Finding The Upside of Being Downsized

It was really not much of a surprise when the news came. I had noted how the business in my company had taken a nose dive and I was wondering when the proverbial hatchet would fall and who would be its victim. Surprisingly, it was me.


Not that it really mattered, as I found myself in a dead end job having hit the glass ceiling that would not allow me to go any higher. I was also informed that I had reached the limit on how much I would be paid in the position I held. There was no motivation to do any more than I had been doing that got me to that point. And, there was no mentorship, motivation, or incentive to grow in a professional capacity at the company. It was not that those who managed me intentionally withheld these things from me; I believe it was that they had no knowledge or training on how to do so. Larger corporations inspire their employees to grow because they understand that their greatest assets are the employees. Hence, a portion of their corporate budget allocates monies for human resources to keep their people motivated. The plight of a small family owned business is that they simply lack the knowledge, training and resources to provide the necessary elements for an employee’s continued professional growth. Mom and pop may provide a great family feel in the work place, but they can’t provide the tools and motivation an employee needs to grow in their job.

When they called me into the office, they said they were making decisions in order to survive. They told me how bad they felt. But, they had to do what they had to do. I mused that thought on my way home that morning: “do what you have to do to survive.” I soon decided those words were going to be my mantra. I made a decision to do what I need to do not just to survive, but thrive! I was not going to wait for them to call me back to a job I really didn’t like. I was not going to cry myself asleep at night from missing the company paycheck. I realized for the first time, that my future was completely in my hands. I asked myself a question; “what are you going to do with it?”

You see, I came to understand some things: (1) it is not the company’s responsibility to provide me with security (2) It is not government’s responsibility to provide me with security (3) it is not education’s responsibility to provide me with security. The only one who can do anything about my financial and economic security is me!! It was an epiphany! I suddenly realized that I could reinvent my entire life! I could now change paths and pursue my passions rather than pay. Sure, a good solid paycheck is great to have. But which would you rather: big pay or freedom to do and be what you want? I chose the latter.

In today’s economy there are millions of Americans who are out of work. They are hoping to find a decent paying job. And, there is nothing wrong with that. But what is wrong is this: many who want to pursue their passions never will! They will resign themselves to work at a job with no future. They will work most of their lives for the hope of having something waiting for them at retirement. They will go through life with regrets of never even having tried to do something different. They will lives their lives and take absolutely no responsibility for where it ends up. I don’t want that kind of life.

In every crisis there is opportunity! During the great depression of the 1930’s there was rampant poverty everywhere in this country. Yet, even in the midst of the great depression, there were people who made fortunes. Crisis does bring opportunity. This is your time to do something you have never done. This is your time to do something different. This may frighten some, but I must ask; “Why do the same things that you did that lead you to where you are. Never in the history of our nation has the economic environment been so conducive to establishing a home based business. There is limitless income producing possibilities! The internet can provide a person with information on how to do just about anything. And, the great part about is: most of it is accessible for free! This is your day! It is time to seize the opportunity that is before you. Take advantage of it. You may never get the chance again!