“Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Mike Tyson.
In my last post, I’m Putting on Rose Colored Glasses, I spoke about my optimism for the coming year. I shared my plan to see things in their best light and make the most of the coming year.
I also noted that plans will go awry and frustrations and disappointments will occur.
And I was right.
Last week, I took the punch, a double shot on the chin, in the work realm. Details and reasons are not relevant. Stuff happens. However, the consequences of this double shot is that a significant chunk of my income was lost.
How to react?
Meltdown? Scream? Cry? Panic? There’s the mortgage, electricity, phone, cable, food…Panic sounds quite reasonable.
Or I could put those Rose Colored Glasses on. I could remind myself about my resolution to see thing in a positive light. I could remind myself of my determination to make the best of each situation.
Bottom line – neither gig ending was a shock.
I was ready to leave one of the gigs. In fact, it was my goal to find something and move on. Yeah, it always feels better leaving on your own volition rather than being told to go but… It happened, and I’m feeling relieved. Even good relationships sometimes peter out.
The other gig was a numbers game. Low man on the totem pole gets the boot. I was happy with them. They were happy with me. But.. It is what it is. It will come back around in time.
But I still gotta, gotta, gotta…
Gotta put those Rose Colored Glasses on. That’s what I gotta do.
I’ve been marketing like a fiend. One of the goals I set for myself this year was to be more consistent and thorough in regards to marketing. I’m trying to build up my business and one of the keys (along with hard/good work) to doing so is marketing. It’s challenging to be consistently marketing when work and life are keeping you busy.
All of this marketing will bring me work in areas that I enjoy and do well. I’ll further my expertise which will allow me to get more challenging assignments and higher pay.
Rose Colored Glasses.
Another goal I set for myself was to be more strategic and organized. There have been too many instances where I am working late at night (I’ll do just about anything to not miss a deadline). Part of the reason is a need for more structure and a realistic expectation for what can and can not be accomplished. A little extra time now is helping me gain perspective.
Rose Colored Glasses
Now, I can do those sort of things that one is always saying when I have time…
I can reach out to connections and making new ones. I can ensure my resume/website/LinkedIn etc. are up to date. Doing all these things is fun, challenging, and a good change of pace.
Rose Colored Glasses.
The MMK family is not about to starve. We’re not on the verge of being thrown out of our home. We don’t have debt (well, other than the house). Plus, I do have income coming in and some savings.
I’ve taken the punch, and the Rose Colored Glasses are still on.
P.S. If you have a writing project, make sure to reach out.
What an wonderful attitude! No doubt you will find more work in a short time. You are a gifted writer.
Thanks Holly. I appreciate the compliment and sentiment.
There has been some good turns since I posted this – you are a prophetess.
I’m sorry to hear about this! I’m still proud of you for stepping out in your writing career, and I know things will come back around. It’s just really crappy when things hit like this at the same time. Poop!
Crappy and poop are about right.
Thanks for the encouragement Jess.
Things are starting to turn already. Sigh of relief and thanks!
Sounds like an excellent plan and a great way to manage this moment.
Thanks Josh. I’ve been able to follow through – for the most part. There have been a couple of moments when it was not easy. Thankfully, things are turning around.