Wow! I need your Help

[mrsmith]

Yesterday one of the single most ridiculous things in human history happened in my life. Maybe that's a slight exaggeration

For about a month now I've been looking for something else within the company. I perform in my current position but there is no passion for it. I'm just doing it to do it. I'd found another position that played more to my natural strengths of leadership, communication, problem solving, and one-to-one interactions to drive business.

Everything went well during the interview process and I was even given an offer letter on company letter head. Like a happy little man I walked down to the HR office and scribbled my name on the offer letter. Just as I finished I noticed a rainbow over the mountains, everyone in the office broke out into celebratory song, and all was right with the world. I went into the weekend thinking everything was just fine.

Before I go any further let me tell you about a little rule we have. My employer has a 'time in position' rule where associates who haven't been in their position for one review cycle (basically a year) must have their manager's approval to pursue other positions in the company. My manager and I discussed this hold up and he agreed to sign the waiver and allow me to enter a position better suited for my unique talents .

Something changed yesterday. Around 3:30 I got a call from our HR department. The girl on the other end explained to me that my offer letter was to be rescinded because the VP of Human Resources (who couldn't pick me out of a lineup of 2 people) wouldn't approve.

In the past I would've been furious but this time I wasn't. I was very shocked. I felt handled. I felt mistreated. However, I refused to let anger direct my actions.

I went to my HR representative about the situation and she basically fed me the load of bs that I expected. No surprise there. It became very apparent to me that the company as a whole couldn't care less about the actual development of the associates it pledges to love and cherish so dearly. As she continued to talk I politely interjected and said "I understand that you're doing your job. I don't want to sit here and listen to anymore of this because it's really not helping the situation". Then I got up and walked out.

Later on that night I got a call from the manager that wanted to hire me saying how sorry she was about the situation. She then attempted to console me. She went down the path of "that kind of thing always happens", "its not that big a deal", "it's nothing personal against you it's the process", and many other made for TV moments. At this point I was actually getting a little angry. I wasn't angry because of what happened. I was getting angry because of the robotic responses I was receiving.

I'm taking today to try and find some immediate direction. Tomorrow I'll have to return to a team that thought I was leaving. Yes, it's the team that the HR rep told me would have me back with open arms right after I'd expressed an interest in leaving. It's the team that had updated the organizational chart to reflect my newly open position. Yep, that group of lovely women and men.

I have my long term plans for the future laid out. I'm working with a coach and mentor new to develop a professional speaking business. I also have a website idea that will come to life in May of this year. Those things aren't an issue.

The issue is what to do while I'm trying to generate revenue on my own. I graduated from one of the top schools in America with a degree in Industrial Engineering (worked hard for it too). I've won a battle with weight by losing 50 lbs and keeping it off. In a little under a year I was voted the president of the Toastmasters group at that big company that loves me oh so much.

I've been described as affable, charming, sincere, interesting, personable, headstrong, persuasive, competitive, funny, and some people have even gathered up the nerve to call me overbearing (but that's ok).

I really have no desire to return to or enter another company where it's 'ok' to cop a squat on your employees. I really have no problem with the big company structure but I'm finding out that it just doesn't work well for me. I'm very proud of myself for not throwing a temper tantrum and getting myself fired on the spot. A few years ago I think I might have done just that.

Here's my question to you. Given what I've said in this post what types of employment would you suggest I look into while I transition into the world of creating my own cash?

Here's a video of a contest winning speech I delivered on December 3, 2007. I think if you view it you'll have some sort of interaction with me and will probably be able to provide even better insight.

YouTube - Marcus Smith Peachtree Toastmasters Competition

Thanks

[beautyscientist]

Is it all really such a big deal? I can think of much worse stories than this one of mistreatment and neglect at big companies. And if you are planning to go out on your own some day soon why waste the brainpower and effort of finding anywhere better?

[mrsmith]

To me its a very big deal. I'm not really too keen on the idea of working under somebody who knows I have the intention of leaving his group. I want to find an environment that's better because I'm realistic to know that someday soon is 3-4 years from now. Not tomorrow.

I can think of much worse stories too but that's not the point. If I had that mentality I'd never want to get better or improve at anything.

[Leki]

Originally Posted by mrsmith

To me its a very big deal. I'm not really too keen on the idea of working under somebody who knows I have the intention of leaving his group. I want to find an environment that's better because I'm realistic to know that someday soon is 3-4 years from now. Not tomorrow.

I can think of much worse stories too but that's not the point. If I had that mentality I'd never want to get better or improve at anything.

mrsmith,

I recognize you. You are on bodybuilding.com. I read your story and it was inspiring, my probes to you .

Since you are trying to work for your own someday. I would say that you continue working on your speaking career and also do some personal training. You know what's like to stay motivated and lose the weight. I think if you combine these two it can grow into something big. As far as what happened. It is unfortunate that you did not get job. There are always going to be negative people and people who tell you can't do it. Don't let that phase you, it is tough to swallow but move on.

[beautyscientist]

Originally Posted by mrsmith

To me its a very big deal. I'm not really too keen on the idea of working under somebody who knows I have the intention of leaving his group. I want to find an environment that's better because I'm realistic to know that someday soon is 3-4 years from now. Not tomorrow.

I can think of much worse stories too but that's not the point. If I had that mentality I'd never want to get better or improve at anything.

