We’re as scared as anyone during these terrible, unsettling times. We’ve been in business for 35 years and have had to lay people off for the first time ever. It’s been just about the hardest thing we’ve ever done but we’re being as cautious and as frugal as possible in order to stay afloat. The most frightening part of what’s going on is that it’s all so far beyond our control.
At the same time, we remember clearly that our most successful ventures have been started in times of crisis. When we closed our children’s stores in the early 80s due to high interest rates (we were paying 21% on an SBA loan), we found temporary jobs to keep food on the table and scraped together $4,000 to start our salad dressing business. At the time, we were 3 months behind with our mortgage payments.
In fact, we have lived through many difficult times that have forced us to gain new strength, learn new skills and adjust how we look at life. Although we now find ourselves in one of the toughest economic situations we can imagine, we’re learning more about ourselves and about how we want to live each and every day.
It’s critical for all of us to be strong and hopeful. Never give up on your dreams and goals just because times are tough. We can all use this disastrous economy as an opportunity to regroup and rethink exactly how we want to live and what we want to do. Now is the perfect time to take charge of your life.
9 Comments
Amen to that one! Although right now is a tough time, it’s a great time to get really serious about thinking about your life and what’s important.
Absolutely! This economy is a great time to differentiate between what we want and what we need. And what we need, in most cases, are friends and family. Big house vs small house? Who cares? New car vs old car? As long as it works, it’s fine with us.
We all tend to get a little carried away at times and forget what’s really important. Most people we’ve spoken to recently say that as difficult a time as it is, they feel more grounded and more in touch with their values.
Bob and Mel! I just connected with you via your inquiry to our company, before closing the lap top for the day thought, hmmm, I wonder what their web site is? And I am greeted with imagery and words and kind eyes and smiles that reinvigorated me instantly!
So beautiful to see entrepenuers lovingly telling their TRUE stories and through that, allowing others to consider Living out Loud! So beautiful to meet you, thanks for the inspiration, I say screw the economy, just be kind and the world will keep getting better, your 4 little letters after your email signature prove that…I just wondered over after an exhausting day and whalla, life is better.
Thanks
Brenda
Brenda, the way we see it, life is all about relationships. Money is tight, business is down, and security is not something we talk much about these days. One step at a time. One day at a time. And most importantly, one relationship at a time.
We love the fact that we contacted you about silk screening our organic Live What You Love bags, and now here we are becoming friends. We all need support, friendship and love, particularly when the road gets a little bumpy. Thanks for your kind words.
Dear Mel and Bob,
I am writing to get your guidance on a life change that I am considering. First, a bit of backgroud: 4 years ago I graduated from college in CA at the age of 21 and immediately moved to NY to take a job at an investment bank. I had never really thought that this was the career path that was I was passionate about. I did it for the glamour of NY and the prestige of the job encouraged me to make the move.
I’m extremely close with my family so the first year was very tough. After that, I made friends and have enjoyed my personal life in NY, though I still tremendously miss my family.
Fast forward 4 years: I’ve had a lot of career success, but I know deep down inside that this is not what I was meant to do. Though I love NY, I have learned that life is about family and relationships, and I want to make my family a priority. I’m considering quitting my job and moving back to CA. I want to take some time to enjoy my life again. I may travel a bit, babysit my nieces and nephews, and find a career in which I will be more passionate and enthusiastic.
My question is this: How do I know that making the leap and taking the chance is the right thing to do? How do I know when it’s the right time? Fortunately I’ve saved some money to provide for myself for about a year, but I’m worried about giving up a stable job at this time in our economy.
Hi Bob & Melinda: Just starting a significant life change among many others I’ve had. Know I’m in for a lot I don’t yet know about. Have always believed that pressure brings out true character. Agree entirely with what you wrote. Thanks. Will be in touch – Bruce
Liz, it sounds like you already know that quitting your job is the right thing to do. If you listen to your heart, your instincts will rarely lead you astray. If you were in a position of not being able to buy food and pay rent, waiting until the economy recovers might be a smart idea. But with a little money tucked away and your heart tugging at you to make the move, this is the perfect time to change course. You’re smart, talented and have many skills that will land you a job when you’re ready. Just make sure you start looking before your savings get too low. If you quit now, you’ll not only be closer to your family but you’ll have some time to think about a career that would really excite you. Sounds pretty perfect!
Thanks, Bob and Mel for taking the time out of your own lives to give me some encouragement. I think I will be making the change very soon!
Hope to see you at Blanchard’s this year!
Good luck Liz!!! Please keep us posted.