Humans of GLISS Blog

Today we bring you the story of Erik, a story of seeking growth and opportunities, written by him!

I can’t think of a time in my life that hasn’t been a struggle from being raised one of three kids of a working single mother getting government assistance to going to prison and becoming a drug addict. Then getting clean and starting my life over with nothing but the clothes on my back for the 5th time in my 38 years of life.

Suddenly I was in a relationship with my now girlfriend, we found out we were pregnant with our first child, and I knew I had to get this all straightened out before the child came. So, I looked for a job!

My life before coming to work for GLISS was a lot of bouncing from one temp job to another. I was signed up with many different temp agencies to be able to get the work I needed. In 2 and half years I'd worked 161 assignments, but it still led me to be unable to find a permanent position. Consistency and financial stability became a “must” when I found out we were pregnant. I knew I needed something permanent, with good benefits so I could do what I wanted to do – be the provider and support for my family.

I’ve learned a handful of useful lessons through my trials and tribulations. One that stands out to me is that you can't give up - no matter what or how bad things get - if you want something from the life you have to work for it. There's no such thing as the easy way if you want to succeed. The lessons learned from the hard road are the ones that will make you a stronger better person.

The real turning point for me was when I decided to give GLISS a try, putting any judgments I may have from previous staffing agencies behind me. The first assignment I was sent to, I am still with! It has been amazing, to say the least. They are talking about hiring me as a permanent employee, which was my end goal all along! I am looking forward to this day and feeling motivated to achieve this!

The changes I've made since starting with GLISS have been a crucial part of my journey. I've got a great opportunity that I wouldn't have gotten if I hadn't gone to them. Their staff has been friendly respectful and helpful they didn't judge me by my past but on who I am today and gave me a chance.

If someone asks me for some advice, I'd tell them no matter how bad things are don’t give up you will pick yourself up, work hard and never stop believing that you CAN!