By Charlie "Tremendous" Jones

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.