Climbing

I am a very proud wife.

I don't say this just to say it or just to make Rick feel good.

I say it because it is so true.

My husband is an engineer, and a good one (from what I know about engineering). This year he has had four different jobs, counting the new one he'll be starting in a couple of weeks. When we got married and moved to Tulsa, Rick started as an engineer in an industry about which he knew nothing. But, he is a self-motivator, so he dug in and learned and excelled and created new ways of doing things.

When the owner retired, and the structure of the company changed, he felt led to quit that job and seek something else. That led him to his current company. He had the opportunity to help create a new department. And he was excited for the challenge. Unfortunately, within a year, this wonderful company was "bought out" and then things went south in a hurry. He stuck with it for at least three years.

Business was bad and he literally sat for about six months with absolutely no work to do. It drove him crazy! He was a little difficult to be around. He likes to be busy. He likes to be productive. He likes to feel as though he is a part of something.

Out of desperation, he found another job, even taking a pretty significant pay cut just to find some fulfillment in his work.

After just a few months, another department of his previous employer recruited him. They begged him to come work for them, offering many promises. After careful consideration, he decided to go back. That hasn't worked out so well. There still isn't much work, the company is in pretty bad shape, and he's back to feeling very unproductive and negative.

I am, personally, sick of employers not taking care of my husband. I don't know if you have seen the quality of employees coming out of college these days, but they aren't good. They are spoiled. They don't want to work for living.They are happy sitting at a company for months on end doing absolutely no work and still receiving a paycheck. In fact, many find that the ideal employment opportunity.

Not. Rick.

If he can't be productive, he doesn't want to be there at all. What employers don't get is that Rick would do absolutely anything for a company that was taking care of him, showing him a little respect and gratitude. That's worth a lot.

Soooooo, a couple of weeks ago, a very small engineering firm called Rick to see if he would be interested in a job. They know him. They know his talent level and his work ethic. They know his personality. And they wanted him. They wanted him bad enough that they made changes in their business in order to make sure they could make him an offer he couldn't refuse. There is something so gratifying about someone wanting YOU! He didn't seek this job. They sought him.

He is feeling bad about all of his job changes this year. I am perfectly satisfied with what has happened. Well, I could have done without the months, err .. years, of turmoil. But, we all know we have to go through difficult times to get what's best sometimes.

I am very proud of Rick and the man he is in his industry. I feel a little pumped up to be his wife. And, I am so grateful that he has stuck through all of these difficult times, making changes when necessary, so that I can stay home and do what I feel I am called to do in educating our children.

I am looking forward to the joy I believe he is going to experience because of his patience.

Thank you, babe, for being a man of integrity. And for sticking with it during the difficult times. You are appreciated and loved!