Okay, but on a practical level putting all your energy into your main objective seems more sensible. You might also want to consider whether it is wise to put a link to your talk on this thread. (Nice talk by the way). Any potential employers might spot it and are unlikely to be interested in giving you a job if you are planning to do something else in the near future.

[Steve Pavlina]

Originally Posted by mrsmith

To me its a very big deal. I'm not really too keen on the idea of working under somebody who knows I have the intention of leaving his group. I want to find an environment that's better because I'm realistic to know that someday soon is 3-4 years from now. Not tomorrow.

I can think of much worse stories too but that's not the point. If I had that mentality I'd never want to get better or improve at anything.

Quashing the human spirit is always a big deal.

Your use of the stage in your speech was brilliant. I've never seen anyone use the back wall as a prop like you did. That was very creative!

[mrsmith]

Originally Posted by beautyscientist

Okay, but on a practical level putting all your energy into your main objective seems more sensible. You might also want to consider whether it is wise to put a link to your talk on this thread. (Nice talk by the way). Any potential employers might spot it and are unlikely to be interested in giving you a job if you are planning to do something else in the near future.

Thanks for the compliment on the speech. I understand what you're saying about potential employers and this thread. I'm going to say not too many of my potential employers would read this board (or at least admit to it). If they do hold it against me it's something I'll have to deal with. Funny thing is the manager who was extending me the new offer new all about my aspirations and wanted to help.

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

Quashing the human spirit is always a big deal.

Your use of the stage in your speech was brilliant. I've never seen anyone use the back wall as a prop like you did. That was very creative!

Thanks Steve. It was something I thought up on a whim to add a theatrical element to the speech and mix things up. You can borrow that trick for the small price of...let me see...5% of your adsense revenue.

Deal?

[Mr D]

As far as your job situation goes, there is really no point in being employed there any longer. For me, that would be a shot to by reputation and respect. Two things in which you better guard with your life.

What are your goals for the future?

[Angela]

Your speech was very inspiring -- I want to go out and join Toastmasters right away!

I think you could take your own advice, too. Your current job -- the one you wanted to upgrade out of -- the whole organization, in fact -- is sort of a "disadvantaged neighborhood", isn't it? One that puts rules ahead of people, and politics ahead of growth & success. Whether you leave or stay, why not water the grounds and make sure that your relationships flourish there? Why not use your natural strengths -- leadership, communication, problem solving, and one-to-one interactions -- to generate good feelings there, even (maybe especially) if you are moving on.

Wouldn't that be a great place to practice the impossible? You are the man that could make a huge difference for a lot of people, not the least of which, yourself.

Best wishes, whatever you choose.
Angela

[mrsmith]

Originally Posted by Leki

mrsmith,

I recognize you. You are on bodybuilding.com. I read your story and it was inspiring, my probes to you .

Since you are trying to work for your own someday. I would say that you continue working on your speaking career and also do some personal training. You know what's like to stay motivated and lose the weight. I think if you combine these two it can grow into something big. As far as what happened. It is unfortunate that you did not get job. There are always going to be negative people and people who tell you can't do it. Don't let that phase you, it is tough to swallow but move on.

Thanks man. I appreciate your inspirational feedback.

Originally Posted by Mr D

As far as your job situation goes, there is really no point in being employed there any longer. For me, that would be a shot to by reputation and respect. Two things in which you better guard with your life.

What are your goals for the future?

I feel the same way about my current position. My manager doesn't strike me as a vindictive person but he's still human. For the immediate future I plan on having a site put together where I assist clients over the web with losing weight, staying in shape, and conquering the social stigmas that prevent people from doing so.

Long term goal is to be an in demand keynote speaker.

Originally Posted by Angela

Your speech was very inspiring -- I want to go out and join Toastmasters right away!

I think you could take your own advice, too. Your current job -- the one you wanted to upgrade out of -- the whole organization, in fact -- is sort of a "disadvantaged neighborhood", isn't it? One that puts rules ahead of people, and politics ahead of growth & success. Whether you leave or stay, why not water the grounds and make sure that your relationships flourish there? Why not use your natural strengths -- leadership, communication, problem solving, and one-to-one interactions -- to generate good feelings there, even (maybe especially) if you are moving on.

Wouldn't that be a great place to practice the impossible? You are the man that could make a huge difference for a lot of people, not the least of which, yourself.

Best wishes, whatever you choose.
Angela

I did a good job of managing relationships when I thought I was on the way out. I'm smart enough to not dance on the tables and scream 'AHA SUCKERS' on my way out. I always get along well with my co-workers, managers, etc so that's a non issue. I was looking for a change in scope and responsibilities more than anything. I'm a firm believer in working on things you love and enjoy doing. It wasn't until this recent occurrence that I became sour on the organizational practices.

I'm all about doing the impossible but I'd much rather practice the impossible doing something where I'm growing and assisting others.

I'm still looking for ideas of careers to research while I'm building my own ship. The only thing that I have right now is Sales. Any other ideas?

[Calisto]

mrsmith,

I enjoyed your speech very much. I agree with Angela's post and don't have much to add. But one thing did strike me when reading your posts. It brought back a question I asked some time ago, "How can I become a writer?" And the answer was, "You just do it!" I think you already know what you want to do. So just do it! And good luck.