In today’s economy, numerous workers are being faced with forced time off due to layoffs and cutbacks. Millions of people have already taken a cut in pay or shorter work weeks, and even more have been laid off entirely. This can present a bleak future for many, since that reduction in pay can make it difficult for them to take care of mortgages and other bills. Finding a way out can be hard to do.
However, there are ways to utilize this time effectively. Even while you are looking for another job, you can take this opportunity to spend some time on you, something that you probably have been putting off for months, even years. Find the silver lining in your situation, and you may find that you come out of these tough economic circumstances with more possibilities and success than you had ever imagined.
Listen to the Experts
Whether you are a self help devotee or have never given much credence to the self help world, now may be the time to take a look through one or two (dozen) books to see if there is one that can help you. Spend some time at your local supersize bargain bookstore flipping through self help books. Or, for a budget-friendly strategy, brush off your library card and borrow a few promising titles at a time. You can skim these in the comfort of your own home and not feel bad about wasting money if they aren’t right for you.
Another thing to consider is the realm of motivational speaking, and there are numerous speakers from which to choose. Many people have turned to the big names such as Jim Rohn, Tony Robbins, and Wallace Wattles for philosophies that mesh with their own. Oprah helped to spark the popularity of another series called The Secret, and the video and book have been a source of motivation for many. In the series, the Law of Attraction is discussed, which boils down to identifying what you want and then acting as if it will come true. It focuses on the one thing that everyone can use regardless of their situation ” the power of positive thought.
Get to Work
Once you have found your motivation through self help series and other means, it is now a good time to get started working on your goals. There may be some work ahead of you, so be prepared. If you are willing to be creative, you will find that there are always income opportunities to be found, regardless of the economic climate. If you want to remain in your industry, look for jobs that will allow you to keep your current skills in practice or learn supplementary ones. A part-time job can allow you to bring in some income while keeping your knowledge fresh. You can also look more closely at the hobbies that you have. An online business could allow you to tap into the hidden realm of self employment. It can also give you an idea for other jobs in your skill set that are in high demand.
When faced with forced time off, one of the best things that you can do is to get creative. With creativity, motivation, and a little hard work, you can find real income opportunities that will work for you.