The last I can remember so many jobs of hard-working Americans disappear in such a short time was in 1974, my first year in corporate management as a newly-minted MBA.
I can remember being wracked by conflicting feelings - the excitement of all the new knowledge I was acquiring at the same time hearing at lunch about layoffs in other divisions of my company.
During this period, I often thought to myself: "Is my career with this company over before it starts?"
Well, fortunately, I made it through the year of 1974 and by 1976 business was humming and I had been promoted twice.
Do you know how I calmed myself down during the bloodletting of 1974?
By harking back to my previous entrepreneurial experience, both as a kid and in college.
I simply remembered that I had taken a needed service (lawn mowing at age 10 and sandwiches for sale in college), put out some flyers and the business came.
So, during 1974 I launched a couple of evening and weekend entrepreneurial ventures - one working for a friend who owned a mortgage company and paid me for each application I went through and scored and one arranging a Spring trip to Jamaica for a group of college friends.
Now, let me assure you that I am not a "dyedd in the wool" entrepreneur - I just always like to have a little extra pocket money and my childhood allowance, college jobs and even my corporate job didnt always provide it.
I encourage you to take a deep breath as we enter the blessed holiday season and clamly reflect on how entrepreneurial who have probably already been in your life but dont give yourself credit for.
For example, were you one of the parents who helped spearhead the sale of chocolate bars to raise money for your son or daughter's high school band? If so, you've shown entrepreneurial licks!
Just take a look around for services that people cant seem to do without - is there something missing in the offerings of current providers?
Is there a product you or your spouse cant find, but you just know that a lot of other folks like you are looking for it also?
With the ability to work from home and the ever shrinking costs of running your business, even a part-time business can provide you with a couple thousand dollars a month...or even more.
No matter how drastic your current personal financial situation, dont ever forget you are your best source of help!
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