Update On This Tax Season

This past Saturday was my last day as a Tax Professional at Liberty Tax.  I’m just glad I made it through til the end!  I was actually looking for a full time gig when I stumbled across the job opening which was only part-time.  But I’ve been trying to get more experience in the Accounting field and knew this was my opportunity.  I went through a 3-month class of which I had missed the first month b/c I started later than everyone else.  The class was intense but God’s grace blessed me to do really well in it.  Still, there were a few tests I had to take to become a licensed Tax Professional and after several grueling hours I succeeded (yay😁).  

Then came orientation.  Orientation was nothing like the practice scenarios we had in class and I was highly embarrassed at my own performance.  I was so embarrassed I struggled with returning for more training after the lunch break.  I knew it was really my pride that was crushed.  I had gotten puffed up from class and those 3 little letters next to my name (M, B and A).  God was humbling me.  And He told me, I can be humbled now or I can be humbled later.  So I chose now and I’m glad I did.  As the tax season went on I connected with my coworkers who were a hodge-podge of folks in ethnicity, age and occupation, but near the end of February I was taken off the schedule all together.  I found out that was typical since clients usually come at the very beginning or near the end to have their taxes done. And since this was my first year those with seniority received more hours. Still, I was really let down as I have struggled so much in wanting to grow professionally. I knew the Lord was overseeing any changes in my work schedule and I had to once again, let go of my own desires.  Finally, after 3 weeks of letting go (and my mother’s insistence), I made a call to see if I would be put back on the schedule and I was.  Not only was I put on the schedule but my spiritual assignment became clear.  I ended up ministering for 8 hours straight on 2 separate occasions to a coworker.  It was phenomenal.  He is a believer but is not growing in his faith and is lacking fellowship.  I think we both realized in our conversation the difference between growing as a believer and remaining stagnant in the faith.  God was using me to show him what it looked like to grow.  

For the remainder of the season I was moved throughout the 3 different locations and was able to connect with most of the employees.  I also found out that many of those who were training with me at orientation (who I felt performed better than I did) did not last throughout the season for one reason or another.  Several were actually fired.  

Even though there was some unprofessionalism in my experience at Liberty I really appreciated the character and hearts of the owners.  They were humble and that was a quality God has been hammering into me in this area of my life.  Well, in all areas of my life, but especially this area.  I did get some tax experience but even more so I grew even more spiritually.  God is so specific about all of my job assignments.  It is never just about my professional growth but about advancing His kingdom.

I’m grateful He gave me this outlet as I was feeling extremely discouraged by the lack of movement with my full time gig.  I’m glad He confirmed that He has called me to some type of accounting job even though my future in that arena is still very much a blur.  Moreover I’m grateful He does hear me when I am crying out to Him.  When I am stretched beyond means and simply cannot take any more.  He either changes me on the inside, or opens a door.  

Or both.

SHALOM