As I write this, we are approaching my one-year anniversary of starting with AllianceOne, which is a good time to reflect on the circumstances that brought me to my position and all the changes that came within the past year. The entire world was brought to a halt in early 2020 and as things slowly began to change and evolve, most people were looking for fresh starts, or a new way of life that fit the cards that we had been dealt. I was no different. At the time, I was finishing up my first semester back in college after a four year break and working evenings when the COVID shut downs began. I finished out the semester, but decided that for my health and safety I was not comfortable going back for the fall. In the meantime, I thought, I should get a job with day hours! After about a month of job searching, I landed at AllianceOne.
This job was going to be temporary. Something to earn income and work from home until I felt safe returning to school. However, I quickly found that I enjoyed my job and things were not returning to normal anytime soon, or ever. I enjoyed helping others, and I was great at it! About a month in an opportunity to become a trainer presented itself. Even with my limited experience, I applied. I interviewed for the job and was very excited to move up with the company. Unfortunately, I did not get the job. I was not discouraged. I continued to do my best work for another month. Then, there it was, another training position came open! I jumped on it and this time, thanks to my perseverance and determination, I got the job!
Now the job that I planned to be temporary had taken on a more permanent fixture in my life. I love what I do, and I excel at it. Since starting, I have had not one, but three promotions in less than a year. My peers and managers make me feel valued and appreciated. Also in this past year, I have found a wonderful partner to share life with, soon moving into a nicer apartment thanks to my new income, and I have learned more about my own identity and myself. Many people around the world were not as fortunate as I have been, and their new starts were much more negative. However, I know my life would not be where it is today if not forced to find a new beginning. If anyone out there is struggling, as many are, stick with it, you never know how your life will change with one small decision to start something new.