The topic for this post is very personal; it details my current career strife. This isn’t, however, the reason I chose to compose this piece. My purpose is to enlighten you to a resource that may help your mindset function in a more productive manner if you’re one of the many 50 plus males who have been laid off during the economic crisis and have consequently had to make drastic lifestyle changes.
First, an important note: I’m not complaining in any way; perspective is key here. Neets and I have cut back on many expenses, and our financial worries have exacerbated well beyond “normal” levels. I choose, however, (and I’ll admit, some days it’s a bit difficult) to focus on an oft-stated thought by a respected ex co-worker…”you woke up today, it’s a good day!” This sounds simplistic, but that’s far from the case. The reason this reflection doesn’t always resonate as it once did is because it no longer echoes my own daily philosophy of living: “as long as you’re not part of the first ten minutes of the 11:00 news, it’s a good day.” Those of us who have faced layoffs are now a crucial ingredient of those first few minutes…
Here’s a suggestion; familiarize yourself with the Rich Dad Poor Dad book series by Robert Kiyosaki. I’m not proposing this in the vein of becoming a slavish devotee to the latest self-help guru or fad. Kiyosaki writes from the best perspective of all, personal experience, and many of the tenets he espouses help open up new roads of thought in determining your career path. All of his maxims focus on the transition to an entrepreneurial business philosophy and what is mentally and emotionally required to guide you in this pursuit. He does note that the best way to do this is to keep your full-time job while starting a part-time business, but today’s economic climate makes his mode of thinking apropos to those of us who no longer have this luxury.
The book series has too many insights to discuss in this post, so I’ll mention some of the key general points Kiyosaki outlines that serve as an umbrella over the multitude of specific guidelines:
- 1. A reason people are not as successful as they would like to be is simply fear—such as the fear of failing or the fear of making mistakes.
2. Do not think that all of the stars have to be aligned before starting a business.
3. Focus on the pursuit of opportunity and don’t be driven by the need for control over resources (look for opportunities even if you don’t have all of the resources you think you need)
4. Learn to pursue freedom as opposed to security.
5. Always be an active learner; there’s no such concept as graduation day.
Let’s face it guys, “not exactly the easiest list of items to wrap your mind around” is an understatement. I’m merely suggesting that a new economic order requires a different way of thinking, even at the 50 plus age level. I’m the first to shout “but you need to do what it takes to put food on the table and pay the bills.” I’m also now quick to realize that old modes of thought probably won’t cut it anymore in the long run…
(A large portion of the Rich Dad Poor Dad book series is available at your local library, so there is no need for any monetary outlay. You can also visit the Rich Dad web site for additional information.)
-Neal
