Are You Out Of Work?
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Chatting with my sister today she told me about a cousin that has been out of work for the last six months. In that time she has lost her house and moved into a small rental. Right now she is one month late on her rent. In a short amount of time she went from being comfortable to being broke. She’s trying to find another job but prospects are elusive.
It’s a common story these days. A lot of folks are out of work.
But from what I’m seeing, not everyone is job hunting.
Quite a few are exploring their inner entrepreneur and starting a new business. Others see their layoff or pink slip as an opportunity to ramp up a business that they’ve been dabbling in part time for awhile.
I overheard a comment in a restaurant this week, “In this economy it’s downright scary to face daily life without a steady paycheck.” I’m sure that’s true to someone is used to a steady paycheck – and I definitely had to think long and hard about giving mine up back in 2006. But it is really that all that frightening?
As a solopreneur, I’m in charge of my own effort and results. At this point, I’d be more afraid of working my tail off for someone else knowing that another round of layoffs could come along and ruin my finances anytime. Somehow that seems more risky to me.
If you are out of work today, where is your focus right now?
Are you job hunting or business building – or both?
Would love to hear from you.
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Sparkplugging Founder Wendy Piersall is dang passionate about helping people start & grow a business while maintaining life balance (somehow). 
Easton Ellsworth is owner of 
Before you get that pink slip: My suggestion for employees AND business owners is to help market your own company. Even when it’s “not your job”, help get the word out about the company you work for. Obviously bringing in new business for your company will not only help everyone stay working but makes you a more valuable employee.
For small business owners and single entreprenuers: help market everyone around you. Sing the praises of your vendors and your customers. Send them business whenever you can.
I’m doing a bit of both.
I have a part-time job which is getting more and more part-time, so I’ve been working on a new etsy shop and looking for a Plan B part-time job in my field (non-profit management/fundraising).
I’m lucky b/c my husband is the main breadwinner; we need my income in order to save and take a summer vacation, etc. but his salary gives me a safety net and that is not true for everyone.
I was laid off from my full time online advertising sales career in January 09. Approaching the 6 month mark. I’ve been doing several things during this time 1)searching for my next fulltime gig in ad sales as I truly enjoy it, 2)freelancing/contract sales for two media companies and 3)starting to blog and write on my own. This whole situation has made me realize the importance of having several revenue streams coming in so if one goes down you at least have something else coming in, even if it’s not a lot, it’s something. I’m also in the process of utilizing my writing/creative skills to start a few blogs on interests I enjoy (sports, dogs) and hope to start selling my own advertising against them. I also found a new startup pet site YeePet.com that I’m consulting with on getting their advertising sales program going. Long story short, I think we all need to find what we enjoy and leverage that in several ways.
I believe that working for yourself is one of the best kinds of job security. I have been employed in many settings from a small family-owned business, two Universities, a Fortune 500 telecom and also for myself. I’ve been on both sides of the table. I’ve found that working for myself gives me the best balance. Satisfaction means more than a regular paycheck and efforts equal truer results. I am currently business building, reinventing what I do, how I do it and who I work for. I am thrilled to have you as a resource.
If you can manage it time-wise and family-wise, I’d do both. A steady paycheck is great but building a business is the smart way to go.
Every time I hear of another person who has been laid off or had their hours reduced, I am thankful for my life.
If I want to earn more money, it’s in my control.
It feels so much safer to have dozens of affiliate programs paying me, income from the sale of my products, and other streams of income coming into my account, than to rely on one source.
Just as you said
Building a business. Pink slips are so out of my realm of possibilities. What I don’t understand is why anyone collecting unemployment wouldn’t using the gift of time to start a business. My mom used to say, no one is going to come knockin’ at your door if your butt is sitting on the couch.
Yeah, I’m still employed, but grateful for that. I’ve got things that I’m working on the side, but I’m a little too comfortable with where I’m at. Thanks for the reminder Kelly!
Very interesting post.
My choice to be a WAHM did come with a option which I was pleased to accept – my husband’s career was going to relocate us over 80+ miles from my current job. We talked about different options and decided this is the time to dig in and do what I want. Stay home with my two children, take care of them and work at home.
I started building my website the middle of May, was up by the end of May and have been working on it since. I was advised by someone who is successful that you will always be working on it. I can see that now.
I have worked with a few clients and have had continous work – so I think being in this almost 2 months full-time not bad. I know I have a long ways to go but I am here and I am ready!
I know everyones situation is different. I’ve always had my side income w/ebay and Boutique Bargains. I’m so thankful to have it, it’s saved us many times when hubbys job closed with ONE DAY notice. He was out of work for what seemed to be forever. He took a job with a huge cut in pay and now I’m even more thankful that I have multiple streams of income to have the $$ for my girls. I do work part time outside the home for the health benefits.If I could figure out a way to have health benefits without the job outside of home, I would do it! If you can manage both, I say go for it. Having a ‘gig’ at home is a blessing in disquise.