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Reinventing Ourselves After a Job Loss
The Land of Work
When I first joined the banking world in NY during the 1970s, being young, ambitious and easily awed, I, like my peers, a few who are still my friends, thought we had job security for life. Why not? We saw many of our coworkers getting retired and since we were the head dept. of international banking who dealt with the wealthiest clients in the world, a few who are well known Kings in their country, earnings were good which translated into nice bonuses, good salary increases and cushy benefits for the staff.
Change
Alas, life had surprises for many of us as the years went by. Being young, we did not realize that nothing in life is permanent, everything is in a constant flow of change, and that change can include being faced with having one's job eliminated down the road whether it be through downsizing, being fired or our choice in leaving a job that has become too stressful.
Suddenly Unemployed
When I suddenly found myself unemployed for the first time in my adult life after working non stop for 28 years, sometimes I had two jobs, I felt as if a death had taken place, because it did. My paycheck, my daily routine, the familiar faces had come to an end, and my sense of independence was shaky; compounding the situation, this was in the aftermath of the 9/11 in NY. There were almost no existent jobs at the time especially for a woman starting her baby boomer years and with a hearing disability.
I wrote to every government representative I could think of, asking for help because by law, the government was supposed to help me find work. "The New York Times" heard about me through an agency that helped me financially, and interviewed me; the article was published on a Sunday, so millions of readers read about my job hunt and trials, and yet with this exposure I received two job offers that I did not qualify for, several emails from people of all walks of life thanking me for the interview as it helped them with their own job struggles, and a few date proposals.
Still no job.
Being Practical while Reiventing Myself
I learned during this change in my life, that no matter how long we have worked in our chosen field and find ourselves at point zero as to what to do with the rest of our lives, the universe, especially with the technology and Internet we have available today provides with ample opportunities to reinvent ourselves, especially when doors do not seem to open in securing a permanent, traditional 9-5 job. However, the mistake a lot of people make when starting a business, is they think over the top, they like to call it ambition, drive, thinking big, which is all good, but I found that focusing in terms of earning a monthly salary with a business becomes a more realistic goal.
And we need patience and trust.
Once we have allowed the sprouting of our ideas to bloom and bear fruit, we can then expand our vision and goals. The reason for this, is when we are in a state of lack, worried about paying the rent, we are not going to very inspired if we don't see a financial result with our endeavors. I am all for being positive, which I turned the volume up in my difficult times, by meditating, saying my affirmations, and praying, but I also have my practical side, we live in a physical world, and we need to eat and pay our bills.
Hubs I Recommend- will be adding more as I find them
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Hyponodude's hubs are filled with empowering tools for life!
Better Life with Self Hypnosis: Dealing with the Credit Crunch
2.Tatjana's hub is filled with wisdom:
STOP SINGING RECESSION BLUES - YOU ARE RICH ALREADY
3. An honest hub beautifully written by a Social Worker who suddenly found himself without his long time career.
4. A fantastic hub that talks about going back to basics to become self-sustaining.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Finding-Security-In-Todays-Troubling-Times
Personal Examples of Life After a Job Loss
My sister was fired from her management job with an Import and Export company in Manhattan, NY in the early 1990's, due to politics. She was their logistics expert and popular with clients which senior management found threatening.
My mate was an engineer for over 18 years, built missiles for the government, solar homes and a host of other projects but he decided to quit because he wanted to try something new, not because he was unhappy or mistreated (lucky him!)
My online friend whom I taught how to read the tarot cards via IM, and gave her spiritual counseling, left her stressful job as a social worker.
Myself...
So where are we all?
Where are We Now?- Thinking Out of The Box
My sister was selling in Ebay as a side source of income while working at her full time job. It's a blessing she did this, because when she was suddenly unemployed, she dedicated herself to selling full time in Ebay. At the time, pashminas were the rage in fashion and very few sellers knew how to import them. She made about $200,000 in sales during the first year and a half, then it slowed down as competitors caught on and undersold her. But yup, she earned this income after being fired!
I know... I know... not all of us can do this, and the 90's was a better economy, but the point here is that she took her skills in import and export, found a trend, and took advantage of it by selling it.
My s/o, Phil, loves to fix things, and started to dabble in home remodeling as a creative project; an older neighbor asked for a favor and had him do repair work in her home, and from this customer, he was led to another who worked for a doctor's office, who led him to yet more customers. Before he knew it, his creative project became a successful business locally where he had appointments booked a few months in advance. How did he become successful? He charged very cheaply for his labor and did it well, so his reputation grew. He earned his income with volume instead charging a high fee and thus having fewer customers. He closed the business 5 years ago, to go on another adventure, a spiritual retreat and semi-retirement which he is coming off now.
