Friday, January 21, 2011

Unveiling

Well, as I have told you, there is a BIG announcement to come. Well after two meetings with one guy, one meeting with two guys whose opinion I trust better than my own, long thought, not to mention some prayer and meditation looking for the answer to my question..... I have decided to go for it!

That being said, start the drum roll.... I have a second job. Wow put like that I guess all the suspense was over dramatic and a let down, sorry. Most of you know that I work with the kiddies, and if you don't read some past posts. What I haven't shared with you is that I also live in a sober house for men. The reason I have stayed there so long has changed several times. First it was I had no drivers license and it was convenient. Second became school, very close to school and my responsibilities are minimal there and it just worked. Well the owner approached me a few days ago and told me that he has no time to run the place anymore. I personally think that he is frustrated because dealing with people in early recovery is a real handful. I can honestly say that the inmates have taken control of the asylum, and if Daryl doesn't take a break he's gonna end up in an asylum himself!

I have been helping him for a while because I gotta live there too and didn't want to bounce my head on any padded walls but I have been doing this strictly for a few perks here and there. But now he is stepping aside and needs help. I laid out certain requirements that I had one by one (and there were many because there are some things wrong that need fixed for my name to be on this) and I laid out how I would like to be compensated (and yes I was more than reasonable and fair) and on each and every point that I made his response was either it's totally up to you do what is right, or no problem. You know this was a business meeting(although between two good friends) I really expected it to be a negotiation... But it wasn't at all.

There are gonna be several people who just don't like me because they are used to running the place and some of them aren't qualified to run a microwave. Some will adapt to living within the rules as I will lay them out, and some will be looking for a different place to live.

I spoke with my mentor and friend who also does this type of work about the guilty feelings associated with telling someone they have to move out right now. He shared a few things with me. First set expectations, he doesn't throw anyone out, they throw themselves out because they know what is expected. Second don't take responsibility for peoples success when their lives change because I didn't change them. Also don't take responsibility for peoples failure because they fail themselves. Third and most important you don't have to treat everyone the same because people are different, but they all need to be treated fair.

Well that's it for now, I have some serious planning to do. Have a great day and remember... You'll never know how big someone else's smile can get till you give them one of your own!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

11 comments:

  1. Wonderful news! I'm so excited for you!!!!!!!

    Your mentor/friend is a very wise person. Good advice all around. Thanks for sharing.

    Sending big hugs.

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  2. Woohoo! That IS very exciting! Your mentor spoke Truth. Truth isn't always easy. But it is Truth.

    My best friend, a former Service Manager in the Corporate World, use to have the highest turnover of personnel in his department out of the whole national corporation... but he never had to fire anybody. They always ended up quitting. He always set tough guidelines, with no wiggle room, and he NEVER moved the bar for anybody. If you don't expect it, you probably won't get it. :D

    Congratulations and good luck!

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  3. I haven't left yet and I'm happy to be here to hear about your big announcement. Congratulations Chuck and your mentor is a was man. All of his expectations are true and clear especially the last one. You've done well Mr. Cordle.

    Paul

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  4. congrats chuck, life clean and sober is a good life......

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  5. Congratulations Chuck. Sounds like you have this dialed in. That's a good thing. Life is full of choices and each person makes their own choices. They them must live with those choices and not blame others.

    Have a terrific day. :)

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  6. Best of luck in the new position - I know that you will be a big success.

    JJ

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  7. Wonderful news, best of luck in your new adventure!

    Smiles,

    Bobbi

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  8. I've followed your story on your mom's blog and I think you have done a wonderful job getting your life back in order. Congratulations on this new position. I'm sure you'll be a big help to those needing it.

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  9. Congratulations! You've been given some wise words to live by. Rules are rules, and said with a smile. Folks have two choices: abide and stay; break the rules and leave. Period. The monkey is on their back.

    Good luck. You'll do well...

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  10. Hi Chuck! I'm here by way of the Sarge's blog. I wanted to tell you congratulations on the new job and wish you luck!

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  11. Holy cow. I am SO very happy for you! You know the old phrase about walking in another guy's moccasins, well, you've been there, done that.
    You're going to succeed and what a way to do it.
    ~~~Blessings~~~

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