The Upside of the Economic Downside

Being out of work is challenging, but it provides an excellent opportunity for personal growth and development.

 

America is in a very sensitive position right now because of the sluggish economy, and as a result, people, in all economic classes, are feeling the negative effects of it.
Many have been out of work so long, they fear they might not be called back, or worse, become unemployable. Being out of work is challenging, I agree, but it provides a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and development.

Others have decided to go for polishing their real interests, the things they enjoy doing, but could not do as often when they had jobs. The great thing about this is that passion or talent may be where the focus should have been in the first place.
I am talking from experience here because  for several years, I worked as a high school English teacher , and for some of those years, I enjoyed the work because I was helping  teenagers find their place in the world, but I often thought about how much I loved writing;  I wasn’t motivated to write very often after spending five days each week  with five classes of students who  really needed my attention,and the weekends, more often than not, were spent grading endless papers and/or creating lesson plans for the upcoming week.

Finally, in 2007, I decided to retire (quite early in fact) to give myself  an opportunity to write, and I have to tell you: It feels wonderful! I have written and have had published two(2) books since ’07; I have also written a great number of blogs, poems, and articles all on some aspect of personal growth and self-help. Now, smiles come easily because I truly enjoy what I am doing.

What about you? Are you unemployed or under-employed? Do you find yourself  thinking about doing something else, something you enjoyed doing at one time before you got a job?
Consider returning  to that skill, or hobby, and see if you can make a go of it.
For personal growth and development in the area, take classes at your local community college to hone your skills so that you can get started. Who knows? You just may become the next Emmy or Oscar winner, or best selling author.
Isn’t it worth a try now, that you have time to explore the possibilities?

Be real honest here, in addition to putting food on the table, and paying the rent or mortgage, what satisfaction did the job give you? Sure those things are important, but shouldn’t there be more to life than that?
Take advantage of your  hiatus  from a job and rediscover what it is you really enjoy doing. I bet you too will begin to smile more as you start using your God given talents and gifts.

 

What to Do Next?

1. Think about what it is you really enjoy doing;

2. Make a decision to explore it now that you  are not working;

3. If necessary, take courses at your local community college to get or

to polish the skills you need to get started;

4. Get started as  soon as possible;

5. Smile and shine?