If You Have A Passion, You Have A Business
Yesterday, the business section of my local paper ran a story about a woman with disabilities who is perfectly capable and willing to work. She's been employed her entire adult life, but at only 54 years of age, is unable to find a job.
She was laid off after 29 years at Bank of America in 2002, and recently lost another job due to a reduction in force when the company she worked for lost its biggest contract. I hope she enjoys some kind of pension from the bank and that the other company can provide severance and unemployment compensation.
The world is a different place than it was even back in 2002 when she was laid off at the bank. Today, it's much harder to get a job after being let go and if you add to that her age and disability, the reality is that it may be a while before she finds a job. I wish I could hire her myself but I can't offfer the benefits she needs. Her story makes it even more critical that future generations incorporate entrepreneurship into their life plan.
When Life Happens, What Are You Going To Do?
My husband was laid off in 2005, and on that day, we lost over 60% of our household income when our children were 3 years and 18 months old. OUCH! If it was not for my business, I shudder to think what would have happened. As it turned out, we are now business partners. It has been a lifestyle, financial and personal ajustment of monumental proportions, but the fact is that it would have almost certainly been worse without the family business. Of course it's not without its own risks. But then again, we have so much more control over how, when and where we make a living.
We've Got To Support Each Other
If you are at this blog, I know you either have a business or are considering one. If you have a business, please share a few tips or experiences to inspire others to get started. If you don't have a business, feel free to share your concerns and questions here, or post them to the Starting Your Indie Business Forum.
It's time to get busy! Roll your sleeves up. And bring on the Indie Business Revolution!
