This Blog is For You!!

Being laid-off yesterday from my previous employer for nearly 32 years provided a manic day of highs and lows for me. I stayed –up until sunrise writing and thinking. Lots of questions kept shooting through my mind. I sent emails, made phone calls and searched Google for questions, seeking clarity, comfort or solutions.  

Then, I realized everything doesn’t have to be known all at once.

My obsessive compulsive mind was racing due to the fear of the unknown. The long term is something none of us can control. Only God knows the outcome. He is the only one I can put my trust in to lead me to where He wants me. Today is all we have to make a difference.

After I finally slept this morning, it was time to take care of some more business. I have the evening to write, connect and hopefully be creative with some new ideas. I am hoping this time allows my creative juices to inspire you and present a few new ideas. In my case, I need to make some decisions, move forward with purpose, strength and experience.

I am excited to finally have the opportunity to speak my mind. Those of you who know me realize; I have no problem dissecting situations. I’ve often found myself in situations where I had to censor stories to the extent that part of the story wasn’t printed. I went through that situation when I wrote my first book and most of my previous blogs. Now I am thrilled to be able to express my beliefs, experiences and thoughts.

My First Guest Blog Post

My friend Mary, asked me to provide a guest post for her wonderful blog back in December. I initially hesitated because I had never provided a guest blog before in my life and my fear was it wouldn’t do her audience justice. The other day I wrote a blog that was somewhat different than my normal rants and I thought it was time to take a chance. Your kind words and thoughts have been uplifting and timing impeccable.

Thank you, Mary!

You may find Mary’s Blog here, so visit her site often as she is a great storyteller, devout Christian and takes a heroic stand for political justice.

You've Touched My Heart

I must thank my wife, Jane Carver, for her love and support (I’ve nicknamed her “The Hospital Slayer” for having the courage to stand-up for her rights and dignity). God blessed me with Jane as a wife, companion and best friend! She is a pillar of strength.

My Mother, who is always there to listen, sympathizes and offer encouragement. I couldn’t ask for a better Mom!

Ann Musico- you are such a blessing to have met online and your continued support inspires me.

Michael Gough- Your humbling message has inspired me as you always do!

Cheryl Wynn- for your conviction and telling me to keep my chin-up!

The comments and support from my co-workers and friends have helped to take the sting out of the latest adventure. Some of the folks online I’ve never met and people I haven’t seen since 1975 really made my day with your comments and opinions. Jane and I truly are blessed to have you in our circle of friendship. We thank you all from our heart!

Last but not least- those who were afraid to post, connect or express themselves, in which case- This Blog is for you!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Free at Last!

Earlier today, my boss walked into my office, stating: “Let’s take a walk, we have something to discuss.” The scene reminded me of the Prisoners of War being befriending by their captors and one day having to lead the walk to the gas chamber. ‘Just doing my job’ is what they were told prior to the executions. I am sure it was a stressful situation for him as well and people do what they must do to protect themselves.

The President of Human Resources and my department Vice President were seated in the room. The HR person proceeded to tear-up and give me the script of “Due to a reduction of staff, unfortunately your job has been eliminated.” I was extremely nervous, but relieved at the same time.

Our medical insurance expires at the end of the month. My head is spinning with thoughts of bills, debt and our very existance. What to do next? How can I even sleep? How can a system that two people gave nearly 65 years of your blood, sweat and tears just toss you aside?

Ethics require a Heart and a Conscience

With my wife being laid-off in June from the same employer, two questions have recently been on my mind:

When a company knows the husband and wife are depended on the income of the same employer would it be ethical to lay both spouses off?

 

When you lay-off the spouse, how ethical is it to fight against unemployment benefits when the other spouse is still employed by the same employer?

 

The Writing on the Wall

I was expecting to be laid-off partly because:

·        Last Friday, my wife won her hearing with the State of Ohio against her former employer protesting her unemployment compensation.

·        My boss has mostly steered away from me for a month or so.

·        The institution announced upcoming layoffs weeks ago.

The few take-a-ways from the last 32 years are getting to know some great people. I must thank my former employer for the inspiration for much of my writing over the last few years. It appears age, years of service, the strategic plan and challenging the system comes with a price. A price I have gladly paid to do Something Meaningful that Matters.

So ironically- on Martin Luther King Day; I am finally - Free at Last!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Dreamer Wanted- Apply Here!

