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THE EMPLOYMENT GAME, PART 2

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

--Matthew 10:16 KJV

     In our last thrill-packed adventure, I did not clarify the reason for the title of this series.  Believe it or not, finding, getting, and keeping a job are all a part of ‘The Employment Game’.  The critical thing to remember throughout your work career—to borrow a tag line from the flick Spy Game—"It’s not how you play the game; it’s how the game plays you.”

      In all facets of the employment process from hiring to leaving, we each must remember one thing: your job will never love you as much as you ‘love’ it. One may invest all kinds of time, training, ‘party favors’ and gifts into a job; one may ‘get high’ on having someone as your ‘office husband’ or ‘office wife’; and the same boss who gives you a pat on the back may be gone the next day—and Atilla the Hun, or Lizzie Borden has been introduced as your new boss.

      As I write this series, America’s economy is going through the throes of yet another series of job cutbacks and business bankruptcies. Funny thing? Those who are in the business of covering such cutbacks are themselves a part of the story as many in the ‘mainstream mess’ are being let go because of sagging ratings and reduced viewership.  Of course, anyone who loses their job thinks that they are indispensable. Balderdash! Just like ol’ Doc Hudson told Lightning McQueen in the Cars franchise—and I will paraphrase: “They gave my spot to the next rookie in line.”

      Caught under the axe? A lot of Christians. Here is the tough lesson of the employment game for Christians.  A lot of folks on your FORMER job that you have witnessed to are watching to see how the God you have been bragging about; the Jesus Christ whom you had verses plastered around your desk helps YOU when you are packing your stuff and heading out the door, layoff notice in hand.

      My suggestion, take a deep breath and take the ‘standing eight’ count.

      In boxing, when Boxer A gets his bell rung by a good punch from Boxer B, the ref notices that Boxer A has been staggered for a moment, and gives him a chance to get it together with a ‘standing eight’ count.  This is good advice for the boxing game and the employment game.

      Should you wind up getting fired or downsized, the first thing one should do is take the ‘standing eight’ count: take a deep breath, gather your wits about you, pack your things and graciously exit your former employer. One, you will be a classy person and in this manner remind your former employer that you ARE a classy person in the face of unemployment.  Two, you will have little qualms in asking for a reference FROM your former employer when you hit the streets and apply for NEW jobs.  Three, such an approach will make you calmer to do the exit interview—if one is required. Future employers DO take the time to check with your former employer as to generic questions about your past history with their company. Usually, the better the new job that you want, the more thoroughly your references will be checked. Thanks to cyberspace, detailed background checks are a lot easier to accomplish.

      Including exit interviews.

      Speaking of exit interviews, most exit interviewers already know the circumstances behind your leaving your company. Do NOT use the exit interview to torch already burned ground or burned issues.  Be classy. Bless those who showed you the door.  Remember: IF you claim to be a Christian, even in the exit interview process, there WILL be checks of your testimony—even IF they were wrong, and you were right. Smile through the short-term pain and keep your lips fastened around your inner prayer wheel.  It WILL be effective.

      Cyberspace and the internet, is a deep, wide information pit.  It would be wise to make sure your comments about former employers online are minimal.  The WORST thing that you can do upon termination is roast your former place of employment online. Even ‘innocent’ comments to other employees, both before and after termination can be ‘dug up’ and used against you in the search for a new job.  Christian, your ability to oversee yourself on the way OUT the door is just as important as when you first interviewed for the job.

      Old story from Chick Publications.  A Christian businessman was pictured in his shop with a long line of customers.  One of the men in the line turned to the guy behind him and noted: “I hate doing business with this Christian…but he’s the only honest man in town!” 

      This is the best ‘seal’ on a successful Christian.

      More to come.

      Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.  “The Ramey Encourager” is one of a variety of his columns abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996. Catch his columns on X (Twitter), Faithwriters, Linkedin, Substack or fine publications such as this one! To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: mgmikeramey@yahoo.com. ©2025 Barnstorm Communications International.