September 11 changed a number of things for American, and for that matter the world. The focus of the news media has shifted drastically from quiet whispers of an upcoming recession to focusing intensely on the impact that day may have on the world’s economy. It is common to see a great deal of concern over today’s economic conditions in the newspaper, television, Internet or any other form of media. Americans are bombarded with news of stock market woes, downsizing and profit loss of corporations and the like. Through all these changes, it is important to recognize that this is not the first time Americans have had to endure a recession and that we all have choices to make during this period of economic change. The unemployment rate throughout the nation and in Colorado is coasting around 5 percent. As simple math dictates, 95% percent of people are still working, which means even in this time of turmoil there are still countless new opportunities.
What happened on the web, or “dot-com” industry, is that in most cases these fledgling companies did not stick to business fundamentals. A company cannot cash-flow itself into a profit, cannot forecast the future and cannot continue growth without having one factor in place at all times, that being profitability.
With that recognized, it should be easy to realize there are still a tremendous amount of opportunities available to Americans, which needs to be our focus. Too many people are tormented with the thought that they will not be able maintain their jobs or recover their careers as a result of that failing “dot-com”, or company of any industry. Basically this time, as always, we have choices. In good times as well as bad, we have choices. Choices we as Americans must make to command what occurs in our own lives. Just as in any situation where life’s important choices are presented, this is not a time to wait and see what the future holds. This is a time to move forward.
Companies are still begging for talent. We as individuals must focus on the talents we possess and how to present those talents to current or prospective employers. No different than any other period in one’s existence, you must learn to balance every aspect of your life. So many people are unhappy with their careers because they have not established balance. They let economics, industry, their company, friends or other factors take control of their futures.
What we need, is to look at what it is we can do to improve our futures. Opportunities are there, just present yourself for the opportunity. A common misconception is that if an individual is lucky, everything has gone right because luck that has always fallen into place for them. The truth is, this person is only fortunate because they have put in place what was necessary to make sure that luck was on their side.
People go through history in different states of being. Some will be extremely successful, most will have survived and some will not. The difference is only based on one thing, and that is how you balance this period of your life. If you are currently looking for employment, be aggressive about it and use the proper procedures to put your career in place. If you are unhappy with your career or are looking for upward mobility, change it. If you are happy with your career, focus on keeping it that way.
Look at what you need to do, where you need to go and what career path is right for you. Start moving in that direction and by all means, be aggressive. Be the best you can be and move forward.
Today, people are too concerned with what the media presents to them, allowing those factors to take control of their lives. This is not to say that we shouldn’t have concerns about what is going on in the world, but should also emphasize focus on what we do have control over. In our careers as well as lives we must take control, be aggressive and always move forward. Maximize your self in these tough times and you will truly reap the rewards. There are a tremendous amount of opportunities out there, only you can find them if you choose to.
There are five pieces of our lives that we need to constantly balance. Those being, our families, friends, spirituality, health and career. Keep the balance and watch yourself move forward and accomplish your life’s objectives. There is only one individual that can have such an impact on your life, and that is you.