My online friend, makes about $2,000 a month doing readings, something I didn't accomplish when I was doing readings. The reason for this, is she has passion; was absolutely sure, she never wanted to go back to working for others. She not only did spiritual readings but signed up at local spiritual centers to give classes, and by word of mouth she became sought after.
As for me... I was lucky that I received a very early retirement pension because of my hearing problem. I felt odd being retired when I had just started my 40's, but took the opportunity to do spiritual readings, sell in Ebay to supplement my income as it was drastically reduced by roughly 70%, and I was still living in expensive New York.
Nowadays, Phil and I own www.thelemonadediet.com which we purchased from my sister recently, and its a business that is growing and keeps us busy. In the meantime, I have another website in the works that is spiritual in nature, I need to feel I am making a spiritual difference and this site fulfills this part of my nature.
None of us were financially independent, we relied on our salaries to meet our financial obligations or in the case of Phil could be out of work for a few years as he lives very simply, and has a mortgage free home, but had the understanding he would have to work again when his savings would start to dwindle.
As I observe and interact with friends, in my offline life and online, I notice we all have skills, something we love, are good at, or can be good at, and we need to be able to see this, to think outside the box; best to to deal with change proactively, even if it means simplifying our lives and making a conscious choice to let go of fear. I found that it was okay to grieve, to be scared, to be angry when finding myself suddenly unemployed, best to let our emotions out, but as I moved on, I made adjustments in life style.
I told a friend of mine who recently was downsized that while she is looking for employment, to also focus on a side business. I tell my friends who are STILL employed to learn how to supplement their income away from the job -- we all need to learn how to be resourceful as jobs are not secure.
I am thankful everyday, I am not part of the rat race subjected to the rules and tantrums of management or peers; I struggled for a while with being unemployed as I didn't have financial security at the time, but nowadays I am truly free; free from the fear that I cannot sustain myself somehow, and free to express my life however I wish.
And so can the next person who finds themselves suddenly unemployed, life will support us all perhaps not in the lifestyle we were used to, but the opportunity to reinvent ourselves and be free is there for us all.
Comments
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Hi Ekinmrekteb, Sorry I am replying so late! Had not signed on to my account. It sounds like you have the courage to move in a new and healthier direction! To me having inner peace, doing what I love, even if I had to simplify is far more valuable than the higher salary and politics I had to deal with.
Great and inspiring post- after 15 years in the corporat jungle, and after working an average of 50-60 hours each week without a 'work shut-off valve' on the weekends, I am free now from the beaurocracy and red tape. The downside is I am also free of the 120k plus salary I had grown accustomed with. I believe in karma and feel that the universe is naturally making space in my life for something different, something better and more holistic. You have helped remind me that I am not defined by my corporate masters, but that I am the one in control of my own destiny. Thanks!
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Thank you. Sounds like a wonderful plan! Your positive attitude is refreshing. I wish you success! :)
Love the positive suggestions and thoughts. Recently I have become unemployed and have decided to pursue a traveling temporary position while I study to become the best counselor ever. I should have done this years ago, but opted for the safe route which was nursing. It's not so safe anymore.
In addition, I will be involved in my husbands business at a distance for a while, then hands on. We really want to work together. Different strokes for different folks.
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AllSuretyBonds, Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the message of this article.
Great Hub. I really like the message that you portray here in your article.
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AngelTrader, thanks for your perspective, and, yes I agree. My s/o and I have been through many jobs, last year, was doing housecleaning for our cabin after renting the cabin (which we sold as we needed the money). Neither one of us are drawn to materialistic folks who judge by what we do. I think as we grow in awareness, the need or interest to puff up the ego with titles and such diminishes. :)
Unfortunately a great many people are identified by what job they do. Go to a party, meet new people and the first question you are usually asked is "And what do you do?". People ask this so they can pigeon hole you into a particular social class and immediately make judgment choices based on your answer from which they decide whether or not you are worth investing time and energy in. And they are so conditioned to the question they themselves personally identify with the job they do...it defines them, shows the world their 'worth' and places them in their own fear driven social hierarchy.
Personally I value the person in front of me for who they are, not how they choose to earn a living. If I am feeling mischievous I invent a career for myself and just observe how I am treated. I've been everything from a road sweep to a doctor, and many in between. Great way to observe materialistic people at close quarters and interesting how quickly some people depart depending on the answer I give them.
