We recently connected with Rebecca Dawson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rebecca , really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
My husband was fired after working for the same company for 22 years. It wasn’t anything he did. It was a corporate downsizing. Over 500 people lost their jobs in our small community that day, and 300 more over the next few weeks. We had recently relocated and this felt like a really large blow! Even though it wasn’t me who lost the job, it greatly impacted our family. My husband was the “breadwinner” if you will. He provided us with our primary source of income. When he told me all I could repeatedly say was, “ What?” It just didn’t same sense. We’d given up so much in our move, and this was completely unexpected. His job was a source of security for us.
Within a few days, he received a job offer from another Department at his former employer. He could work remotely for more money. His first response was “yes!” But as we prayed and talked we weren’t sure. We grappled with this decision for days, but finally decided our answer was “no.” This was the hardest decision we had ever made. We were sick. It was so hard to say no to this. We have three boys (one that was headed to college) and a mortgage. How in the world could we say no to this?! It didn’t seem logical. But this company was no longer loyal to its employees. They were willing to throw in the towel on my husband (and many others) after he had served them for decades. We had also been praying for a long time for a new opportunity for him to open up. Even though this job offered increased income, we no longer saw it as security. It was time to launch something new.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
We have started three businesses. One is our husband and wife Design team called, “Designs by Dawsons.” We help people get their homes “photo ready” to sell through craftsmanship and design. We go beyond staging and bring restoration to both homes and furniture without a full renovation and without a costly price tag.
My second and third businesses revolve around water. Water is essential to good health., but the quality of our water in the United States is at risk. Pure, clean water is what each need. These are developing businesses. One is a for-profit business and the other is a nonprofit..
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
It may not sound like much, but faith is the most important area of knowledge in my life, Without faith, we couldn’t say “no” to a job offer when we had no other opportunities. Without faith, we couldn’t ever launch these other businesses in today’s economy. Faith allows us to take risk and fosters beliefs beyond our own. Faith truly is being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see.
I joke that prayer is my love language. I completely made that up, but it is the best way I communicate. That’s all prayer is really. It’s communication with a God who loves us and wants to hear from us. Prayer isn’t required, but it’s essential. It’s my lifeline in more ways than one.
I have my Master’s in Counseling, I love people. I love working with people and serving them. I think that love translates into everything I do. I sure hope it comes across and is felt. Loving people is a skill in every line of business. I can’t think of one that wouldn’t benefit from love.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
You probably have this answer all the time, but the Bible has played the most important role in my development as a wife, mom, daughter, friend, and entrepreneur. It’s the #1 seller of all time for a reason. It trains me, gives wisdom and insight, and helps me develop skills beyond my own. The Bible covers every topic out there’. There are so many reasons why I love this book. But recently I have found it to also be a healing manual for my heart and mind. The grace within its pages speaks of approval, protection, and kindness that is undeserved by me, but freely given. The Bible is the only book I know that goes beyond words. It’s active. It activates hearts and minds of every race, tribe, and gender. It’s a healing manual for all who believe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designsbydawsons.com
- Instagram: @rebecca_dawson5
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560202385547&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
April Moore
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
