Good Decisions. Sometimes I Make Them.

 For instance, right now I'm writing this blog with my mouth crammed full of iced animal crackers, and I believe in my soul that this was (and is) an awesomely great decision. There simply aren't that many simple pleasures in this world that can beat the feeling one has when they're chomping down on six or seven little animal cracker figures at the same time. Nope, it's one of those things you have to experience and even if I were to go into my thesaurus and pull out a lot of really cool (awesomeness) adjectives to describe said mouthful of wonderness, you would still need to experience it for yourself. This is just one example of the best decision making functions my brain engages in from time to time. Follow me for more great determinating adjudications in your life.

    Today, after turning down yet another "opportunity" to be a commission sales agent, I realized that my recent acceptance of a full time at home work position, wherein I am selling insurance, was actually a great decision. I was a bit upset with myself at first for being nearly forced (by time) to accept the open position. I was upset because I have just (also recently) passed the SIE exam, the exam you need to apply for entry level positions in finance.  I had just passed the exam, and I have been applying non-stop for said entry level positions, but because of the Christmas and New Year timing, I knew it would be a minute before companies got around to hiring new hires and putting any real effort into training them to become the best assets on the planet.  I guess I knew this, but I was hoping that things were going to be a bit different for me this time around - - hope is a good thing. It's not always wise to depend on it, but it is a good thing.  Nothing changed.

    Because I hadn't heard from any reputable companies that wanted to start a new hire out with a base salary, and because I couldn't get anyone who remotely fit my idea of what reputable meant, I decided to take the bird in the hand job that was offered to me, even though I wasn't thrilled about being an insurance sales agent again.  I wanted to think I had put that part of my life behind me; sometimes the unexpected is the best thing.  I unexpectedly found that the job I accepted was really the better choice for what I need and want at this particular moment.  I need time to relax and settle from all the study I put in for the SIE, but I also need time to study for the next steps.  I needed money while I was studying next steps, and I wasn't getting that from the trees outside, nor were the fish in the pond showing any real promise - - (that's a Jesus reference in case you missed it.) I had to find actual work.

    I accepted an at home position that didn't pay as much, but hey, it's at home. I can make bonuses and I can work Monday through Friday without putting in any time over the weekends.  My hours aren't set yet, and I'm in negotiations with the company over those, but I think it will be at least tolerable for now. I can always put in for new hours later down the road, and who knows, it may work out for the best. I just like earlier hours so I can be done with it and I can start the studying process.  Then again, if I work later hours I can study in the mornings when there is sunlight! God has a plan. I just have to figure out where I fit into it. He's not going to change. I have to be the one to get on board.  I know this. I also thank Him for it because most the time - - OK, all the time - - His plans rock, and I suck at controlling my life. There, I said it.

    Here it is, day four of training and guess what, I'm already being called upon to give not only instruction, but to assist some of the new agents with understanding lingo, terminology, analogies and what they can actually expect from inbound callers needing insurance.  I've been there. I've done that. The trainer(s) is/are really great, but with 22 students it can become overwhelming when 19 of them are newly licensed to sell life insurance and have zero actual experience. The trainer(s) can use all the help they can get.  I don't mind. It makes me feel useful. The other thing is, (and I may have smiled) that I found out that the company I accepted the position with also has an assets management division and after I've been with my team for six months I can put in for a transfer.  Hey, that's about the same time as I was expecting to finish the study for the Series 66 test!  That's gonna work out -- perfectly.  Did I mention God was really good at what He does? He is.

    Today, after work, I pulled out the big fat book of learning and decided to read a few pages. I was correct in my thinking regarding the sunlight. By the time I got off work there wasn't any sunlight left, and I had to read by the lamp light. Not fun. I don't like that. I don't learn that well when I don't have real light to help me. It's not that I'm old, I mean I am, but I like the light from the window coming in over my head and shoulders and onto my book - - OK, we'll go with Old Fashioned!  So, if I didn't have to start until around 11:00 a.m. or so and had to work until 8:00 p.m. I would have the morning hours to study and the weekends to shop and run around - - and study. The Series 66 is going to be a monster to finish. I'm doing it my way, through reading, absorbing, note taking, and reiteration. After I get the gist of it down I'll order the study guide online and work through the endless chapters of self-study that you pay for when you get really serious.  It's a proven plan that works. I push myself. I don't need others to kick my butt - - I'm the best butt kicker I know. It will happen.

    So yeah. I may not be making a ton of money right now. Money is never and has never been the motivator in my life. We need money sure, but we don't have to let it define us or make decisions for us. We can use it, and that's what it's there for.  I'll stay where I am for now, study, pass the Series 66, transfer within the company to the asset management division, and BAM....there you go. I'll start out as an entry level warrior, but with a salary, benefits, good relations and friends, and I'll be a part of something I believe in and am (timewise) invested in for myself.  Good plan.  Good good plan. The company also has offices around the world, so yeah, I may put in for another transfer and work in Scotland for a year or so. You just never know - - time will tell, and time will also assist me to be the person I think I should be rather than taking a chance on a maybe. I like solid foundations better. Something about building my house on a rock -- see what I did there? Yeah, another Jesus reference. He's just everywhere!

Photo Credit: Michael Solomon