Unemployed and waiting on that one Yes!

Changing Our Narrative

By Dr. MeShonya Wren-Coleman

On November 30, 2020, a 17-year employment period ended that I had dedicated 10 to 12 hours to each day and weekends because of my passion for the work that I do. I provided unlimited services to make sure the job was done professionally and efficiently.

Unfortunately, I was released from my job duties due to new leadership and my contract not being renewed. This happens all the time on jobs across the country, especially in at-will states.

Since COVID-19, so many Americans have been laid off from their jobs because the economy could not meet the base salaries of individuals, leaving many businesses to close permanently. This left households facing hardships that certainly were not foreseen.

After the approved stimulus packages and extra unemployment benefits, there were still households left trying to figure it out. Receiving something is always better than nothing but losing a job that provided a salary that helped make your ends meet, put your child through college, and assisted in various other economic demands was of course devastating. Devastated, but not Defeated!!!

After applying for unemployment and waiting for approval, I never stopped thinking what would be my next move. As a side hobby and pure enjoyment, I provide catering and event planning services during my leisure time. My brother gave me an idea when he introduced me to a chef that changed my course of action. From there an event was planned to launch my company Monei’s EFE (Essentials for Elegance). The opening was a huge success, but COVID-19 still kept business slow and event scheduling even slower.  Disappointing, but not Defeated!!!

In the state that I live, we have to submit three job searches weekly for our unemployment benefits.  While my home is quiet during the weekday and it’s just the dog and I, this time was used to update my resume, improve my interview skills from webinars and booklets, and spice up my cover letter so that it would reflect my true career goals and accomplishments. 

Weekly, I applied for three to five jobs that came through on different websites. After four months of job searching and you still haven’t gotten that one YES, you then start doubting your credentials and experience. Yes, I had several interviews and some I just knew the job was mine. Then there are those that I simply just wrote off because the demeanor of the interview had already sent negative vibes. But again, I was hopeful.  Drained, but not Defeated!

Today, I still put in my weekly job submissions. Nonetheless, I want to share what keeps me going to encourage those that are also still waiting on that one Yes. Family altar calls every Monday, daily prayers and devotions sent to my phone as reminders that God has not forgotten about me, and maintaining a positive circle of family and friends continue to keep me motivated and encouraged daily. Pastor Mike McClure, Jr. wrote that the enemy forgot to tell you that NO means Next Opportunity, Not Over, Never Out, New Option, Necessary Opening, and Not On God’s Watch because it’s been understood for ages that when one door closes it’s not over, it’s just the beginning.  Delayed, but not Denied!!!

The sorority that I am a member of shared some declarations written by Cindy Trimm that help me command every morning, every week, and every month as I continue to wait on that one YES! Those declarations simply say: (1) I will persist until I succeed. (2) I am excited; my spirit is ignited. (3) I walk in favor with God and not man. (4) I confess that I only progress. (5) I am living my most blessed and best days now. (6) My home is a haven of peace. (7) I always function with an outstanding attitude and produce superior work and (8) I maximize my potential and move boldly toward my destiny.  

Don’t feel like you’re not qualified or not worthy because the letters and emails that you keep receiving say that they decided on other candidates to interview or another candidate was better qualified for the position. Stay focused and stay the course because this article wasn’t written just for you, but for me as well. Prayed up, powered up, and waiting on that one Yes!