When I graduated from college, the US was in a recession. No one could even get interviewed for a job. When you were interviewed, you sat next to a guy who had ten or fifteen years of experience. No one could get work.
Most of us went back to working at our pre-college or ‘just-until-I-graduate’ jobs.
What did I do? I got a job working half time in an AIDS/Hepatitis lab. They were willing to take me on because I was willing to work 40 hours for 20 hours of pay. I supplemented my income by cocktail waitressing at night. It wasn’t fun or easy. Frankly, it sucked.
Within three months, they hired me full time.
This experience is a landmark in my life. It taught me to be resourceful, scour the landscape for opportunity and whenever possible work for myself.
A lot of people in my age bracket learned the same lesson. We’ve been laid off over and over again. D. was laid off from his first job before he even started. He now holds the household record of four lay offs to my three.
We’ve seen our ‘retirement’ accounts tank so many times it’s hard to even muster a ‘shoot’ about it. I don’t know anyone my age who plans on ever retiring. I don’t.
This article, Back to the Garage, speaks to the opportunity available in this type of economy. Lots of fabulous companies started in the garages and basements of their innovators. (Can you say Jobs? Gates? Wozniak?)
Before you shake your head and say, ‘That works for you because you’re (special, rich, stupid, lucky, or whatever)’, stop and think for a moment.
If you never retire, you better like what you do. What would you like to do for a living?
And what would it take to do it?
The limits don’t apply any more. Now is a perfect time to start a small company, go back to school, learn a trade, focus on your art, or whatever it is that drives you.
Just go for it!
No comment today OG…I’ve decided to call in gay.
I am doing it….back to school I go, I go!
XOXOXO
I’m back in school, I did it
) I hope that the healthcare industry will keep growing… I mean it for my sake – there will always be sick people out-there (unfortunatelly).
hey Claudia…very helpful and inspiring. There’s a possibility of a lay off on my end, which i am not too worried about because like you I graduated in the middle of a recession….things do work out. however, it’s different this time…..two kids are part of the scenario.
Am planning and looking and seeking and thinking just in case…..and who knows maybe it’ll happen ( a new job that is) because I make it happen!
gotta be resourceful that’s for sure.
Been there, done that. Got degrees & certifications out the ying yang and have the same plan as you. Do tax work forever, at least it’s only part of the year.
You know what, daughter married a plumbing contracctor, Yeah! Better to have an in demand trade than an extra degree. She teaches for the pension, and he brings home the bacon.
TWMark – Yes, well. I respect your call…
Perpstu – You’re on your way!
Ivanhoe – Good luck with school!
Dana – I am really sorry to hear this. I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.
Bronsont – God knows we always need a good, honest plumber! And, of course, a fabulous tax guy!
Well, I’ve been struggling with the answer to what I want to do with a living since my second layoff earlier this year. I had to take a job I’m not loving– and that’s putting it mildly– to pay the bills. But I do know the career I spent 13 years building isn’t the answer, so I guess that’s the first step.
And yes my “retirement” account paid my mortgage– no use saying “shoot” about it.
Miss Attitude – I think a lot of people get to that place, especially at 13 years. They either hang in there for the money/retirement. (I knew a guy who did this for 11 years to get his Navy pension.) or look for something else. I know you’ll find the absolutely best thing!