As I never ask someone what they do it is interesting seeing how some just need to tell you, they physically shake, ready to burst waiting for the expected question. Boy are they frustrated when I don't ask it! Then go and tell me anyway, ignoring my eyes glazing over.
Just my two cents worth, albeit from a slightly different perspective.
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Thank you and glad you enjoyed the hub, gwilliams.
VioletSun: Great hub. Thank you.
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You are most welcome, Animekid!
VioletSun thanks for this info. I was not really aware of this but I will look into it. Thanks again. :)
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Animekid, I don't know if you are financially secure, but if you have a vascular condition that limits your job prospects, you can apply for early Retirement Survivors Benefits with the Social Security dept, this is a monthly deposit based on the taxes you paid throughout your working career. I did this, and it became my salary that sustained me while I reinvented myself. I wish you success, you can do it, and yes, three cheers to reinvention!
Violet Sun thanks for this hub. I was just let go from what was a terrible job working for a corrugated paper company in upstate NY. I'm 53, I have a vascular condition and I actually left my previous company of 17 years to pursue what I thought was a great new opportunity. I am very internet savvy and I am trying to finally reinvent myself and the way I earn a living...online of course. Wish you nothing but the best in the future...here's to reinvention!
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Thank you, scla. I agree, I always encourage my friends even those who are still working to think outside of the box; its good to be creative anyway.
Great Hub. It is very inspirational for many people out there who are currently out of jobs. It is difficult but thinking outside the box and really finding what we do enjoy and are good at can be a life changing event.
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Hi Neil: Thank you! Your encouragement is appreciated. :)
I love this hub. Your writing is original and the photos are beautiful.
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Anne: Congratulations on your courage! I did the same thing, quit a job to get away from an abusive female executive, and haven't looked back. I am so happy to read that my article was able to help you at this new crossroad in your life. I wish you success! Thanks you for adding your comments.
Thank you for the essay! Your wisdom and experience have come to help me at exactly the right time. I decided to quit my job today after being there for 10 years plus having 30 years experience. I have excellent skills in my field, am highly motivated and have been putting up with a verbally and emotionally abusive supervisor. Time to start working for me and my family instead of my boss's neurosis. My guess is that with all my options I'll wind up making more money with less stress. Thank you for your uplifting advice!
Friends, you know. :)
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Oh, great, thank you! I am linking yours to mine too! Thanks for stopping by. :)
Great hub, I've added a link here from my last Credit Crunch hub. Well done Violet. :)
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Hi, Shea: Thanks for reading and commenting. :) It is scary to be unemployed and without money, so my heart goes out for anyone in this situation, as I have been there done that, but there is always a light at the end somehow if we remain strong and positive. Not always easy to do, but worth a try!
Very positive advice for those facing unemployment. It's nice to hear the optimism. :)
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Hi, Kent: With me you can always be yourself, I find your being genuine, refreshing! :) I struggled for a long time, but things starting to fall in place, which they do when we are no longer blocked by the fustration in having our wings clipped because of jobs that suppress our spirit and creativity. Keep moving on, you will never regret this! You are far richer than most with the courage and freedom you have.
Hey, I also got inspired in responding to you. LOL!
Thanks for your comments!
Excellent hub! Your entrepreneurial spirit really shines through, VS!
I'm in the process of reinventing myself as well after spending about 10 years in the miserable corporate world of advertising. It wasn't until I left that rat race that I managed to find my way. I pulled my guitar out of storage and started writing songs again. I connected with an old friend who had a production company, and I was hired to write two screenplays for him.
It sounds like a great success story, but the truth is I'm still struggling. But at least this time I'm struggling for the dream and not the carrot on the stick the corporate world dangles in front of you.
Sorry, didn't mean to go off like that, but your words inspired me to respond. Like I said, excellent hub!
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Hi, Awsydney: Nice to meet you@ Yes, we all should think out of the box, its the best way to have some "security" when things changes, such as the economy. Have become your fan and will read you hubs. :)
Marie, congrats on an excellent hub! Reinventing oneself is so true, especially in these difficult times. Here in Australia, businesses also need to reinvent themselves and people are looking towards alternatives ways to secure a living. I take your advice about establishing a model to generate a monthly salary being going way over the top about vision etc ~ so true especially when one is just starting out in a new direction. Great advice and hope you can read some of my hubs too. :)
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Just added a link to your hub "Sell Crafts and Art Online" as its filled with great info. Thanks for your comments!
Very great, helpful hub for people suffering job loss (unfortunately very common these days). Your readers should feel hopeful after reviewing your advice and tips. Best to you, Steph
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Brenda: Hang in there, down the road you will look back at this time as one of growth and strength. Writing certainly is an outlet, especially poetry. Thank for visiting and adding your comments, its appreciated it!
