November 16, 2018 was my last Black Friday and Christmas season working in retail as a big box store manager. I was working 15+ hour days with little time with my family. This picture was taken after one of those long days and I was able to get home before bedtime. That was the Christmas season that broke me physically and mentally.
Four months later I found out the company was going out of business the day my second daughter was born. I was going into my 15th year of retail that August.
I celebrate today as it was May of 2019 that I started working employee relations. I often look back at this picture and remember the toll it had on me as a father, husband, mentally, and physically. It was so scary to change my career at 34 with a growing family but now going into year 5 in HR, it was all worth it.
Today I work remote for an awesome organization that allows me to focus on me, my career, and family. I get to be a dance dad, coach my kids, be home for holidays, enjoy vacations, and so much more.
It's never too late to start over. I believe my years in retail management has resulted in my success in employee relations.
There were leaders who believed in me enough to give me a chance to be successful. I've worked for some of the best leaders in retail and HR.
Always be open to change and do what is right for you. It takes sacrifices and time to be successful. Don't sell yourself short. #mentalhealth #humanresources #retailmanagement
American Signature Inc. Exciting news! Huge congrats on being named the Best Place to Work in Baltimore! 🎉