No, this not a post about gospel or religion. I was thinking about the second chances we get in life. and third. and fourth. and so on.I was reading an article this morning by Robert Scoble about how to tackle a layoff. Very interesting article, I recommend everyone read it.
I have a strong work identity in the sense that even though I don't define myself by my job, I need a job, or some form of work on the horizon for my comfort. My id/ego can't handle being unemployed or having too much free time.
In January 2002, I was seeing someone who got laid off from an overseas job while on vacation in Dhaka. This happened two weeks into the courtship, and put a major strain just because one person now had too much time in hand, while I was in my usual stressful routine. We ended it early March. Then in December 2002, I got laid off from my high profile TV job. It felt like the end of the world.
It just happened that I did a free consulting job before I got laid off, and that led to my current employer. Even though I've been happily employed for five years now on Jan 21, I never forgot the feeling of hopelessness, the days with nothing to look forward to, hearing again and again how even though my accomplishments are impressive, my unique skills aren't transferable. At the same time, through divine intervention, I got a third chance (the second chance was getting the TV job after dropping out of grad school).
What did the layoff teach me?
First, never take anything for granted. I was so happy and successful, I thought TV was gonna be my career. I had to look for options I never previously considered only when the prospect of losing my job became apparent.
Second, swallow your pride and ask for help. I looked at all the traditional places requiring management experience, but I ended up at the non profit sector because someone believed in me. Someone is always looking out for you. You just need to ask.
Third, you'll never be fuly qualified for a position. I've refrained from applying for many positions in life thinking, I'm not qualified for that. And somehow, I always ended up with jobs because people took a leap of faith, or saw something in me that I didn't.
Fourth, you need to pay it forward. After I got my second chance back in 2000, I made it a point to never refuse people seeking my help. It exposed me to many areas, grown my network to a very diverse group, solidified my professional reputation, and developed my skills and confidence. I didn't make money, but it was good for my soul to be involved, to be busy, and to learn new things, and to be challenged constantly.
Fifth and final one, and this applies to your relationships too, you need just one chance. Sure, would be nice to have choices, but only one chance is needed to get you out of the slump. So don't focus on too many things.
If you're feeling hopeless, no matter what it is, ask for help, say it out loud and plan how you'll repay it. You may not be good enough, but you always get a second chance.
I guarantee it.
