5 Lessons I Learned When I Got A Pink Slip

One year ago today I was expectedly laid off from my position as an online marketer for a rental car company I had only been working at for a few months. I say expectedly because there were obvious financial problems once I arrived that were far out of our control, quite frankly, out of the company's control all together. The auto industry itself was buckling under the weight of debt, unfulfilled contracts, and it all became to much trickling down into the many businesses that were somehow tied so closely to them. In time the pink slip came, but that was a beginning of something much better, I just didn't know it yet.

Working in media, its a natural progression for me to learn new things, develop my skills, and pay attention to industry trends and leaders. Through this natural process of awareness, being laid off phased me for only the briefest of moments as I began to develop my plan, becoming a consultant and content creator not just for myself, but for local companies that were struggling during these tough times.
I'm wary to say I'm a guru, or even expert, but what I am is a professional. And here are some lessons I learned from my experience working as a consultant for almost an entire year.

1. Your network is more than just people you know, it can serve as your greatest natural resource.
2. Drop your expectations for what you think companies need and listen to them.
3. Opportunities come from the strangest of places, but don't attend social events with that agenda in mind.
4. Block your time efficiently so you have time for yourself and/or your family.
5. Never stop developing yourself personally and professionally, you will always be a brand of one.

The list above seems pretty straightforward, but there are intricate components that I plan to detail as in the comings weeks. I was lucky to be in the position that I was in when I was laid off, but not everyone has that luxury, which is why these future posts are meaningful to me.

My goal is to empower those readers who do not see themselves as an important brand. Everyone has their own skills, talents, goals, dreams, and expectations, but none can be achieved if you do not develop yourself with the confidence you need to make things happen.

What has your experience been? Have you been on the receiving end of the pink slip and if so, how did you transition yourself during the time between employments?

Photo Credit acidirk

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