Photo by Tate Nations
Was talking to a couple of friends last night. The companies they work for have cut back many times in the past few years and several of their coworkers have been laid off. Now, numbers are soft and it looks like their jobs are at risk yet again. They’re tired — and I really don’t blame them. I can only imagine how they feel. But what amazed me was how they were reacting to the storm on the horizon. One is locked in fear. The other is building an ark.
My friend who is locked in fear is depressed. He loves what he is doing and is hanging onto it for dear life. I understand that feeling. I love what I do and don’t want to give it up, either. But he’s really almost in the fetal position. Fear has gripped him. He doesn’t know what he’ll do next. He complains. He worries. He’s mad at his company. I’m sure he’s a real treat once he gets home, too. I worry about him if he does get laid off.
My other friend is busting his butt trying new things. He’s making new contacts and experimenting everyday. Even as we were talking, he was doing some consulting work. “I’m going to throw as much against the wall and see what sticks,” he said with a smile. I asked him what he thought about his company. “They have to do what they have to do and I have to do what I have to do — and that’s protect my family the best I can. I’m grateful for the job I have and will make the most of it for as long as I can.” Obviously, I’m not that worried about him if he gets cut. He’s leaning into the storm. He’s building an awesome ark.
Who my friends are and who they work for doesn’t really matter because they could be any of us. We live in a crazy and turbulent world with all kinds of unexpected surprises. My conversations with them happened to be a good reminder for me. You are your own brand. So keep your chin up. Do your best work. Make each day count.
I want to be like my second friend. I don’t want to ever be locked in fear. Because happiness isn’t a destination. It’s a journey.