I appreciated this hub very much... I am out of work for the first time, and we are having to move house...... it is amazing how things change if I had not lost my job and my mum and my son (HE MOVED TO FLORIDA) i would not have found hub pages, and at the moment it is where I feel I need to be it is a source of strength and an outlet for my writing..... looking forward to reading more of your hubs
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Bobby: I am so happy to read that I was able to provide some inspiration. :) My nephew is a teacher and have seen him struggle with stress; he has been in an out of schools, always looking for a better school, without the politics, and tough students he has had to deal with, reason why he left NY and is teaching in Thailand. My sis suggested to him to try online teaching through Skype to supplement his income. Teachers have the gift of being able to communicate, teach, get up in front of a group of people, (which many of us can't really do), and these are skills that can be used in diverse ways.
Violet Sun,
Thanks for this hub. I taught school for about twenty-years. I have noticed signs of burnout, and I have done some job hopping for the last five or six years, in and out of some schools. I am looking for ways to generate income and to reinvent myself. Your hub provided needed inspiration.
Thanks,
Bobby
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Hi, Philipo: Yes, this is what I try to tell my friends-learn how to generate passive income even if fully employed-one develops skills and an ability to be creative while trying entrepreneurship.
Thanks for reading and your comments!
I love this hub. It is inspirational. One must not really wait until he is fired before he thinks of earning a passive income. The company you work is not yours and no matter how good you are, you will leave the job one day either voluntarily or otherwise. It is not easy out there without job. So lets start something that can be generating additional income while we work and prepare for the rainy day. Entrepreneurship is not easy but we must start somewhere. Be creative. Think of something that can generate income.
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Hi, Daisy: Thanks for your support! Your poetic words, of the river, flowing, cleansing, purging and purifying into crystal clear still waters, gave me a beautiful visual image in my mind's eye, one that I think represents the journey of the soul. Very connecting.
Hugs and blessings to you. :)
Hi Marie, loved the calmness, the peace, the acceptance and moving forward feeling of this hub. It is like a river, flowing, cleansing, purging and purifying into crystal clear still waters. Hmm soothing to the soul. May more blessings of light and love flow into your life and the lives of those around you. I am excited to visit your spiritual sight. Do inform us when it's up and about. Hugs dear one:)
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Hi, Michelle:
Yes, this hub can apply to a business as well or situations, like you said, where money is not coming in as much as we want to. Sis has experienced highs and lows with her businesses, and she is always reinventing herself. If we think about it, life is Creative, so responding creatively to life keeps one in the right direction.
Thanks for your presence, always enjoy your light. :)
Hi Marie, I loved reading your hub! The only constant thing in life is change and the more I went with the flow instead of against it (by resisting any changes or challenges that came my way) it has become so much easier. Also, the true stories you share here is an inspiration. One can identify oneself in one of these situations and be hopeful that it can work. Being able to reinvent ourselves (either after a job loss or in a situation where money is not coming in as much as we want to) is a creative way of dealing with things. Thank you for sharing. Your words blessed me tremendously today. Love and light... :-)
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Hi, Healwell: So good to see you, long time no see! :) Thanks for your observations and kind comments.
Christoph: Yes, I am aware many try and do not succeed, reason why I wrote this hub to encourage movement towards a different perspective as it can help. Thank you for your comments.
Very nice that it has worked out for you and some of your friends. Many people try, but few succeed.
This one is self-experienced and well writtten with the human sentiments and concept of dependence and independence.
I think your spiritual sense has helped you from within... Thats really fine!
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Dottie: You do exude an inner strength when you reading your hubs- thanks for your kind comments. Hugs to you too!
Hawkesdream: Thank you for your kind comments!
Anjali: I believe when one is down, best to go on a campaign to clear the clouds of fear and doubt- exercise, meditation, affirmations raises our vibration from one of fear to a lighter vibe. Thanks for your presence here. :)
Berryrutherford: Thank you for reading!
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SEM: You made a very good point! About thinking outside"the box" of a home-my sis left a huge apt in a townhouse in NY that looked more like a one level house and moved to a smaller apt in Florida and is happy; it less expenses, and a better quality life as there isn't the stress of making ends meet by having her money absorbed in the maintenance of a larger home.
Thank you for your support. :)
Emohealer: I have read your hubs and you are quite positive so I am not surprised to read that you are also reinventing yourself after a challenge; and yes, that was incredible that I didn't get more job offers; the reporter was excited he got the Sunday slot to publish his article as we both would get exposure. In retrospect, the doors to going back to work didn't open because it wasn't meant to be-there was something better for me.
