Comments on: PLAY OFFENSE WITH YOUR LIFE’S WORK

By: Betsy Wuebker

Betsy Wuebker — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:24:17 +0000

Hi Dot – I hear you. My parents were raised during the Depression. My mother could stretch every penny wafer thin, and she was extremely risk-averse. My dad would give you the shirt off his back and spend every dime in his pocket. Two very different styles out of similar circumstances. The counsel and example was you were lucky to have the (perhaps crappy) job and you did everything you could to stay there forever. It was a set-up to be an employer’s doormat.

It took me a long time to separate independence from loyalty and to develop a comfort level with variable income that was tied to performance. Commissioned sales will get you there more quickly and that’s what ultimately happened with me. I remember feeling very disoriented when I realized I didn’t need to be in the real estate office from 9 to 5, too. The freedom, instead of liberating, felt scary. I was accountable to myself.

Scary stuff comes with the entrepreneur’s territory. For me, it’s a scarier prospect to realize you should’ve taken the plunge. I want no additional regrets.

Strategic planning in this particular case means we are devising a strategy: what we think an appropriate launch will entail, what we might reasonably expect to sell, and how much time and money we will need to invest, then recoup.

It’s not rocket science, but not everyone does it, either. I’ve started at least one business without much forethought. We intend to be a little more circumspect than that with this.

You might want to get your feet wet with a side venture that could serve as your Plan B. It would do a lot to alleviate your worries about being laid off and competency. You’re in a great place in your life to get something going!

By: Dot

Dot — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:01:38 +0000

This is such a weak area for me! My parents (and grandparents) didn't do well in their careers, and I've never known much about business and grew up feeling I didn't deserve money. I've been working on the money feelings, but meanwhile worrying about possible layoffs at work, even though we're assured it won't happen. I was hit with an unexpected layoff in 2002, and it took me 14 months to find a new job in the poor job climate of that time (partly because I was at the same job for 18 years and had no interviewing skills). I'm so afraid of that happening again. "Pete and I recently were introduced to another opportunity that seems like a great fit with our goals and objectives, too. We’re currently developing a strategic plan to assess its merits." The idea of having my own business(es), which I want, is so frightening, too. I have no idea what "developing a strategic plan" really means in this context. The idea of playing offense is something I wish I knew how to do. While I feel strong and competent in other areas of my life, definitely not so much in this one. Dot´s last blog post..Welcome to Washington, Mr. President

By: Betsy Wuebker

Betsy Wuebker — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:50:26 +0000

Hi Melissa – Welcome! I’m with you. Long ago I worked for a company that sucked out people’s souls. They went through people like crazy and had a notorious reputation for doing so. Yet, I only escaped when they fired me. They did pay exorbitant amounts of money, but the important lesson was for all the fun and glamour there supposedly was living the high life, it was ultimately void of things that are more precious. They did me a huge favor. Thanks.

By: Melissa Donovanq

Melissa Donovanq — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:10:38 +0000

I've been through two layoffs myself - both due to startups failing and going out of business - and I've also seen family members go through similar layoffs and cutbacks, and it always amazes me when people either stay with a job that makes them miserable or become depressed after losing a job they didn't especially love. Both times I found myself suddenly unemployed, I saw nothing but opportunity and you can bet I seized it! Melissa Donovanq´s last blog post..Why Proofreading Matters

By: Betsy Wuebker

Betsy Wuebker — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:37:15 +0000

Hi Kathy – Do get a copy of the book – lots of great advice and resources that can be passed on – even to those who have “escaped from cubicle nation.”

Hi Brett – I’m off to try and walk off the bread this morning. I hope your books come soon, not that you need inspiration in your endeavors. Sometimes it’s a great help just to know others are out there, finding and wearing the t-shirt. Thanks.

Hi Andrew – Welcome to PassingThru! What a thrill it was to read the quote from our Declaration. You are so right – even then our forefathers recognized the evil inherent in inertia. Thank you for coming by and all the fun tweeting!

Hi Mike – A truly pragmatic approach, and why not? It’s something you enjoy, you have expertise to share. It reminds me of that comedian who always said, “And I get PAID for doing this!”

Hi Becky – Thanks for the compliments! I was remiss in not linking again to Jonathan’s site, which is really excellent. We had referenced it earlier in our post back when the book was available for pre-order. I’m subscribed to it and his content and interviews with folks are amazing.

Hi Davina – Amen! Look where you’d be if you had stayed. Instead you’ve embarked on CrimsonCompass, your writing is amazing, and you’re collaborating and making connections. It’s all good!

Hi Barbara – Isn’t that amazing? I would have expected the younger of the two to be more intrepid. Instead, the older one is acting like he’s been handed a get-out-of-jail free card.

Isn’t Ed great? His blog is filled with prosaic jewelry. Perspective is something that can go by the wayside when we’re fearful, and his has been so grounding. Thanks, Barbara.

By: Barbara Swafford

Barbara Swafford — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:34:27 +0000

Hi Betsy - I find it fascinating how your two friends had completely opposite attitudes. It's obvious whose a step ahead. I love the quote by Ed Brenegar. Hard times are definitely a transitioning period. How prepared we are for them defines how we make it through. I've also found that past experience (of hard times) prepares us for what to expect. Knowing we got through it before is a great reminder we can do it again. Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..They Don’t Have To Be Einstein To Figure It Out

By: Davina

Davina — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:19:44 +0000

Hi Betsy. I had a coffee with an ex boss last week and she told me that people continue to be losing their jobs at our last place of employment. We were let go almost 2 years ago, and recently another 12 or so people have been let go. I feel fortunate to have been in the first wave of layoffs. I can't imagine working under that umbrella, never knowing who is going to be next. Davina´s last blog post..Self Help Me

By: Becky Blanton

Becky Blanton — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:30:21 +0000

Betsy, LOVE your writing and it’s all just getting better! Saw the mention of “Career Renegade” and have to say it is the BEST book I’ve read in a LONG time…Right up there with Seth Godin’s Tribes, or possibly the next step after you read Tribes. Packed with info, details, examples – Jonathan is an amazing writer – his work sings – this is destined, as the cliche says, “To be a classic.” But his book is NO cliche – very informative. Really. I loved it and plug it every chance I get – it’s THAT good! Thanks for blogging about it. His website, in case you haven’t seen it, is awesome too! http://www.careerrenegade.com/

By: Andrew Weaver

Andrew Weaver — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:36:36 +0000

Oh yeah, and I was the one – @drewmaniac – who was discussing this book with you on Twitter the other day. This review has just made me even more anxious for it to get here!

Andrew Weaver´s last blog post..Foto Finish Friday

By: Mike Goad

Mike Goad — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:35:50 +0000

Since I managed to finish a career the old fashioned way, I don't have to manage my "life's work." However, I do have to manage the retirement, especially in the current times. Even though we don't NEED the income, I've made sure that my former boss knows that I am interested in another 6 month contract later this year. Since I get to do the FUN part of the job, I'm more than willing to go back, even if I get overloaded with the FUN. By doing this for a short period where I know the people and know the job, our investments can continue to grow without being touched and it may not be necessary to go to work elsewhere -- at least not in the near term. How likely is the contract? Well, the class that started in December was told that I would be there for the part of the class that I normally teach. Mike Goad´s last blog post..Yellowstone National Park…. and a cool video, too!