Many years ago I was selected along with several unit
managers for our managers training program. I had the
largest unit in the company and was excited knowing that
when the training program was completed I would receive the
first appointment.

I threw myself into every assignment wholeheartedly to make
sure they didn’t forget me. The training included several
weeks in the home office and field assignments training new
agents and assisting agency managers.

The company began making manager assignments and to my
surprise I wasn’t first. Not only was I not first, but
finally they were all assigned and I was still traveling
around the country and getting home every other weekend to
see my wife and four children.

I was becoming more discouraged and bewildered each day that
no one gave me any hope and I began to think they had
forgotten about me. I couldn’t understand why their most
successful unit manager, their most enthusiastic, loyal
employee could be totally forgotten.

The last straw was when I was told a failing manager had
been appointed to my home agency where our manager died of a
sudden heart attack. I hit an all time low, my hopes and
dreams were crushed. As I wallowed in my self-pity but
always keeping up a tremendous front, I began the plot of
how to gracefully start over with another company. I knew
that would be easy since several companies had pursued me
for years.

I realized my career was over where I was but I didn’t feel
I could honorably talk with other companies while still on
the payroll of my present company. I wrote a letter to my
marketing VP explaining how I loved the company and was
grateful for the opportunity I had but since it now appeared
that I had no future there, I would like permission to talk
with other companies as I finished my projects.

I received a call from the home office asking me to come in
immediately for a meeting with the senior sales VP. I
explained I would rather not come in because I didn’t want
to threaten or bargain. I felt I had been forgotten and it
was time to move on.

They told me it was all right and they wouldn’t bargain to
keep me but still wanted me to come in. I was beaten and
dejected knowing I was about to leave all my friends and the
company I had totally committed my life to.

When I arrived, the VPs assistant who was a dear friend
warmly greeted me and assured me I wasn’t forgotten and the
VP would like to meet with me. I had tremendous admiration
for the VP who was a great all around role model. First, he
assured me I wasn’t forgotten but if I would be patient a
little longer I would be a very happy young man.

He explained, “We aren’t promising you anything” but he
added they had something special that isn’t ready yet. I was
embarrassed and humbled by his understanding my impatient,
juvenile attitude and felt the world had been lifted off my
shoulders now that my hopes and dreams were back on track.

As we parted, he gave me the best advice I ever received
that saved my career.

“Write all the letters of resignation you wish, but never
mail them.” He gave me my letter back and a few moths later,
I was sent back to my home agency, which was my dream come
true. Someone said that you don’t find success, do the
things that others neglect and be patient and success will
find you.

by Charlie “Tremendous” Jones