Several weeks ago I resigned from a very good job as I'd secured, what I expected to be, a better one. I had a notice period in which I continued to perform my job function in that time plus worked on a little side project of my own creation.
Leaving the company left a gap I knew they would have difficulty filling; it had taken them several months to get me on board and they were dismayed when I handed my resignation in and at the prospect of having to begin the search over. With this in mind I decided to see what I could do to help and tapped into my reasonably extensive network. I made a few calls, received a couple declines, then spoke with a fellow I'd worked with several years earlier who showed some interest. The problem was that he was happy where he was with no intention to leave.
I explained the situation, my role and a little about the company and he agreed to meet me at my workplace so I could show him around. Of course, I'd spoken with the Director first and he was agreeable to me proceeding.
I spent an hour showing my friend around a few days later, leaving nothing out, then we went away and chatted about the opportunity.
I could see him warming up to it, he asked many questions all of which I answered openly and honestly leaving nothing out good or bad, and we parted ways after he told me he'd consider things. Over the next several days we spoke on the phone a few times and he ended up telling me he was keen. I sent him the Directors details, he called, they met a few days later and after a couple hours the Director offered him the role. He didn't accept right away but I was confident he would, which a few days later he eventually did. I was very pleased as was the Director who was happy to have replaced me quickly.
Yesterday my friend and I had a coffee and he thanked me for the opportunity. He was very grateful, not just for the 25% increase on his previous salary the role gave him or even the autonomy and ability to work from anywhere. What he saw as the biggest thing was the break I'd given him in a new (lucrative) industry he'd otherwise not have had due to lack of experience and the fact the role would teach him new skills and attributes that would place him well into the future; it is a significant step up from a simple sales role he was previously doing. He's been there for a couple weeks now, is totally overwhelmed, run off his feet, overloaded with technical information, well out of his depth and paddling like fuck to keep up..and he's loving it!
We were talking today about how important relationships are, not just in business but generally. The relationship he and I formed several years ago endured even after we both took totally different paths. We're not much alike and don't have much in common at all but we had mutual respect and that went a long way towards me opening the door to the opportunity I gave him recently, and he being open to it and the change it brought.
I feel really great about helping him into the role; he won it himself of course, I just helped him see the benefits. But, thinking about it now, I guess again respect, the respect I'd gained from the Director during the course of me doing the role, helped pave the way for my friend, opened the door, so to speak. This role will make a massive difference to my his life, financially and professionally, and I think his personal life will benefit also, job satisfaction often has that effect. I left our coffee catch up with a smile on my face (an inward smile as I don't walk around smiling much) and a good feeling inside.
Have you ever had a door opened for you by a friend, or helped someone by opening the door to opportunity for them? Tell me about it in the comments below if you'd like.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
Any images in this post are my own
Nice pay rise for your mate, with the cost of living going up we all might need that kind of leg up.
Indeed, it's a sizeable chunk and the knowledge will see it increase as he moves within the industry. It was a nice situation all round.
When I just graduated, I couldn't find a job. All employers were looking for experienced staff and I was almost in a frenzy. Later, thanks to a friend of mine, I got a job at the company he worked for. And that workplace was literally like a school for me. I learned many things. Thank you still my friend.
Yes, I've heard this before and it's quite a familiar story. I didn't go to university, my life went in other directions and I gained a lot of experience so these days it's a little easier to get the work, although, every now and then I'll here, but you didn't go to university. It doesn't impede my progress though. I wonder, is the university more important or the experience. A little of both? I guess it depends on the situation.
I went to university. But is it good for me to go to university, I still can't find the answer to this question. After high school, my father made me an offer. I rejected my father's offer and chose to go to university. If I had accepted my father's offer, I might have a different life right now.
My university was life in general.
In respect to the offer your father made and you refused...It's all about choices. Unfortunately we don't always know what's the right one at the time the choice/decision needs to be made. All we can do is make a decision based on what we know at the time, the information to hand, then be flexible to adapt as needed and pivot if and when required.
I think the same thing about choices I made in life; I think we all do.
This made me smile. When I went to work in Liverpool, everytime I stopped someone to ask the way, they would be smiling. I thought they must all have just fallen in love, but no, Liverpudlians love engaging. Often, they'll say, "I'll show you" and start walking with you. If you're standing at a bus stop or looking in a shop window someone will say something in passing. Recently, I was there and it happened that I stopped a couple of French guys who had opened a little bakery. They were exactly the same, walked down the road with me to where I was going.
Really lovely story about your friend and where you worked. I don't know about your industry but the one I work in is quite small, I often come across people that I knew in an earlier stage, so always good to keep on good terms, even if you are moving on. Not sure that I've opened doors directly but several people have told me how something they learned when they were working with me has helped them move into another role. I've fallen through a few doors that other people have left open 😎
Well, I smile, but when I'm walking along the street by myself I don't walk along with a smile on my face. Never have. When there's a reason to smile I do, my lopsided smirk usually, and am happy to be doing it.
My industry is immense here in Australia, trucking and transport, (not public transport, goods) and it keeps the nation moving. The money involved (generally) industry wide is mind boggling. At my level it can be difficult to get into hence why I was happy to get my former colleague involved; it's a good opportunity for him and will set him up for a good run into his retirement in 20 years. He'll be employable in this industry forever now.
It felt good to help him out a bit and it's not the first time I've done those sort of thing. Give enough, and things have a way of coming back in some form or another.
Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it.
That seems to have worked out all the way around. How lucky for your past acquaintance/co-worker AND the company you were leaving.
"He's been there for a couple weeks now, is totally overwhelmed, run off his feet, overloaded with technical information, well out of his depth and paddling like fuck to keep up..and he's loving it!"
That made me laugh. I can remember back when new positions made me feel that way and it was so exhilarating and fun ! Now I'm just trying to slide out under the wire....LOL It's ok, I've had my turn.
It worked out indeed, and placing my friend there also left me feeling I went out with integrity which is important to me. He'll do fine, eventually, and it's good to have helped out the chap.
That feeling of not knowing a job isn't one I enjoy to be honest, although the process of gaining the understanding and knowledge is a good one and succeeding is always rewarding.
Hey, don't cut yourself when you're slipping out under the wire ok?
I'll try not !
Nice gesture from you by the way 👏
This is very relatable to my situation too. Where i work presently was a role vacated by my friend and college mate. We previously worked together at a resort as an operation supervisor until i went for my NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE(a mandatory one year service after college graduation).
After my service i couldn't get a good paying job untime and then covid paused everything. After covid my friend decides to further his education at Texas University in USA which means he had to quit his job.
He just called me one faithful morning that we have to go to his working place as soon as possible. He recommended me to his boss and without much talk i was offered the job based on his recommendations and my prior experiences and record.
I'm still at the job and grateful till today.
That's indeed a similar story. It speaks of trust and respect, and the fact you did the right things to put yourself in the position to gain the opportunity.