Saturday, November 15, 2008

The End of an Era

For the past three years, Nick has worked for ALCO Holdings as a project manager (new-investment-finder-and-keeper).  This job was a wonderful opportunity and a great fit for our family.  Nick loved it and would always say that it was "an 11 out of 10" job.  

I could not have been happier with his employment.  He worked from home 80% of the time, meaning that his commute was the 3 second dash up or down the stairs, the gas stayed in his truck's tank, and I could run errands or make quick visits while the baby napped.  His employer has been so kind and considerate.  We could not wish for better in a boss or friend.

Due to a waning need to find new investments on new capital, Nick foresaw a stagnation in his professional progress.  After discussions with his employer, he decided to begin a job search.  Once again, let me say how grateful I am to ALCO and to Darrin for their help, encouragement, and consideration as we began this process.  In his searches, Nick found commercial banking at Wells Fargo.  He has a great friend, Sarah, who is in this business at the Tacoma office and helped Nick to understand the position and the business.  He has been excited and anxious about it ever since.

As you may be suspecting already, he recently successfully completed the interview process and will be working for Wells Fargo, Seattle office, beginning next month.  I am sad to see all my little perks go, but I know that I have only been spoiled and that it could not last forever.

But with the end of an era comes the beginning of a new era, and we are pleased to embrace it.  Nick is overcome (I mean that very literally) with excitement about this position.  He feels that it is the perfect fit for his talents and aspirations.  I am excited to support him in this step that will mean so much to him and to our family.

"Seattle?"  You may be asking.  Yes.  It will be a 1 1/2 hour commute each way.  Part of that will be on a ferry, so he will be able to take advantage of that time to rest or work.  Although we have many friends near us who live this way, I am not one to embrace such time away from the family eagerly, so we are revving up our efforts to finish our home and get it on the market, although you know how slowly things sell lately, so we're not packing any bags yet.

Congratulations, Nick.  Let me take one more moment to brag about my hubbie.  There were originally over 400 applicants for this single position (bankers needing jobs are suddenly plentiful).  I am so proud of you.  Thank you for taking such great care of this family!

We would be remiss not to mention the gratitude we feel toward our Heavenly Father.  We know that he watches over us and is the source of all blessings.  When we are blessed, it inspires us to increase our devotion and service in gratitude, trying to lessen our debt to Him.  This seems only to increase the blessings, making us more indebted.  But we'll keep trying...

6 comments:

Tyra said...

very cool! I know that the lord guides us, especially when we include him in our plans, good luck for the future with Wells Fargo, and Congratualtions!

Our Ohana said...

Wow, that's a big change! I hope things continue to go so well for you all, you are a family that deserves blessings in plenty:) Congratulations on the new job and good luck!
- Sara xx

Preston Jackson said...

Congratulations Nick and Elke! Very exciting news.

Suzie said...

I can't imagine such a commute, we almost moved a few months ago and my husband decided he didn't want to spend so much time away from the family. I can understand wanting to move closer to work. Good luck with the house and the new job, and everything else that life entails.

Jannah said...

Oh Elke!! We are so happy for you. That is a fun new era. :) Justin would LOVE to talk to Nick about it surely. This is great. You ARE lucky to have family nearby. I do feel for your lack of husband... and hope the house sells quickly for that sake. We love you and miss you!!

mindy said...

congrats to nick and the new job--that commute sounds even worse than Kevin's--good luck to you guys!!