One thing that has always amused me about my life was my tendency to get fired from jobs. When I count the number of jobs I’ve had and the number of times I’ve been fired or laid off, it was 50%. That’s every other job. Between the ages of 16-27, I have had 10 employers, let go from 5 of them.
Now, naturally, you’re thinking I must have been a terrible employee, I promise that wasn’t the case but how can I argue against those odds? There is an explanation for each one but it doesn’t matter, what matters is that before working for myself I dealt with unemployment a lot. I also know that the current upheaval will help change how people work in the future. This post can’t address every scenario, but here’s what I’ve learned about dealing with unemployment and working for myself.
Losing a Job is often the turning point to better opportunities
Every time I lost a job it lead me to something much better. People have a tendency to want something greater for themselves but fear letting go of what has become familiar. Why start all over when you’ve already put the time and effort into establishing yourself at your current job? Job losses are triggered by transits (often Saturn) that are playing an important role in moving you closer to where you need to be. After the initial shock is over, it’s pretty common to feel a big sense of relief.
But you may love your job. In fact, more than ever people want jobs that fulfill their desire to flex their creativity and use their natural skills and talents. You may not feel like you need a big change, but this downtime is still serving you in some way. Now you have time to reflect on where this job is taking you, what your goals are, what isn’t working, what can be done differently, etc
Use Your Down Time Wisely
Finding a new job IS a full-time job in itself. That’s the kind of hustle it takes to get hired when competition is high. Avoid the rut by putting your newfound free-time towards something productive. If you are working for yourself, you probably have a long to-do list, but here are some ideas for those not working:
- Create an online portfolio or personal website
- Create a New Resume + cover letters
- Ask for References/Referral or reviews
- Learn new skills – classes/courses on all kinds of things
- Update your LinkedIn, and use a photo. Trust me, you’re being googled so may as well give them something good to find.
- Excersize – builds confidence, sharpens your mind, increases your vibration
- SELF INQUIRY – Do you know your passion, strengths, skills are? If not, now’s the time to find out!
If you are eligible for unemployment compensation, APPLY and use it to give you more time to learn new skills and possibly break into a new career path.
During those 6 months of unemployment pay, I took free coding classes to learn how to build websites, but I also started freelance writing. I was 26 at the time and still studying Astrology (but not ready to take the plunge yet). Freelance writing led me to content marketing, which I use today to help people find this website. I also used skills from those coding classes to help create this website.
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome
Seasoned business owners have already reacted to the changes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. They have sent out the newsletters of how their business is responding, they’ve come up with marketing campaigns aimed at people working from home, they’ve offered discounts, they are donating proceeds to charities, etc. They are probably cutting overhead expenses where they can.
Whether you have lost a job or are working to keep yours afloat, adaptability and quick reflexes are critical at times like this. In fact, the ability to adapt is one of the key traits of long-term successful businesses, because competition, technology, trends, are always changing.
This is not the time to give away your power. Know the difference between what is in your power and what isn’t and do your best. Tell yourself: I am not available to participate in a recession. The Universe is a place of unlimited abundance, there is plenty for me, there are always people who can benefit from my services and pay me.
You Are Not Disposable
When I was younger, getting fired was often a big blow to my self-esteem. It made me realize just how disposable I was, despite giving so much of my energy, emotions, into their causes. It’s a tough way to learn to value what you have to offer, but once learned you will never let others step on you. I no longer wanted to rely on an employer for my well-being.
This is one of the reasons so much is crumbling right now. Soul-sucking jobs are no longer energetically compatible with where society is going. Yes, small businesses and entrepreneurs can struggle at times like this, but this ordeal is making even more people aware of the importance of supporting small businesses. We will see many corporate giants fall, but more small business and will take their place in the future. There will always be a need for large companies, but the way they do business will be forced to change. People will not longer support/tolerate large companies that are not environmentally or humanely conscious.
As always, I hope you are well. This time will pass and we’ll look back on it as a difficult time but massive turning point. Do not give up on your dreams, if an opportunity doesn’t knock – build a door.
Peace,
Melly says
Thanks for this. It’s very true, despite the scary times we are living in. It’s a time to get to work on ourselves. Many times we are given hints on this sort of thing, but now we’re all being forced to STOP and PAY ATTENTION.
Peggy Laney says
Thanks for this. I can relate. I was let go or laid off 4 times in a one year period. Saturn in transit is squaring my natal Saturn and started its passage through my sign. The First time I was let go was a real shock, but on a soul level it was so warranted and wanted. The other times was because I choose temporary jobs. I am now unemployed and exploring ways to work for myself through spiritual modalities. I long to live up to my divine job description offering a different kind of service to humanity, not for profit.