Terminated Without Cause - Reflections

It’s been 5 months since I was terminated without cause.

Here are the 10 topics in which I have deeper understanding.

Before I get started, I wanted to state that this article is meant to encourage. Hopefully it encourages all.?

But specifically, those who may find themselves in the aftermath of termination, starting a job after termination, transitioning from their job to a new career.

1.???Faith.?

I have learned a lot about my faith. It has been a hard process and there have been many days I’ve asked God, “WHY?!”. But each day I wake up with the hope He is working things out for me. Each day I apply for a new position or take an interview in which I believe I have a chance to get the job. This is easier said than done and honestly, I have wanted to quit multiple times, quit on my dreams, give up on what I’ve worked for, toss it up and just say it was a good ride, give into the lies, but I keep hanging on to my faith in Christ. I know my time is coming and He has brought me through this for a reason. The reason I don’t know and honestly don’t like, but I know this will be a great testimony at some point.?

2.???Family

The greatest blessing in these difficult times has been my family. The time I have had with them has helped me so much. I honestly have seen the number of beautiful moments I’ve missed with them while working in athletics. I have been able to spend so much time with my wife just talking about life, laughing, planning, listening and delighting in her presence. My girls, the time with them has made me a better father. My first daughter has always been a Daddy’s girl, but it has been a great joy to see the relationship between me and my youngest grow deeper. I think she’s a Daddy’s girl too. (Don’t tell my wife. HA!) They have supported me every day, loved me deeper every day and respect me as the leader of the house. I haven’t felt any disappointment or shame from them and they actually helped reverse those feelings I’ve had about myself. In my 12 years of working in athletics this has been the greatest example of TEAM, I’ve ever seen. I love my wife and daughters so much. The time I have spent with them and the moments we have had may be the reason God has delayed me. If this is so, then it has been worth it.?

3.???Value

I have heard the term know your worth and add tax a lot lately. I now fully have the greatest understanding of this phrase. Being let go does not diminish what I have done or am capable of doing. The first couple of weeks, I questioned myself and wondered if it was me. Then I realized it had nothing to do with me, everyone doesn’t understand or see the value in others. I got to this level in my career because of the value I have provided others. A job or title doesn’t make you who you are, no one gets a title and then automatically gets new skills like an Apple update. You are who you are, your talents are there, your gifts are there if someone believes in you or not. This isn’t an arrogant statement; this is a true statement dipped in reality and confidence. Don’t dim your light because it makes others uncomfortable. You are gifted, you have value and you don’t need anyone to establish this truth.?

4.???Confidence

This one is closely tied to know your value, but you have to believe in yourself and trust you are able to do anything you put your mind to. Be confident in your creativity, if you think something can work and benefit others, DO IT. You have all you need to accomplish the goals you have.?

5.???Character?

One of the things my Father taught me growing up is the value of your name. He would tell me to do things in such a way in which my name would not be questioned. One of the things that has really stuck out with me is when I have shared my situation with others no one has said, “what did you do?”. Their responses were encouraging and uplifting. One day I took this in and thought to myself no one I’ve talked to has questioned me, my work habits or my impact. I would say my Father would be proud.?

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

6.???Self-Improvement

With the time I had on my hand I could justifiably sulk or get better. After taking time to honestly deal with the shocking circumstance, it was improvement time. I watched different YouTube videos, made a Twitter list of accounts overflowing with productivity tips, read books and articles, listened to podcasts revised my resume and quantified the qualitative work I’ve done over the years. I went back and edited projects I worked on, worked on communicating my messaging in an efficient way and reopened the creativity of my childhood. This was easier said than done as the sharpening was tedious. But, because of this time I can honestly say I’m a better professional because of it.?

7.???Creativity

This has been one of the cooler parts of this time. I had an opportunity to create systems, create new material, create new planning items and create a podcast. It has been a while since I’ve been able to freely create things I’ve wanted to do. A lot of these things were on a list of things to do these past years but I never got to them. Creating the podcast was the most fun, it took a lot of time, a lot of time, but it has been the most rewarding. I’ve been able to continue my own narrative and share my passion with others. Creating reminds me of the great ideas, creativity and imagination that’s inside.?

8.???Encouragement

I love seeing the job updates on my timelines. It’s been cool to personally reach out and congratulate others on their accomplishments in life. To me, sharing in someone’s joy is therapeutic as it gets your mind off of your situation. I have even liked or said congrats to complete strangers because I can imagine how much work they put in to get there. My time will come as I stated earlier but until and after then, I’m cheering for y’all.?

9.???Nature?

God’s creation. This may sound crazy because I’ve worked in football for 12 years and of course the game is played outside. But I have never had the impact of nature on my mood and wellness as I have in this current moment. I have taken walks with a pen and notecard and have had amazing brainstorming sessions. I have been on walks with no agenda just walking in the wind and breathing in possibilities. I have taken time to just look at the birds outside and marvel at them as they go about their day. I have noticed the spring time flowers bloom, the bees and butterflies working all day pollinating, the random neighborhood cat that always makes its way in my backyard. The rain, the sun, the wind, the shade, the sound of birds all of it, a symphony of life. I have heard it said that being in nature does a lot for the human body and have now experienced it first-hand.?

10.?Preparation

I have had interviews in which I have created detailed presentations and haven’t had the opportunity to discuss them. At first this was disheartening but what I’ve learned is the time spent in preparing applications or preparing for interviews helps with my overall professional development. The other side of this I didn’t notice was all this “vain” preparation was actually preparing me for where I am currently as I am now providing consulting services. One day I started preparing a consulting services pitch and plan, now I am actually providing the services. Preparation for jobs I didn’t get to present has helped me present to the world what I can provide for them. It may be difficult as you prepare for applications, interviews or such (trust me I have written more cover letters than I ever thought I would), but those times have benefit. This effort will help you become prepared for many different situations.

Thank you for reading, I hope this has encouraged you in some way.??

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