Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Offering My Job to A Friend in Need


--by beej, posted Sep 4, 2008

I was working for a company in Australia that has a high turnover of staff. I, too, had found a better position and was very aware that management would be dissapointed that I was leaving.

I had recently become friends with a young man who had just migrated to Australia. He was unskilled and was finding life difficult being unemployed and married and having two young children.

As I handed in my notice I was asked if I was aware of anyone who was looking for work and could do the job as well as I had done. I took this opportunity to line up an interview for my new friend. My friend was not offered the job after the interview.

I had to serve a weeks notice and during this time I asked management the reasons why my friend was turned down. They claimed that his English was not good enough to train him for the position. I suggested that it would be in the interests of the company to give my friend a trial whilst I was available to train him. I persisted, as I believed that once given the time to learn, my friend could do the job. After a weeks instruction, he was employed and was happy with his position, which made it a win-win outcome for the company and for my friend.

I am aware of how the horrors of war had forced this man to leave his homeland and what price he had paid for doing so.  I appreciate being able to live in Australia and believe that this appreciation is best demonstrated by acts of kindness to those who seek refuge from the horrors of war. Remembering the smile of appreciation from this man continues to motivate me to be kind.

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Readers Comments

nflowers1228 wrote: What a great story. Persistence does pay off, especially when it's for the good of others.
Jerry wrote: Hey man you have done a wonderful thing which is not possible by every one. God will give you a place in heaven and he will make your life to rock
sego wrote: You've just proved that not all friends walk off when days are dark, you give us hope that not all friends are out to stab us in the back. Not only do you stay and support your friend but you act outyou support. Actions are louder than words, so im very :)
BedBug wrote: When we live in a country that has not had war battled on its soil for so many years, we often cannot imagine those horrors you speak of. We should all show mercy and kindness to those who suffer the ravages of war in their homeland. God bless you for taking the extra step to help this man, as he so deserved.
newcomer1 wrote: I was feeling sorry for myself as since uni things have not gone well on the job front. I worked hard and got good grades but found myself in a deadend job, with some not very nice people. Reading this however made me see things differently. An irritating job to me may mean the world to someone else. I am lucky enought o choose to leave a job that makes me miserable (and i have) but until i finish i will remeber this story everytime i go to moan or sulk. Thank you for some perspective!
kcsmiles wrote: What a wonderful thing you did!

Many blessings to you beej!
Nahashon mweberi wrote: Hi beej,you have really touched me with your kind act to a friend in need you helped get employment. People like you are few,may god multiply your seed.
sleepytomato wrote: It was very nice of you to go out of your way like that - it takes a true friend with a great deal of character :)
MisteMay wrote: This is a great way to help a person and i am sorry to say that i had not even thought of this before but now i will. I especially appreciate how you did not give up and came up with an out of the box idea. Thank you for your inspiration.
shradha wrote: Wow. That was very generous of you. You not only were considerate enough to suggest the person for the job, but you didn't give up on your friend. What is commendable is that you actually took the time to help him improve his english. Great job! You should be proud of yourself. Thanks for being so good. :)

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