Being Laid Off Isn't the End of the WorldThese days, it's hard to come across someone who hasn't experienced an economic hardship in the last couple of years. I don't have to tell you that many people have lost their jobs during this deep recession. If you're one of the lucky ones in this category, I bet you're wondering how you're supposed to thrive now. It is possible to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed you also known as laid off, fired, cut back or phased out. This proposition seems even more daunting as a single mom, with no other income as back-up. I've been there, girls. Once upon a time, I landed what I thought would be my dream job. I was managing accounts for an in-house advertising agency in the health care field. This job was just the kind of opportunity I had been looking for, and I jumped at the chance to take it on. However, after a year and a half on the job, I realized that I had gained useful skills and knowledge but there was no room for career growth. I started to entertain looking for a new job. Just then, the recession whirled through town like a tornado, and the company laid off a good chunk of their workforce. You guessed it- I was included. The End of the “Fairy Tale”Getting laid off could possibly be one of the best things to ever happen to me. I guess I should have been devastated, but I felt exhilarated. I realized that not only was the job not what I had hoped for, but it was slowing draining my will to live! I constantly felt like a square peg in a round hole. I had always wanted to work in a fast-paced corporate environment, and when I walked out those doors for the last time I had to face what had been fighting to get out- it's not me.Oh sure, I could just say that job was wrong for me as a salve for my wound; a cover-up for inadequacy. When it came right down to it, I realized I absolutely hated having a boss. I couldn't stand the process of getting an official decision on a project that needed attention now. I hated doing busy work for no apparent reason. So- where did this leave me? I had a long list of what I didn't want. I could feel the negativity creeping in, and I didn't want to lose the high I was somehow still feeling. Time to Take Action!I sat down and brainstormed my perfect job. What would it look like? What kind of environment would I like, what kind of people would I choose to work with? I also wrote down anything and everything I enjoy doing. I took a good, hard look at how I saw myself, and what my soul was crying out for. I reached the conclusion that I should go into business for myself. Actually, it was something I had been contemplating for quite a while. Being laid off gave me the springboard I needed to just do it.For me, it was a natural fit. I have long been known among my friends as the one with the answers. I love to help people, and I am a strong believer in the strength of the human soul to overcome obstacles. I enjoy working for myself and working my day as I see fit, and I had gained all the business skills I needed in business school and on the job. And so Thrive After Divorce was born; I finally feel like I'm doing something I was born to do. Are you in the same boat?If you've been downsized, out placed, laid off or just hate your job, maybe it's time to get creative. I know it sounds outrageous, but this could very well be the best thing that has happened to you. Even if you love the line of work you're in, the state of the current job market should be cause for you to think outside the box. Hey, you don't have to wait til you get laid off!Do what I did: dig down to your core and figure out what makes you tick. Write down everything that comes to mind. List anything you like to do- even if it's folding laundry. Then you can think about why you like those activities. If you're struggling to translate your brainstorm into something you can do, consider some career counseling. Unemployment offices often offer this for free, or you might consider using the services of a dedicated professional. Sistas Are Doin' it For Themselves!A friend of mine took her experience working in a bakery and used it to spin off her own cake business to make extra money when times got tough. She took custom orders for birthday, wedding and party cakes. She started with nothing but a Kitchen Aid and a stack of business cards, and built a business mostly through word of mouth. (And...she's a single mom)Another friend used her quirky sense of humor to build a blog, musing about anything and everything. Soon she was able to replace her full-time income and quit her job. Her business grew so much, her husband quit his job to manage the business end of things. Now she supports her entire family doing something she absolutely loves. Yet another friend decided she was burned out as a mortgage broker, and translated her sales skills into a job selling high-end commercial lighting. She loves the challenge, and feels invigorated to be trying something new. The point is, times like these call for creative thinking, and no one should have to work a job that they hate, poor economy or not. If you're thinking about going into business for yourself, here are a few tips:
So if you laid off, fired, down sized...or whatever; but on your thinking cap and use it to transition to the work of your dreams!
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