Unemployed or Self-Employed – How You View Your Situation Makes a Difference

(c) 2010. Bobby Clark

Contrary to published reports that the economy is rebounding, many people find themselves out of work and continuing to search fruitlessly for another job. Initially, one may be filled with fear of survival and trepidation about the future.  After submitting dozens of resumes with disappointing results, the fear grows stronger compounded by frustration, anger and an ever growing lack of self-worth.  After an extended search it becomes easier to sink into depression.

When faced with this situation, many people feel helpless and think they are powerless.

Let me suggest an alternative way of thinking that puts the power back with you and away from the businesses and others.

• After being laid off or losing your job, rather than thinking “I’m unemployed,” change your way of thinking to “I’m self-employed.”  This is a subtle yet powerful change in the way you perceive your situation.
• Being self-employed opens the doors to other possibilities that you may not have considered previously.  While still looking for a job to replace the income stream you previously had, you actively pursue other ways of generating income.  Examples would include part time jobs, turning hobbies into small businesses, or freelance writing are just a few examples.
• Watch the video, “Lemonade.”  This video tells the stories of several people that were laid off, the aftershock, and how they picked up the pieces of their lives.

The choice is yours.  You can continue on a path that may or may not work out for you or you can start thinking about what is best for you and your family.  Remember, there is an alternative to being a small cog in big organization.

Bobby