Back a few years ago (2016), while mid-career, the company I enjoyed working at suffered a couple significant financial setbacks and went through a round of layoffs.
At the time, a brand new parent with growing concerns for mapping a future for my family. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. But what if you aren’t tough? Is it ok to just give up?
Adversity comes in many shapes and varying levels of intensity. The interesting thing is it has an effect on us. What we choose to do with it determines how it shapes us. So I sat in that dreaded room w/ HR, stiff upper lip, trying to absorb what was happening and among other things, coming to a realization – I’m going to have a lot of free time now! I remember feeling fear, deep and strong (pit of the stomach type of thing). That feeling came and went by though as I left that room and started to imagine all the different things I could be doing.
Take care of the essential
Firstly, I had a commuter account (wageworks) that would be deactivated by the end of day, so I headed over to Penn Station (Jersey transit) and kindly asked the attendant for $1000 worth of NJ transit tickets. Come to think of it, those tickets lasted me a very long time …
Keep an open mind
It’s important to realize you are still whole and not in a place of scarcity. No part of who you are is diminished…
Plan and adjust towards your goal
Opportunity may not just land on your lap, you might have to go out and find it …