Taking The Chance

Going to a four year college after high school wasn’t an option for me, and wasn’t a priority for my family. So, I went to community college to earn my associate’s degree, and was fortunate to find a civilian position on the nearby army base that paid well and allowed me to work full time during all breaks, and part time when school was in session.

At some point after graduating I was hired as a market research coordinator for a pharmaceutical company. It was a good position, but without the bachelor’s degree my advancement opportunities were limited.

One day while meeting with the Human Resources director she encouraged me to enroll in their tuition reimbursement program. I could have virtually my entire education paid for by them, which was huge!

Would you believe that I was hesitant? I remember expressing to her my objections and my concerns of how long it would take. Then she said something to me that I have never, ever forgotten … “the time will pass anyway”. At the end of the 3 or 4 years or whatever it would take I could have my degree or be in the same place I was then.

I took her up on that, finished my degree, and moved up to several higher level positions in the company before the lay offs started and I found myself in the wonderful world of real estate.

Still, that lesson that she taught me changed my perspective on time forever. How many times do we say no to opportunities because of the time it will take, or because we are too impatient to get what we really want, so we settle for what is right in front of us?

The time will pass anyway. You can use it to make a difference, or you can live through it and be in the same place over and over again. The choice is yours.

Take the chance. Do the thing. Your future self will thank you!