Just this evening I had this strong tug in my heart moving me to lay the foundation for my dream business, which would definitely incorporate writing/teaching. Your article here is similar to what I had just experienced.

After years of pursuing a career in HR (4 years as a Headhunter), I decided to take a breather by taking on a full time ministry role in our church as an Administrator. This has refuelled my passion for speaking/writing, but I really felt that the Administrator had placed so many limitations around it to the extent that I felt staying would not be what’s best for me (doing something I’m not passionate about + overwork + the pay cut I had to take). Now I am without a job because the new corporate role I was supposed to take on is now non-existent because a lung problem was detected through my pre-employment med exam. I know God has His way of redirecting our paths so we will be led to what is best for us. Perhaps, the path this is leading me to is one that would allow me to go after what would really make my heart sing and help a lot of people along the way. I know that these weeks of rest that I need to take will be fruitful with more revelations and discoveries. A northern niche shall be created. Thanks so much! You are a great inspiration. I hope you can visit us here, in Manila

I’ve been doing this for couple of years. It’s affected my sense of integrity, my sense of well-being, my faith in myself, my pride in my own work – I wonder if this job is costing me much, much more than the paycheck it gives me.

MC (can’t use my real name, too ashamed).

In terms of other advice: most states (all?) have unemployment insurance. Don’t be proud: sign up for it. You and your ex-company have paid for it over the years, and while it won’t carry you fully, can be used to cover some expenses (COBRA payments, anyone?). In Massachusetts,you can hop on and off – i.e., if you find a short-term consulting gig, you can take a few weeks off from collecting unemployment, then re-up when the temporary job is done.

If you’re offered any outplacement services, take advantage of them. They can be invaluable in terms of thinking through what next, clarifying your goals, and – if you’re fortunate enough to get the use of the outplacement facility – someplace to hang your hat and conduct your job search for a few months.

As you note, it’s best to avoid the negative nellies.If you were part of a mass lay-off, there will be people who just want to complain, complain, complain about the terrible, rotten company that just let you go. If there’s one blow-out, have a few drinks and a bitch-fest event, by all means go, but do not let yourself get dragged down by people who just want to sit around trying to figure out why they got the pink-slip and not the other guy, etc.

And, of course, let your friends spring for lunch! (When you’re back on your feet, pass this on to others who’ve been laid off.)

Long story short – the stress of losing the job resulted in chest pains – luckily it was not the big HA – but it was a wakeup call none the less!

Thing is I have been trying to do the corporate sales thing for many years in an industry that is at least for me BORING! I have had it with sales consultants, Veruca Salt bosses, pain funnels, call reports and sales tracking software bullpoopy — The flexible packaging industry never got my best — because my passion and skills lie elsewhere — so now at 45 I gotta see if I can make a go of this entrepreneur thing — I am passionate to the point of giddy about Buttons of Hope — please check it out — there’s a link from my blog Makehope. I will be checking out each of your blogs and if you like my BOH idea I would love it if you mention it in your blog as appropriate!

Thanks for all the kind and helpful comments — I knew you were talkin’ to me! Pam thank you my friend!

Всяка седмица ние преглеждаме стотици сайтове и блогове за нова и любопитна информация, свързана с работата ни или с темите на NovaVizia.com. С т…

I’ve tasted the “forbidden fruit” and now I don’t want to go back to the j.o.b.

I love having my own business, serving others on my terms, etc. It is so rewarding and refreshing. I never got up early for my job (I got up when I had to)… but now I get up very early, excited to start the day and see what’s new. And its been over a year since I was laid off!

One bit of advice I have is – it will happen again. And again. And again. Its the way it is these days. Unless you get your own business (funny how my bosses all had their own side gig), on your own terms, you are always one day away from the dreaded pink slip.

That’s why you need to get a free account on JibberJobber.com (yes, shameless plug – but I’m passionate about it!)

Jason Alba
CEO – JibberJobber.com

I think many of them are relevant in other cases of ‘losses’ also, like a sudden reduction of income, loss of a relationship (which also may have a financial impact). Or simply, as a consultant being kicked out of an assignment…

Over here in Sweden, job security is much higher than in USA. Maybe the shock of losing a job here would be bigger also, just because of that.

Thanks again for sharing