I am grateful to have had multiple opportunities to make choices in my life. I have been able to choose the course of my education, religion, career, and hobbies.

It would come as no surprise that not everyone was supportive of my choices throughout the years. As much as we hope for approval, sometimes we have to settle for being the only ones satisfied with our choices and simply be grateful to have had the choices at all.

Early in my career, I chose to relocate to Buffalo, New York for a training program. My family, though supportive, did not understand why I chose Buffalo over Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. My choice, at that time, was about commitment – commitment to my new career. I knew that if I did not relocate, I might not fully commit to the retail way of life. Over the next 33 years, I made 12 moves. Today, I attribute much of my success to flexibility and my willingness to go and meet the next opportunity wherever it was.

I emphatically explained to my family that “when it wasn’t right,” I would walk away. That choice came in 2005 when I declined to move for a new position. I knew this choice would change the course of my career. Ultimately, it resulted in my early retirement. Again, I was grateful to have a choice – even though it led to my being unemployed for ten months. It was a humbling time, yet a gratifying opportunity to focus on what I wanted to do next.

Next, I researched 17 franchises, from which I chose Express Employment Professionals as my new home. I made this choice with three goals in mind: to help others, to work in and give back to the community, and to sleep in my own bed at night. I thought my unemployed days were humbling; however, opening my own business and learning a new industry presented the challenge of my life. It was hard. It was frustrating. It was rewarding. And I was grateful for all the support I received.

In year two of my new business, I sought advice from Sally Haas who then served as the PAACC President and CEO. Sally encouraged me to focus on giving back, which may be the best advice I received during my early business years. In her words of wisdom, my goals of helping others and giving back were reaffirmed.

2013 brought another challenge, tougher and more personal than those before. Due to health issues, my parents began struggling with daily living activities. Together with my siblings and their spouses – we chose to do whatever it would take to help them. We were fortunate to be able to make this choice as my two brothers and two sisters have flexibility in their work schedules, as do I. All in all, nine of us who all get what it takes to be caregivers and to support each other.

Just as we were supported as children, we now support our parents’ daily living needs and serve as their advocates in every situation. I admit there are times when I feel challenged, frustrated and overwhelmed. But mostly, I choose to feel gratitude.

I believe “it takes a village” to meet life’s challenges. And I challenge you - “Who can you help?” “Who can you serve?” “Who can you teach?” “Who can you connect?” – as we together embark upon the most rewarding choices of our careers and our lives.


Deb Gray is the owner of Express Employment Professionals Pittsburgh West and is actively involved with the Chamber serving on the Business Resource and Government Affairs Committees.