As Janice Joplin sang in Me and Bobby McGee, “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose”. As you celebrated Independence Day last weekend what thoughts were running through your head? If you were truly independent what would you do? Oddly enough, as the economy tanks and the traditional and prudent ways of doing things show themselves to be neither safe nor sustaining now may be the time to make a grab for independence in ways you might not have considered before. It’s revolutionary, but if the old ways no longer work, try something else. The old adage of “Today is the first day of the rest of your life” was never truer than it is today. Although these ideas may not work for everyone, here are a couple of true stories. The son of a very good friend of mine graduated from the University of Tennessee last December. He graduated magna cum laude and was offered several jobs upon graduation. Rather than accepting any jobs he was not really interested in just to have a job he applied for a position at a school in China to teach English. The young man had never taught before and he knew no Chinese but he is very smart and has a curiosity for life. He got the job. He is making $700 per month and living in an apartment provided by the school in the city of Qingdao. He teaches students of all ages several hours per day and takes 2 hours of Chinese language instruction per day himself. Needless to say, he is having the time of his life. When he returns in a year or so he will have memories and real life experience that will benefit him greatly. The job market will improve and he will be better suited to take advantage of his opportunities. Another friend has always been interested in massage therapy. He is going back to school to become a licensed massage therapist. He was a hotelier for over 20 years and worked as an independent planner for several years. He believes it is time for a change once again. By scrimping and saving and working odd jobs during school he believes that he will survive and be happier than he has been. Reinvention is critical when the tried and true no longer work. We at Meetingjobs face the same stresses and strains you face. As jobs dried up in the meetings industry the number of jobs on our board decreased from what had traditionally been posted. We decided to take from our strengths and inaugurated Meetingjobs E.S.P. (Educational Stimulus Program). Since April we have conducted 11 webinars for between 15 and 35 persons per session. The topics and presenters have been timely and except for one session, very well received. The meeting planning community is eager for education and for ways to work more effectively and efficiently. The E.S.P. program provides training and education that many employers no longer provide. It also has broadened the revenue stream for Meetingjobs. Sometimes a little tweak is all that is needed to improve your situation. As the summer heats up and the days begin their slow march toward Labor Day do what you need to do to tweak your situation and future? If jobs are being lost in your industry education will be key. Focusing on your strengths and knowing how to maximize your assets will be key. And finally knowing when to reinvent yourself to take advantage of the opportunities that are sure to present themselves as you watch for them is key. Good luck.
