I Lost My Dream Job

Story Time With Abbie

Once again, hello and happy new year.

In the comments, can you guys tell me what tone of voice you hear when you read my Substack? I’m trying to check something.

That aside, I want to share a very personal experience with you today, how I lost my dream job. I know January is when everyone has fire for their career. I’m supposed to be dropping tips, inspiring you with big proverbs, not telling you something like this at the beginning of the year.

After a series of going back to school, reading, taking exams, and praying, I got the job… then I lost it.

When the call came in, I was at a filling station with my friend Niyi, buying fuel for his car.

“Am I speaking with Abigail?”

the voice said.

“Yes, this is she.”

“My name is Funmi, and I’m calling to tell you that you got the job you applied for in January at XY company. Will you be available to come in on Monday for a meeting?”

This was June, by the way. That’s how long I had been waiting to get a call back, at some point I lost hope.

I let out a loud scream and thanked the lady on the other end of the call. Niyi joined in my excitement, and even bought me a gift as a form of goodwill.

God has finally answered me. God is good to me. Praise be Jehovah Nissi, the Merciful One.

I looked my best for the first day of work. I bought so many things to start and shared this testimony with my friends and family. They were genuinely happy for me.

I went through company training for about five weeks, coupled with tests and exams. Even though I hadn’t quit my other job, I somehow did both simultaneously, and did great. To be honest, I don’t even know how I pulled it off.

When it was time to finally resume, I was served the final employment contract. After reading it, I sent it for legal review. I was advised not to sign it. I also sent it to seasoned professionals in the field, and I was still advised not to sign it.

I took it to prayer, waiting for a thunderous answer from heaven, waiting for Jesus Christ himself to sit on my bed and stop me from signing, waiting for the Holy Spirit to reveal it to me in my dream. But deep down, I knew the answer I needed had already been given through the wise counsel God placed around me.

With sadness, but also boldness, I returned to the company with my own terms. They were turned down. I didn’t sign their terms, so the contract was withdrawn and the employment offer terminated.

As I went back home to return all the things the company had given me in preparation for the job, I was deeply saddened, but my mind was made up. The contract didn’t align with my career trajectory.

As I handed back my ID card, I almost shed a tear. I knew I would have been a great addition to the company. I knew I would have given it my all. I had so many people I had worked with who would have vouched for me in their sleep. Even after waiting so long to get it, it still didn’t work out the way I had envisioned. Whether I made the wrong or right decision, I don’t know, but what I do know is that I’ll stand by the decision I made, heads up.

That was how I lost my dream job.

Although I wish things had turned out differently, I’ve made peace with my decision. I haven’t given up. I’ve channeled my energy into other things while I wait for another opportunity.

In some cases, opportunity doesn’t come just once. As long as you’re breathing and waiting, opportunity will present itself in different forms. Just because it doesn’t come the way you envisioned doesn’t mean it isn’t an opportunity for you to seize.

Stay alert, and keep your fire burning.