Balancing act

I can't believe we are almost done with the first quarter of 2010. Indicators are showing signs of some recovery. Certain segments are doing much better. Some are still far behind. What I find most interesting is the fact that some people have done a great job of landing an opportunity, and quite a few people still seem to be struggling. What separates the two groups? I think it comes down to balance. What do I mean by this. I am not diminishing the difficulty of finding a new job.

What has come out of this longer than usual downturn has been opportunities. Opportunities for people facing dilemma, economic tragedy, loss of homes, etc. to face the harsh realities of doing something different in order to earn a living, and in some cases, just to get by. We all have to have balance in our lives, but this is the first time in my almost a half a century of living that I have seen such a topic entering every aspect of ones life.

I don't think anyone who has been working on a career for the past ten plus years saw this coming. The need to re-evaluate the balance of their lives. Not by desire, or choice, but by circumstances. People have gone from making a salary that afforded them life's niceties, to in many instances, scrapping to find a job that may provide less for their family. Yes, a job versus a career position. Some people were blessed and found an equally great job, and some even found more money, but for many, it has been an effort in futility. An effort where a major re-balance has taken place.

Either the husband or the wife has now taken on the role of breadwinner. New territory for many. Many people are now at home taking care of kids because there is no longer that role for them in the work world. Re-evaluating what is important in their lives is a daily conversation, versus just a thought. Looking at the big picture and changing life style's to accommodate the current monthly budget. Foreign thinking for many people.

As tragic as it may be financially for many, balance is a good thing to have. Evaluating one's life on a regular basis is good. Getting a "check-up from the neck-up" is not a bad thing. Having an opportunity to try something else is not a bad thing. Maybe that career you only dreamed about, can now be a reality. Maybe that business you wanted to open may not be so far off after all.

Sometimes when we are being kicked while we are down, we are presented with awesome events and/or opportunities, that living in our little, self absorbed world, we would never take advantage of. Just maybe, instead of looking at the layoff, or downturn as a negative, we should grab the chance to make a difference in our lives.

I know how hard it would have been for me to leave my company of 19 years had the economy been doing great. Money coming in. People I like working with. A family who enjoys the perks of sales incentives. It all fell apart when my services were no longer in need by multiple clients. I too was forced to make a decision. Stay in corporate America, in a sales role, making less money, or......It was that dream of doing something bigger, better, and under my rules that pushed me to open my business. Not everyone has the ability to open a business, or try something new, but look at how you can balance or re-balance your life, and maybe you will find the job, career, business that brings all of life's pieces together for you. It wont be easy. It most likely will be scary.

It is my intention to take control as best as I can to what happens to me in this life, and use the skills, personality, talent, and drive that has been graciously given to me to get to a point I am happy everyday, and not look at negative events as a knock-out, but as a step to my next destination. Everyone falls down. It isn't how many times, but how fast you get back up.

If you are in a situation that is not to your liking(layed-off, unemployed, or plain miserable), do something about it. Talk to people, join organizations, network, re-invent yourself, spend time with family, do odd jobs(tons of ways in this country to make money legally)or sit on the couch and wait for the phone to ring with that next opportunity. You do have a say in what happens to you, even if it wasn't your choice to lose your job. Bad things happen to good people. Bad things happen to smart people. Bad things are not always bad things. Pick your ego up, and make a dream come true. Balance your life how ever you need to do that to move forward. Personally, financially, and spiritually.

Become a statistic. A good statistic. Become one of the many who have moved from dilemma in their life, to satisfaction. Self made satisfaction. Keep your head high. Meet others who have risen from the ashes. I think you will find that you are not alone, and there is hope for you even if the media, government, and naysayers state differently.

So take advantage of an unfortunate occurrence, a bad situation, or the dilemma you and your family may now be facing, and take a stand. Help yourself to one of the many wonderful opportunities that are out there. Yes, they are out there. I know you can do it.

Rich Burks
President
28 Consulting, LLC