A good tester needs to be in a good mood to do a good job. I found out the hard way and I have to say that it is not easy to be happy when the hard times come.
The hard times:
In 2004 I created the company Testabil. This was my personal bet and I have always given all I have for the company. I was (and still am) happily married and have 6 daughters and the company was my only son.
Year after year the company was growing until at the end of 2010 beginning 2011 things started to turn. In one year I went from being the nice and popular boss to the worst and most despised boss.
I did not see that come as I was way to attached to my company (my son) and did not want to move out when it was needed to take a step back. I found out the hard way that trying to keep people happy is not always the best thing to do.
I tried to start in a testing job but I could not do a good job. I was too concerned, too stressed, too unhappy to be a good Test Manager/Lead and Tester. How can you plan and execute tests and find bugs if you are not in peace.
The change:
So there I found myself with no job (I resigned), no money, no company, debts and people that turned their back on me. I was at a stage I only saw the black clouds be more and more dens and no sun close to shine a light. How could I be a good tester or sell a test service in that personal state?
I have looked down from my balcony various times but my family kept me from doing something stupid.
Finally I found my reply in prayer to Jesus Christ. I already was a believer, but I was not really dedicated. When I started praying I quickly got confirmation in the following Bible text: Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7).
Little by little I was able to do that and in return I received peace, patience, good sleep, and happiness.
The future:
Thanks to God and my wife, dauthers and my parents (big thanks!), I could start fresh and become a even better Test Professional I already was. You know why? Because I found happiness and to be a good tester you need to be HAPPY!
Don´t I have hard times now? Yes, maybe even harder then before, but now I am able to put things in perpective.
My recommendation for you?
Well I found my way of releasing stress and finding peace and happiness to be a good tester. You have to find yours by yourself. If you need help, just write me..