In 2009, I was laid off from the position I held at a manufacturing company. I found another position a few months later, but was fired for incompetence within seven months. They claimed that I wanted to be fired and opposed my unemployment. I fought back with the unemployment office and won when I informed them that for the first six months, I was told I was doing my job very well.

Shortly after that, I was instructed to run a complete inventory for the first time in over two years. I was salaried and worked over 120 hours in the next two weeks. I asked for two days off next week and was given it reluctantly. The next week, I was given a written warning about something I did not know was not the proper procedure.

The following week, I was walked out of the plant. The plant manager who fired me failed to ask for my key. The next morning, I returned about two hours after my shift would have started and returned the key. I learned that my desk and position were taken over by a former employee.

My Unemployment was approved, and I returned to looking for another job. One of the companies that I applied to was coming to Springfield, and they were looking for a representative to promote their business. They worked with nursing homes and other companies that helped families find services for senior citizens.

I was excited about the opportunity after I had spoken to HR two or three times. They liked my sales experience, purchasing background, and ministry experience. She downplayed the salesman concept until I was interviewed by the sales manager, who would be my direct supervisor.

After that conversation, I declined to go forward and began thinking about the fact that for most companies, closing the deal is more important than people. I did not want to be one of those employees. I finally found another purchasing job. That is the company I retired from six years ago.

I found my place, and I hope that each of you can find yours. Keep looking for where you belong, whether you are looking for a job, a church, a mate, or a home. Life is one long search for enjoyment and meaning.

I have taken jobs where I was asked to do things that I would rather not. That one time, I felt that it was better to remain without a job than to accept one that I felt certain that I would fail at. There might have been companies that I would not want to recommend to families. I hope you can say no when you want to.

©Copyright 2026 by Charles Kensinger