Popular Post AFreshStart Posted February 26, 2016 Popular Post Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 (edited) Hi Guys, Many of you know that I've been a Stay-at-home Dad, not only here, but back in South Africa as well, for over 5-years. I've freelanced, running my own business, but moving here has meant those contacts have dried up or that the pay is not worth retaining South African clients. As my daughter is now in Daycare 5-days a week I've been looking to re-enter the work force. The odds were stacked against me - no local work experience, been technically unemployed being at home with our kids for 5-years etc. I've been unflinching in my commitments to building a career around my family, rather than the other way around, which means working school hours, making sure I take holidays etc. Which is NOT what your typical employer wants to hear. I applied for over 20 jobs, sat several interviews, some I thought were great, some I knew weren't willing to budge on meeting my terms etc. One job I really wanted literally disappeared! I was the prime candidate, but the job dissolved in a restructure, 48-hours after the interview... None-the-less I kept getting back on the horse, praying and trusting that the right employer would be found. A week ago I answered an ad, the director was impressed with my CV and LinkedIn page. We corresponded via e-mail, she then arranged a telephonic interview and on Monday we had a face-to-face in their offices, Tuesday morning I was offered the job and I start this coming Monday. It works with the hours I have available and they have a great company ethos. Staff bring their pets to work, they offer flexi-time and are happy to split my hours between home and the office, accepting my children are a priority. The director takes Friday's off to be with her own kids. It pays almost DOUBLE what some of the other listings offered and they've agreed to pay my SUPER on top of it! They get me and I get them and am excited to start this new chapter, best part is the office is only a 10-15 minute walk from where we live. All this to say, it paid off. I stuck to my guns, was unwavering in my commitments to my family, knew what was practical for our situation, but also how much I was worth and had to wade through these other jobs, interviews and hiccups to be placed where I am now. I hope that encourages and inspires a few others in their journey. Cheers Matt Edited February 26, 2016 by AFreshStart 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SurferMan Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 @AFreshStart God be blessed mate! You know, I followed you not just because of who or what you are or do, but also as an adjunct of your value system. I am SO happy you stepped back into the work zone. I will be watching you with some interest. Again, RESPECT. God bless! Surferman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 @AFreshStart, wow, that is wonderful news, we will certainly miss you, as I guess you will not be able to post as much now. Enjoy and God Bless, it is amazing the amount of doors the Lord opens for us when we most need it! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel-B Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 WOW that is amazing!!! HUGE CONGRATS!! Keep us updated and get a pet so you can also take one to work (hehehe) BECAUSE YOU CAN! Tell us more about what you will be doing? Sounds like a very creative workplace, thinking out the box. I love it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackoFam Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 Congrats Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistermoose Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 High five, Matt! I had no doubt you and your perfect match would find each other soon. Now you can jaunt off to lobster lunches with friends in Point Piper and think nothing of it Enjoy it, bud. You deserve all the happiness this new chapter brings. Remember what John Lennon said: Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chips Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 Welldone Matt, all the best for Monday when you start. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFreshStart Posted February 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 11 hours ago, Mel-B said: WOW that is amazing!!! HUGE CONGRATS!! Keep us updated and get a pet so you can also take one to work (hehehe) BECAUSE YOU CAN! Tell us more about what you will be doing? Sounds like a very creative workplace, thinking out the box. I love it. Thanks Mel-B, Um, no, with two kids I have very little time for pets! We do own 3-hermit crabs though, them and a pet fish would be my limits! My title is officially Digital Marketing Manager, but it's very broad. My roles will include all their social media channels, loading new products to the website through their CMS, weekly EDM's through MailChimp, blogging etc. All things I've done in the past, but at different companies, now rolled into one. It's a great family company that have been around for 10-years and they specialize in office fit-outs and contract furnishing, with an emphasis on wellness and green living. Cheers Matt 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFreshStart Posted February 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 11 hours ago, Mara said: @AFreshStart, wow, that is wonderful news, we will certainly miss you, as I guess you will not be able to post as much now. Enjoy and God Bless, it is amazing the amount of doors the Lord opens for us when we most need it! Thanks Mara, don't write me off just yet! I plan to hang around, I might not be as prompt responding or sharing my thoughts, but feel part of the furniture here and quite enjoying sharing and helping people, win-win. And, yes, the Lord continues to go ahead of us, we see his hand across our move everyday. Today actually marks a year since we bought our home here, something we just didn't even think possible, He's been with us in the big and small. Cheers Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFreshStart Posted February 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 (edited) 12 hours ago, SurferMan said: @AFreshStart God be blessed mate! You know, I followed you not just because of who or what you are or do, but also as an adjunct of your value system. I am SO happy you stepped back into the work zone. I will be watching you with some interest. Again, RESPECT. God bless! Surferman Thanks Surferman, and with you as you start your new life on "the other side" of Australia. 7 hours ago, mistermoose said: High five, Matt! I had no doubt you and your perfect match would find each other soon. Now you can jaunt off to lobster lunches with friends in Point Piper and think nothing of it Enjoy it, bud. You deserve all the happiness this new chapter brings. Remember what John Lennon said: Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end. Thanks Mistermoose, Lobster is off the menu! We are quite happy to maintain our "living small" ethos and will use the majority of my income to continue paying off our mortgage, but the extra does give us some breathing room to enjoy the odd meal out, plan a family holiday etc. 4 hours ago, Chips said: Welldone Matt, all the best for Monday when you start. Thanks Chips & JackoFam! Cheers Matt Edited February 26, 2016 by AFreshStart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SML Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 Well done! That job sounds perfect for you and your family! Good luck for Monday! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoping4Oz Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 You're a real inspiration Matt. Am really happy for you and wish you everything of the best in the new job. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhatMyles Posted February 27, 2016 Report Share Posted February 27, 2016 Can I be your pet? I promise I won't "go" in the house or office! Congratulations. And well done, for sticking to your values regarding family. I am one person who believes in family time, and actually raising my kids, rather than teachers and nannies doing it. Its great to see there is still room for that in a top rated society. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pell Posted March 1, 2016 Report Share Posted March 1, 2016 Congratulations, Matt! You guys are really a success story. I wish my hubby would find it so easy to find a job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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