your sins.

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     In today's post on this blog, I want to spend some time talking about the benefits of making a midlife career change.

     I said career change, but it doesn't have to be a total career change, it might be doing something part time along with what you are already doing for additional income, or maybe it is taking up a new hobby. But many of the same rules apply, whatever it is that you are considering taking up.

"Contemplation
Belief but uncommitted. You believe you should change career, but cannot get started.
Visualize yourself as a new person. How do you feel about yourself? What do you look like in your new career? How have the attitudes of those around you changed? How much more energy do you have?
Add up all the benefits. How will the reduction in stress affect your health? How will the mental stimulation and challenge improve your emotional well being? Visualize the social and economic possibilities?
Be realistic about the alternatives. How many years work do have left in you? Do you want to spend them doing what you are doing now? How will that make you feel in 5 years, 10 years, when you retire? Will you be satisfied that making no decision was the right decision? Would you rather be active in seeking your next career, or passive and wait for something to come along that might suit you? Which is more likely to be successful?"

     The above quote is from a good article titled "7 Steps To Your Midlife Career Change", you can read the entire article here.

      One of the questions the above article asks is: "How will the mental stimulation and challenge improve your emotional well being? This was a big surprise to me that I was not expecting. Since I started learning and doing an online marketing business, the mental stimulation and challenge has been great! Instead of dreading and fearing whether or not I could learn something new at this stage of my life, I just went for it, and it has been a real boost emotionally for me. Many times in the past I talked myself out of doing something new and different, because I was sure it would be too much for me to learn. I regret the times I did that, and I am thankful I went through with it this time. If for no other reason, this has given me the confidence that I can learn something new, and encourage others to do the same!

"

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13 (NASB) 

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david@providing.ws

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