No Cloud Nine | Daily Post: Re-springing Your Step

Tell us about the last experience you had that left you feeling fresh, energized, and rejuvenated. What was it that had such a positive effect on you?

This morning, I was ready to say no.

I’ve been looking for a new job for a while now. And this morning was the latest result. I already know what I want and don’t want in a job. And working six days a week is a huge deal breaker for me. I’ve done it before. I did it for years. And it burned me out.

He flipped through my answer sheet. Inside the office, the boss, in his comfortable black chair, laughed for a bit. He smiled mostly. I knew what I wrote. But I had no idea what was making him sound pleased.

After a short interview and a few clarifications, he welcomed me to the company.

Somewhere in my head, I was raising objections. I needed to be heard before they I walked out of their front door. Because I was taken aside by the secretary for more instructions, I inquired about their work days. That was when I mentioned it: Sabbath is non-negotiable for me. She didn’t say another word but motioned me to stay in the chair.

Few moments later, she returned from the boss’ office and said that I would be under a no work-no pay contract, unlike the others. That was agreeable. It is fair and he was considerate, which were the two things I wrote as an expectation from the boss.

No sooner had I stepped out of the door, I began listening to a Sheppard song. I texted the family and friends to tell them the good news. I may not have been walking on cloud nine but I felt so much lighter—and so much faster—earlier! Even I wasn’t prepared for this. Life does pull surprises.