Grieving after a loss is a process through which all of us
must pass for closure on a past experience. While most of us associate this
process with the loss of a loved one, or even a romantic involvement, it may
also be related to the loss of a job with a business. Both types of losses have
the same level of impact on our lives, including emotionally.
Just like a romantic involvement, or a relationship of any
type, we assume that employment with a business will last for the foreseeable
future, however long that may be. In the past we may have anticipated that we
would work with one company for the majority of our lives, and moving from one
company to another was looked upon with disdain. Both of these ideas are ancient
history, gone from the current logic.
Hardly any of us have not experienced a loss of a loved one
or relative? Also, due to the recent economic decline, most of us have
experienced the loss of a position with a company which employed us, perhaps
the “dream job” for which we groomed ourselves or in which we “grew up”. Afterwards
we must go through a grieving process, just like the loss of a love. Until
then, it is difficult to move on in life.
It is from the broken pieces of this lost career that some
people gain the strength to start a business, the one which they may have
dreamed of all their lives. They may take the experience, knowledge, and
abilities that they gained and start a new business in the same industry. Some
people even transfer their talent to an entirely new industry.
Entrepreneurs are born from adversity. They almost always
have experienced a life changing event in their lives. They have discovered the
desire and commitment to never allow someone else to curb their ability to “try
something new” or to “venture into new territory. They may face obstacles, or they
may face limitations, but they rely on their proven talent to discover the way
to prevail.
I always say that we all should spend some time every day in
self improvement. This includes learning more about our business industry, our
own business’s functions, vendors, markets, and competitors, and about anything
that will enhance our ability to market either our business or ourselves. This
should also include information about transferring our skills to another
industry or becoming our own boss or entrepreneur.
Don’t have an inclination to venture out into a new industry
or to become a “risk-taker”? That is understandable; maybe you haven’t passed
through the grieving process yet. Find someone and discuss this situation, and
maybe you can find some answers together. If nothing else you may gain another
perspective on the problem, perhaps a result that may change your life. Don’t
be the person hiding behind a closed door.
Open your mind to the possibilities that life has for you
and at least take a good look at them. Don’t take the attitude that you don’t
have the ability or the courage to take a chance to control your life. Find
someone to chat with and have an honest, fact-finding conversation that could
change your life. You may be surprised at yourself.
Please leave me your comments, or email me at Jim@SOC4Now.com, or call me at 360-314-8691. Maybe
your networking partners can help you with the grieving that you need to
experience. Maybe one of your partners needs your help in passing through the
grieving process in which they are mired. After all that’s what partners should
do. Need a partner? You know my number.
Always a good tip of the week from Jim.
ReplyDeleteBest advice in this article is to take time each to self improve. Whether it's working out or reading more about your industry, do something.
Self improvement is up to you...no one else can do it.
See you soon Jim!
Best regards, Bob Bonnell