When I was a boy and especially a teenager, I struggled trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I knew I did not want to be bored and I didnt want a job where I couldnt wait for the weekends or retirement. I needed something fulfilling. Ive been able to do a wide variety of things through the years that run the gamut from teaching, radio, higher education, public relations, and politics) Ive only been unemployed one time through no fault of mine, and going through that difficult time left me with a greater empathy for those going through such challenges. Ive been fortunate that most jobs have come my way or required a simple tap on the door. I dont take that for granted and have always been grateful for those who have believed in me or given me employment opportunities. Several weeks ago, I was approached about returning to the private sector; meanwhile, a really good opportunity emerged within state government. Either situation would be a capstone for me. Ultimately, I have decided to leave my current position and at the beginning of the year will be returning to a newly created position with my former employer Alternative Opportunities which is based here in Springfield. Lots of ongoing travel in Ark, Ok, and Mo. (more on that at another time). The past year has been a tremendous opportunity for me and especially the past six months working on a special project relating to the Division of Family Support in the Department of Social Services. Ive traveled to 90 of our offices and met face to face with over 1000 employees. As Ive said in recent weeks to employees, I havent broken out my pom poms yet, but I firmly believe weve turned a corner in what has been a monumental challenge. I am forever grateful to Gov. Nixon, Dr. Mike Nietzel, Jason Zamkus, Emily Kalmer, Linda Leubbering, Brian Kinkade, Jennifer Tidball, Alyson Campbell and countless others. More recently Marge Randle, my cohort in crime and a former nun, has expanded my vocabulary and a friend for life, and the five Regional Administrators whom Ive worked with these past 6 months have been so instrumental and open minded to my input in every way. I have never been able to peg my career with a label. I try to learn, expand my knowledge, be judicious, and honest. I am grateful for many things and Im thankful in this polarizing political world where you can so easily lob verbal grenades that my folks raised me where I can effectively work with Republicans and Democrats, Evangelicals and Agnostics, and various stripes and persuasions in between. This doesnt mean I dont hold strong views or opinions (shocked?), but I do try to think of where someone is coming from when their ideas are polar opposite of mine. I could start on a rabbit trail at this point, but since Ive already been on four or five within this post, I will close for now.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 03:21:19 +0000
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