Dreamer Wanted

1.   Creative Artist with a Passion to Succeed.

2.   Someone tired of Fitting-In.

3.   An Individual who Resigned from the Status Quo.

4.   A person who doesn’t require a Map or Manual to function.

5.   Dislikes Meetings as much or more than we do.

6.   Makes Mistakes, while Doing the Work.

7.   Realizes Fear has no role in the Workplace.

8.   Fosters encouragement, excitement, and lives your own Dream.

 

9.   Someone who Stands-up for Truth and Honesty.

   10. Focuses on doing Something Meaningful that Matters!

Dreamer Wanted is my manifesto to create Art and make some noise. It’s what the common man would call a job description, but I call it my dream. It’s why I do my best work alone, by myself; to share with you. It revokes what we gave up to seek employment and gives us the freedom to find our calling and live our dreams!

Each one of us is born with the innate ability to dream and make a difference in the world.  It isn’t until we reach a certain age and others begin to tell us a different story; we begin to believe otherwise. This is why I am writing this blog. Because you no longer have to live someone else’s dream.

The other day my wife was discussing with a friend, my recent award on Bloggers.com as one of the Editor Picks of the Day. I’ve written 128 posts of The Rust Belt Chronicles (my blog) on Bloggers.com since June of 2012. Millions of bloggers post on the site, so the recognition is an honor to me and her. The other persons reply was: “Yea, well blogging doesn’t make money.”

In and of itself blogging may not make money right now, but the point is to network and build a tribe of followers. Subsequently, launch a business or movement and the website is this author’s platform. I don’t feel it is my responsibility to educate someone on social media who has no interest and follows the mindset of “yesteryear.” I’d rather focus on helping someone who wants to know and cares.

The other day, I ran across a blog by Terry Hadaway. He definitely gets it. Terry’s writing is top-notch with clarity and eloquence. Who knows maybe Terry and I will end-up on the same stage someday, write a book together or just become friends. Either way, it’s exciting to find someone who understands the pitfalls of the Industrial Age and the trapping of the minds involved.

So tune-out or remove yourself from those attempting to sabotage your dreams. Here’s a secret of being successful: When you are just about to turn the corner and reach a new plateau, the naysayers will jump out of nowhere to bash your work and distinguish your flame- if you allow it.

Every good battle has a moment of uncertainty, the brief question of resolve. It’s the nanosecond that attempts to separate your passion and cause; just keep your eye on the purpose and charge full-steam ahead!

That’s the battle we face every day to live our dreams!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Do you follow a Map or Compass?

I recently explained the fear tactics organizations use against their employees to a friend and her response was: “Well, that’s human nature.” I was stunned momentarily. I had forgotten people are so busy trying to fit-in, wanting to be liked and somehow have to justify other’s bullying style of actions. I also forgot, I had once thought just like her.

Accept your lot or be driven out. Don’t step out of line, follow the map.

Not true.

What was safe is now risky. If you wish to see a ship sink, just stay onboard. It’s coming quicker than you think. The life jacket wasn’t part of the deal. When you hit the iceberg of reality, the comfortable ride is over. 

Sooner or later she will realize it’s time to cut line, jump ship and move on. My hope is she doesn’t follow the masses.

I am hoping she finds her own boat with her own compass and steers the path towards success!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

No Longer A Victim!

Once I understood the history and reasoning of fear the Industrial Age uses to control and leverage the common man; life has become less stressful. I no longer feel like a victim or sacrificial guinea pig. The tactics that once wrecked my day are just a speed bump in my rearview mirror. The power, I once allowed to rule my thoughts, decisions and health (while constantly wondering: “Why would you do that to someone”); no longer terrorizes my life.

In a world of profound technical advancement, it boggles the mind how organizations perpetuate terror through fear without the realization of human feelings or thought of an objective view. Organizations operating in the Industrial Age believe their purpose negates everyone and everything in relevance to their own agenda. Power corrupts from within and slowly those organizations are dying. The idea that “we will get whatever we want” doesn’t resonate nearly with as much value today.

We’ve been surrounded by this machine-type presence all of our lives. The Internet has made us aware of the ‘dirty deals’, ‘golden parachutes’, and lobbying to maintain power. The Internet is the voice of transparency in a cluttered world. We no longer have to wait for the newspaper to arrive or the 6 o’clock news.

