Don’t Chase That Snake!

When I was 10 years old, one of my best friends was Bob Queen.  One afternoon while exploring the back acreage of our neighboring farms, a snake bit Bob. Seeing the snake slither off, my immediate response was to run after the snake, track him down and repay the scoundrel for what he had done to my friend.  Bob, however, being a much wiser hunter and outdoorsman, quickly pulled out his knife, lanced the bite, sucked the blood out and spit out the poison.  The focus for him was on his own well being, not on repaying the snake.

How often I see people chasing the snake in their own lives.  The company folds or you just simply get laid off.  The immediate reaction may include anger, resentment, bitterness, and backstabbing.  These lead to discouragement, frustration, guilt and depression.  Be aware that all of these reactions and feelings focus on the past.  Turning around and looking to the future opens up confidence, boldness, and enthusiasm.  These often lead to an increased sense of accomplishment, personal control, fulfillment and even money.

If Bob and I had chased that snake, the poison would have been given opportunity to plunge through his veins, draining his energy and perhaps leading to his death.  What are you doing in your life?  Are you chasing a snake in the past or pursuing a dream in the future?  Choose carefully; your life may be at stake.

     Chasing the Snake

• Filing discrimination suit
• Carrying a picket sign in front of the old company
• Focusing on unemployment qualificationSpending more than one hour daily watching TV news
• Having gripe sessions with others who were let go

     Eliminating the Poison

• Contacting 30-40 companies about your opportunities
• Increasing your volunteer time
• Spending 2 hours daily reading or listening to positive, inspirational material
• Working out , eating right, smiling more and feeling great
• Planning for the business you’ve always dreamed of

Jobs Plunge – Opportunities Soar!

USA Today reports today that employers cut jobs for a second month in February while the unemployment rate fell as more people quit looking for work in the weakening job market, the government said Friday in a report that led to further calls of a 2008 recession

Yes, lots of ironies here.  Jobs lost yet hourly wages are up and unemployment is down.  There is no way the government has of tracking those people who have “quit looking for work.” 

I talk to them every day and they are not all discouraged and sitting on the curb – many of them have discovered new and innovative ways to create income and have joined the growing ranks in non-traditional work.  They got tired of expecting any “security” as employees and have moved into successful income generation and increased “security” as consultants, independent contractors, contingency workers, temps, electronic immigrants and entrepreneurs.  They also fall under the radar for U. S. Labor Bureau statistics and thus are categorized as “unemployed and discouraged.” 

No – don’t worry about us.  We are out here enjoying the new opportunities.  Keep your measly paychecks and shaky pensions.  We are the new workers – and firmly in control of our time freedom and unlimited income potential.  Thanks for the shove!