Alekhouse: There is a lot of fear about the loss of work, or rather fear in general with the human condition, and I try not to add to it. Thanks for sharing this link, it adds to the energy of transcending our challenges!
That would be great if you posted that link. I hope you do. :)
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Elena:I love your words, adds to the message of this hub; it is so true, security comes from within, not outside ourselves!
Tatjana: Thank you for inspiring me to finish this hub- Must be diffcult to work without pay and not know if they are going to get their wages. Thanks for sharing your experience, and yes, its always an ongoing learning experience.
Pam: It builds up, slowly, the earning of income on our own, but before one knows it becomes a monthly salary that supports one, and like you I also find it much more satisfying. BTW, I remember you read my NY Times interview, maybe, I will find the link and add to this hub.
Thanks ladies for your comments!
Excellent !
Hi Marie: That was a wonderful hub. All of us needed this 'reinventing ourselves' reminder so bad. Thinking out of the box seems daunting initially but after you do it, thing start falling in place gradually. I, too, did that. Persistence is the key here. Prayers and affirmations do help a lot, especially, when mind gets clouded with pessimism and depression arising out of economic instability. Thx very much for this inspirational hub. :)
This is a great hub, and enhances the idea of always looking on the bright side of life
Job losses, derailed with fear, the baby boomer years, reinventing yourself, yup I can relate to all of that! I have been in and out of the woods so to speak but I know for sure that I have become a stronger and better person because of it and there in itself is a gold mine. After reading this well written and very inspiring hub filled with promise and hope I pause and thank you Marie for sharing and writing about your journey. God Bless and {hugs}~Dottie
VS, so glad to read a hub with a positive attitude. Just read one that was such a downer! I can't understand why anyone would want to wallow in negativity. First of all, it definitely affects your outlook on things and can impair your ability to deal with the realities of life. Here's an article on why staying positive is not being unrealistic, but is a good thing. It gives you the energy to cope with life, which isn't always a rose garden:
As you say, reinventing ourselves. I was injured on the job and rather than mire in it, I am doing the very process you wrote about, I walked away and am reinventing and searching out previously untapped talents.
How interesting your experience of being offered just about everything but a job from the newspaper coverage.
There aren't less jobs or less money, it has just shifted to other places, your advice and information should assist many as they search for the new locations. I appreciate how you have shared this information, always upbeat!
Another beautifully written hub Marie! I love the calm that exudes from this. You have a way of writing that emanates the feeling of your positive messages - impressive!
To think outside the box, I've always enjoyed the thought that the "instructions are on the outside". Perhaps I too readily embrace change as the only dependable constant in life - either that or I've taken too many large risks - but our home can also be "a box" we've grown out of. Here in Atlanta many struggle to hang onto houses over 4,000 square feet - who needs that much space?
Thank you for sharing a very much needed message these days, in a way only you could :)
Marie, what a wonderful essay, thank you! I can say wholeheartedly that losing my bank job was one of the best things that ever happened to me. As you point out though, there was some grief work to do. I still have days when I doubt myself and wonder if I am on the right track, but we are managing, and each year I make a little more on my own than the year before. Making money without a job is so much more satisfying somehow, and I feel like I actually am finally doing what I am good at. Thank you for a positive take on a difficult subject, and all the best to you and Phil. :)
Thank you for finishing this article, Mary. Great example of 3 great, brave special people!
I never lost my job, I quit it 1 month BEFORE company I worked for started to stop paying salary ... I do not know for Amerikans, but our people used to work for 6 months or even year for the companies WITHOUT SALARY, living in hope that one day they would get the money ..which they never got. This problem started to happen in transition period (from socialism into capitalism) ...
I never got or asked for any support from any governemental program.
The biggest problem here is that "9-5" program was only one which existed for 99,5% of people...and I never knew for anything else, but... accepted self-created challenge anyway ... 13 years ago and still learning...and really learned a lot plus had enough time to heal myself from all effects of too stressfull jobs I was doing.
I enjoyed in every your sentence. Thanks again.
Well done, Violet! Hearing this positive message from someone who speaks from experience is very inspiring. Sometimes we tend to think about security as something outside ourselves, like a job or a salary, but real security is within in knowing we have the capacity to dictate how life turns out for us.
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Thanks Kari! I found myself really at a very low point after my job loss but didn't end up homeless or worse which is the fear many of have after losing a job.
I really enjoyed the message of hope that weaves throughout this hub! You give some great tips on reinventing ourselves. :D
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