I see unemployed people thriving. Starting their own businesses. Acting on their passions. Finding better jobs than they had before.
And I see employed people stressing. Seeing their families less. Looking over their shoulders and wondering if they’re next.
Why do people cross their fingers and hope to avoid layoffs? Why not adopt an entrepreneur’s mentality now, while you’re still working?
Both the employed and the non need a bit more recklessness in their lives. Rather than act like you could lose your job at any moment, you should work like you could die any day.
At the 2005 Stanford University graduation ceremony, Steve Jobs gave a rousing speech that is passed around email and Twitter to this day. He said:
For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Instead of being worried about losing your job, have the attitude, “so what?” It might just make you enjoy it a bit more.
6 Comments
Nice. You make a good point. I don’t think being cautious is going to get any of us where we need to be. Thanks for sharing.
Great advice. The worst part about being paranoid while working, especially as a creative, is you spend way too much time wondering about what you’ll do after you get fired instead of what you could do NOW that would be creative and cool.
In retrospect, getting laid off was the best thing that happened to my career. Sure, it was rough for a while, but now I’m in a much better career position that I was before the layoff. AND, I like the job I’m in now.
I couldn’t agree with you more. In order to have a fulfilling life, one must find balance, while fulfilling and exploring all aspects of themselves, with regards to:
1. Family
2. Work
3. Passion/Creativity
Only then will they reach true balance, peace, and happiness.
p.s. Lemonade is sweet!
Excellent advice to live by. Being on the “independent contractor” side of the table, I can see why those who still have FT jobs are spending more time worrying about being next up on the chopping block rather than taking positive risks.
But considering the 45% job satisfaction in recent polls (and the second most liked part of a job is the commute??!?) it’s no wonder people have stopped trying.
All I know is, like so many who have shared in “Lemonade” I’m going to make the most of my freedom. And about to take a big risk leaving SoCal for the sapphire skies of NM to start the next chapter in my life.
Back when I worked at an ad agncy, I worked on my own freelance projects right at my desk during down time. We all did. I also wrote a novel and created my own website, right at my desk. The agency job was just a money pump for the work I really wanted to be doing. I wasn’t afraid. And you shouldn’t be either. Do your own thing on company time. It’s the only way to succeed on your own terms. They’re going to lay you off eventually anyway. Plus, the management is out playing golf anyway. Why should you do all the agency’s work.
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