Opportunity Knocks

There are times when opportunity might knock at your door in unconventional ways and it is up to you to respond accordingly.  Not too long ago, I came across a former neighbor who had transferred out of the area to retain his job of  20+ years.  After a few years, he was again forced to relocate to save his position and, eventually, he was laid off as part of a huge reduction in workforce.

Luckily, he received the maximum amount of severance pay possible and had a nice amount of funds from his 401K plan and pension so he and his famlily were able to make ends meet.  Unfortunately, the cost of Cobra cut into their reserves and he started keeping his eyes open for a new opportunity.  One day, my friend took his car into a local auto dealership for service and overheard they were in need of someone to wash cars.

Being someone who loved hanging around cars, this former corporate manager took a minimum wage level job washing vehicles several days a week.  After a few months, the service manager asked him if he would like to shuttle cars between their different lots and also help prepare them for delivery to customers.  He accepted this new job, overachieved and was approached once again.  The person who oversaw the staff who prepped all cars when sold had quit and they needed a new team manager.  The last I heard, he was now a manager of car prep, working 5-6 days a week, making a nice salary to supplement his needs and having a great time as well.

Way too many of us have had doors slammed in our face over the last few years, many of them padlocked shut.  It is essential to make sure that any door that is opened up for you to explore is given the deepest consideration before you consider closing it.  You never know what great adventure could be awaiting you!