I need prayer for my employment situation. I left a position in Ohio because I didn’t like the way my employer treated their employees. I worked there 6½ years and had no cost of living raise or merit raise (actually extremely few people did—there were people who worked there 12 years and got no cost of living adjustments). The medical insurance went from an HMO to a high deductible and for a long time, they decided to do without a prescription drug plan. I also didn’t like the politics and favoritism that went on where I worked at and I was angry because I felt that I was lied to during the interview when I asked about professional development opportunities. I worked really hard in graduate school (I graduated with honors) and I felt I deserved an employer that valued and appreciated me.

I applied for other positions and took a position near Houston, Texas. They didn’t cover moving expenses so I went further in debt (plus I had to pay realtor fees when I sold my house). The position in Texas turned out not to be a good fit for me and my supervisor wants me to resign (which I cannot afford to do voluntarily). I’ve had problems with my supervisor and I’ve worked some lengthy documentation on specific issues and incidents that I plan to give to Human Resources (the EEOC in my area will get a copy as well).

My boss was out of town last week; during that time I made a change to the proxy server configuration file and to a hyperlink in a webpage that lists our electronic resources without his approval (I did this because the URL for one of the subscription databases changed and I felt this was an emergency--students could've had homework due, faculty may have needed it). Had I not changed the URL, he would've gone down my throat about not doing my job. I informed him of the change in an email last week (had I not made that change the database would've been inaccessible and that's censorship not to mention we paid for the subscription and it would be a waste if it's not working). Anyway, the morning he got the email he went ballistic.

He wants to me with me and Thursday morning (July 10th just before I have to fly to an interview) and he says that he wants to me resign—or he’ll fire me. I can’t afford to resign voluntarily. I also don’t know anything about state laws concerning unemployment but I read that if I’m fired for “just cause” then I’m ineligible. I have no idea what that means and I’m scared that my (soon to be ex-) employer may prevent me from drawing unemployment even if I sign nothing. This experience has been a nightmare and I regret coming to Texas. It’s taken a toll on my health and since I had chemotherapy years ago, my immune system is already compromised.

I feel very alone in all this. I called me parents and they got angry because they're tired of hearing about problems with my boss and say that I should stand up for myself. I tried calling someone who I thought was my friend (a self-professed Christian who does missions and is a licensed social worker) but she didn't want to talk to me and hung up on me. I'm in a lot of trouble and don't know where to turn; I don't have any close friends in the area who could help me out.

I’ve been looking for another position since March and I’ve had several interviews so far in 2008. I didn’t get the job for the first three interviews I had (in fact, they hired no one). I had an interview in New Haven, Connecticut about a week and a half ago; I’m hoping to get an answer from them by the end of this week or early next week.

I have four interviews so far for the month of July (10th/11th in Fort Wayne, Indiana; 17th/18th in Topeka, Kansas; 21st/22nd in Rochester, Minnesota; 23rd/24th in Danville, Virginia) plus a phone interview for a position in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday, July 9th and another phone interview for a position in Bel Air, Maryland on Wednesday, July 16th.

I need prayer that I will find a position that is a good fit for me—one in which I will be happy and successful. I need prayer that I will make the right decision when I accept another position; perhaps a sign or guidance from God as to know whether something will be right for me or not. I don’t want to be in the same situation I’m in now. I also need prayer that I will be able to make Christ the center of my life—that I will know how to put my life in His hands.

I had excellent performance evaluations at my previous positions (in Ohio and Virginia) and really love my field; it’s something that’s meant a great deal to me and I don’t want to give it up. I’m 42 and single (I’m also a breast cancer survivor so I may be single forever which is also discouraging to me).

I really want to be a productive citizen and not a burden on anyone; I really want to be a good role model for my niece.

I’m very scared right now and I really need prayer for my employment and career situation. Please pray that I’ll make the right decision and that I’ll learn how to be a better Christian.

Thank you for your prayers and God bless.

Father, please help her follow You, and let her know Your plan is one for good, and a future and a hope. Your Word teaches to everything there is a season (Ecclesiastes 3)..a time for every purpose under heaven, there is a time to break down and time to build up. Lord, maybe You are letting these situations of breakdown in her life in order to build her back in the Lord Jesus, and build up her faith. Whatever the case, we know You will meet the needs according to Your riches in glory in Christ, please let her draw near to You, lead where You will, and open and close doors accordingly. Bring peace in the storms Lord, for You still a storm with a word, and still hearts with Your grace and love. Help us to be still and know You are God. (Psalm 46:10).

Thank You Lord for not leaving us nor forsaking us, in Jesus name, amen