In search of a rewarding career

Today I had a job interview. The position I applied for isn't full-time. However, it is in promotions, something I think I'd enjoy. I'd get to work with people in a fast-paced environment. If hired, I'd be on call. But it's a job, and I have to start somewhere.

My interview was at a casino. I live in a major city, but this was the first time I had ever set foot into a casino. Once inside, I gazed in amazement at the flashing lights and the crowds, but only for a few moments. I stayed focused and headed for human resources.

Once there, I completed the second half of an online application. (I completed the first part of the application, my work and education profile, at home.) In the HR office, I answered about 25 questions designed to determine if I have good customer service skills.

I train others in customer service, so I think I did all right on the questionnaire. But I admit to lying on one question. The question: Has anyone ever told you that you talked too much? I answered NO. :-)

Later, I participated in a group interview with others.

I learned a lot today. When people are gambling away their fortunes in a casino, it's important to have employees who smile all the time, treat guests like they're VIPs, and maintain a high-energy environment. Projecting fun is first and foremost in every casino.

*** Update: I got the job!***


tags: life, work, casino, naomi-usa, journey to naomi

Never give up

Once our minds are ‘tattooed’ with negative thinking,
our chances for long-term success diminish.
- John C. Maxwell

My life has been quite eventful this past year. Two days after being appointed to a leadership team to plan a $2 million fund-raising campaign, I lost my job. A few days later, I found out my teenage daughter was pregnant. I never saw it coming. I lost my home. Things went down from there.


You can always count on family


Over the months, I endured family insults that I was a bad mother. Relatives not only slung mud at my daughter, they slung mud at me. That, in and of itself, was hurtful. The fact that I was unemployed and struggling to keep everything together made life even more challenging. I had moments of total exhaustion - physically and mentally.

Nevertheless, I never gave up. I made sure my daughter got good medical treatment. She stayed in school and continued to excel. We had some very hard times, but we met the challenge head on.

I lost my home shortly after the baby was born. But nothing could take away my joy at the birth of my grandson, who is a gorgeous and happy baby. He looks like his mom and has her charm. Like his mom, he lights up a room with his presence. I am so proud of the kids.


The good news is . . .


My daughter is back in school. Her grades are wonderful. She’s in honors classes in the fall. She has her whole life ahead of her. I want her to remain focused on her goals. Everyone makes mistakes. The mark of maturity is when you can rise above them and keep going.

Our little family is still moving from place to place because I’m still looking for a full-time job. We’ve gotten very little help from family. But that was no surprise. Our faith keeps us going. We also get support from a small cadre of wonderful friends. Never underestimate the power of God and the kindness of people - some of whom you’ve never met.

My daughter and I will be successful because we refuse to drown in negative thinking. Sure, we get discouraged at times. But we refuse to be destroyed.

The great thing about life is that with each day, you get the opportunity to begin again.


tags: life, work, friends, perseverance, naomi-usa, the journey to naomi

More about Naomi

I’m a writer whose world revolves around her work and children. My personality is complex, according to those close to me. I’d like to think I’m perceptive. Others may argue convincingly that I’m from another planet!

I possess two distinct personalities. One side of me wears my heart on my sleeves. The other side, which I try to keep hidden, may chew you up and spit you out, if provoked.

In the end, I’m just a little girl wishing that someone would protect her. However, I learned when I was small that it’s up to me to believe in myself.


Journey to Naomi
(c) 2006 Naomi Freeman
All rights reserved.


tags: life, naomi-usa, the journey to naomi

Greetings

You have just entered the world of Naomi. Welcome! Hopefully, you will enjoy this space.

I'm a chick who said she'd never write a journal to rant and rave. I didn't think journaling was my style. Wrong! After blogging for a year in some other spaces, where my writing is purely professional, I found that I did need to pen some personal thoughts.

I'm not sure where I'm headed, but I do know that I'm off on a new adventure. Come with me and enjoy the ride.


tags: greeting, naomi-usa, the journey to naomi