Hard work pays off!

The day after my birthday, I started a new part-time job. Saying the work has been hard is honestly an understatement. I went from a comfortable office job to doing manual labor and that was my choice. I'm so glad I made it. I've been with my current employer for 17 years, and it’s been a good experience. But I needed a change. I want more in this next phase of my life. So, when this opportunity came up, I went all in.

The week after my birthday, I studied every lesson, took pages and pages of notes, and poured everything I had into learning the material. When it was time to take the first two tests that Friday, I passed. But truthfully, I overdid it as I was so exhausted I had a brain freeze and had to retake the first test and passed with the required 85%. When it was time to take the second test that Monday, I passed with a 97% well above the required 90%. I was stressed, I panicked just a little, but I passed nonetheless.

Normally, that would’ve been the end of the process. I thought I was in there like swimwear. But on Wednesday of last week, halfway through my shift, I found out I’d need to pass a third test. Turns out, the company changed the rules the beginnig of this year. Safe to say, I was a little stressed. For me, the word “test” might as well be a curse word. It doesn’t matter how prepared I am, just the idea of it makes me anxious and second-guess myself. Thankfully, a few of my new coworkers reassured me. They told me, “You’ve got this.” They believed in me. I just needed to believe in myself.

That Thursday, after a full day of tough training, I went home and studied the modules one last time. I reviewed the assessments, rewrote my notes, and promised myself I wouldn’t overdo it like I did that third week in September. Then I made space to breathe: I turned on some jazz, sipped a cup of tea, and reminded myself, I know this. I’d been doing the work on the job for the last week and a half. I just needed to trust myself.

Fast forward to this past Friday. My shift started at 4:00 AM. I thought I’d get some hands-on practice before the test, but my trainer had other plans. He handed me some paperwork to sign, then sent me straight to the training computer room. I slipped into the restroom for a quick moment, just to peek at my notes one last time. And if I’m being honest, I even took pictures of the four pages because a little voice inside me told me I should cheat. (Don't worry, I didn’t!)

I sat at the computer. My trainer was at the front of the room watching. And then something clicked.

It was my hard work, my preparation, and God’s grace that brought everything I studied right to the front of my mind. I stayed calm. I stayed focused. And I passed. With a perfect 100%.

Now I’m officially locked in. Once I complete my six-month probation, I’ll be fully secured in this new role. And all I can say is this: Hard work really does pay off.

Even when you’re filled with fear or doubt, you can conquer your mountain especially when you put in the work. Never stop pressing forward toward the life you want. You’ll get there, if you don’t give up.

Sending you love, light and positive vibes,

Cassie K.

#SayItOnSunday

#CassieKarch

"Always remember to LIVE life to the fullest, to LAUGH at everything and to LOVE unconditionally!"