The voice of the people is easily spread through real-time tweets, Facebook and instant messaging anywhere in the world. This has given the leverage back to the people. Public opinion has the ability to go ‘viral’ and bring a company to its knees overnight.

Why would organizations create a toxic work environment as business model?

·        It’s profitable.

·        They can.

·        It’s been this way for years.

·        They know no other way.

Those businesses enthralled deep into the Industrial Age are clutching their fists in an attempt to hang-on to the last dance. The barbaric/Neanderthal use of fear to captivate their employees is all that remains to justify their worth, power and control. The very system that told us to be flexible, accept change and be open to new ideas; is unable to adapt!

 Ironic- isn’t it?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

You are Amazing!

Earlier this week, I was surprised to see Seth Godin had provided a link within one of his blogs of his latest book reviews of The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly at Amazon.com. My review was displayed on the last page of reviews. It’s pretty cool to be considered an early adopter of tribe followers of his new book releases.

So thank you Seth for writing an amazing book and helping to make what I do relevant to others!

Less than 24 hours ago, I opened my email and thought “What is going on?” As my Grandfather use to say, “Lo’ and Behold” – I had 4 pages of Hotmail from members of bloggers.com addressed in my inbox. My first thoughts were perhaps my settings had somehow changed and I accidently opened myself to spam.

I went back to read the first email received and discovered I had been picked by the Editors and voters of Bloggers.com as 1 of 3 Editors Picks of the Day. Those four pages of email were people congratulating me, letting me know they voted, are following me, tweeted or wanting to friend me. I am overwhelmed.

 Earlier in the week, I was thinking it had been awhile since I have been chosen for “blogger of the week” or day within the forums I post. It’s funny, my seventh sense kicked in and I failed to recognize it.  

Wow, pretty unexpected and impressive out of thousands of bloggers throughout the world to have been chosen for this honor! It would be impossible to thank everyone, so I am hoping you (everyone) will accept this blog as my opportunity to truly thank all of you.

Your kind act of generosity is something I will never forget. The inspiration knowing what I do matters too many is all I can hope or ask for. You have touched my soul and confirmed my belief that one voice can reach a vast sea of people and make a difference. More importunately, having you with me on our journey inspires me to do- something meaningful that matters!

Thank you- from the bottom of my heart, you are amazing.

 I want to wish each and every one of you a successful journey with your dreams, writing, business and life!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

What the System Doesn't Want You to Know!

It’s funny when situations don’t get rubber stamped for the industrialized system. Those folks have wielded so much power by having their way for 4 generations. Everyone should understand their position of authority, need and circumstance. Few without representation bother to speak-out, stand-up or say “no."

The system has managed to exhort their influence through all of our lives by way of education, government, laws, culture, agencies, associations and committees. Industrialization became so powerful, everyone sold-out in order to placate the few and reap some profit. Unions were formed to improve labor conditions and balance the industrial agenda.

Eventually greed and power would be the crack in the system to seek even cheaper ways to make a widget. Mass production was built on cheap and affordable products available to nearly everyone, so production shifted overseas. Jobs were lost, factories closed, while organizations lost power. A system built upon holding the hostage of people, economic stability and governance weakened considerably.

This is what the system doesn’t want you to know. It doesn’t want you to have a voice, idea or opinion. It will tell you- it doesn’t matter, you don’t count and nobody is listening. It attempts to operate like it is 1958 and it owns and controls everything, including you.

The only card the industrialized corporations have in their arsenal is fear. The promises of owning a new home, a car or sending your kids to college is off the table. The chance of retiring comfortably is even questionable. We are now seeing wages and benefits diminish in the race to reach the bottom.

Our only option is to slowly sink, start our own business or perhaps create an entire movement based upon connecting with people.

As the system continues to flounder in its own excess of greed and power, people realize the loyalty, sweat, obedience and conformity is a waste of dignity, ideas, goals and dreams. The single most effective way to build a following is too stand-up for your own beliefs and rights. This is what the Industrial system fears the most. Rebellion signals the end of compliance.

The challenge isn’t to do what we’ve been doing better. The real challenge is to question where we’ve been and where we’re going. The only requirement is bravery; it’s far riskier to stay trapped as a cog. So, make a ruckus, follow your dreams and create a movement that inspires change.

 It’s only then; we can do something meaningful for people who care and do something for those that really matter!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.