A former safety student of mine, came looking for me. He offered me a position with the company that he is currently working for. Honestly, I was not really interested. I just started working with my safety training company's clientele. Since I left the previous company in September, of last year. I was in no rush to get back into the field. I was having fun conducting safety trainings and even scheduling new trainings with new clients.
I was even working with another company that was replying to federal RFP's. I was writing most of the Safety Narratives for those bid proposals. One of the bids was supposed to have been awarded back in October 2014. But due to the amount of costs we put into it. The government did not realize that it would actually cost that much. So they held off.
Another bid was supposed to awarded early January 2015, did not happen. It was cancelled in December of last year prior to me going on vacation. Last month, the government released it again with a due date mid February, this month. The award would probably be late February or March/April time frame.
I was patiently waiting on those two bids to get awarded. However, my financial state was beginning to weaken. Although, my family could survive on my training income. I knew it wouldn't be enough. But even with that going on in my life. I was not interested in the job opportunity that was offered to me last week Friday. Out of respect for my former student, I agreed to listen to his offer.
We spent over an hour and a half, listening and talking about both our expectations in regards to safety. I was surprised to find common ground on what was discussed. The more the general manager and superintendent talked. Listening to what they were saying and understanding their needs, and analyzing their demeanor. I gleaned from the information bombarding me, that they wanted to take their safety program up to the next level. The general manager wanted his team to know the science of safety, how to find the references, and the reasons based on the standards, whichever is the most stringent...on why his leaders have to work safely. I thought to myself, isn't that what I'm teaching at the college and safety trainings with my clients, the science of safety.
I thought there were other safeties coming in to be interviewed. I did not realize that I would be offered the safety position at that moment. When the general manager hit my preset triggers...I could not resist any longer, but accept the position.
However, this job opportunity is contingent of my approval with NAVFAC for a certain project on AAFB. I'm going to have to call my NAVFAC network tomorrow. Although, I'm officially, but unofficially, on board with the company and start next Monday. I called some of my safety mentors and discussed the situation with them.
I played out my options...Wait for those bids to get awarded or head back into the field on Monday. One safety manager mentor explained that although I am a great safety trainer and Site Safety & Health Officer, and also have a lot of years and work experience in Construction. I need more time in the field as a safety. He explained that I shouldn't just meet the minimum requirements to get a "job". But to solidify my time with experience so that no one questions my skills, knowledge, and credentials. Don't chase the money. Do your time, gain experience, and apply your skills and knowledge in the field as a Safety Officer. Your reputation as a good SSHO will precede you, and the money will chase you.
With that...I will be back in the field...next Monday. I start at the Dusit Hotel and then down to Hagat Marina.
ESTA.
KEEP SMILING
