The News is Getting Worse
We hate uncertainty. I have written about this before but it seems to keep coming up as of late. We hated the uncertainty of gas prices continually going up. We hated the uncertainty of the election campaign and waiting until November to find out who are next President was going to be.
We hate the uncertainty of the stock market. We hate the uncertainty of the fate of the Big 3. We hate the uncertainty of the companies we work for. And to top it all off, mostly we hate the uncertainty of not knowing when the light in the tunnel will finally shine through.
The bottom is coming but when? Employers cut a record number of employees last month; the most in 34 years. The U.S. unemployment rate is 6.7%, soon to go to 8%. Michigan already at 9.3% will most likely report close to 10% next week and that will soon to go to 12%.
Housing is a mess. We still don’t know about the true financial situation as the government only tells us the most basic information. And if you got to listen to Richard Shelby, the Alabama senator grill the Big 3 executives yesterday, you know that if people like Shelby are the solution, we might as well pack up now on horse-drawn wagons.
What is one to do? It’s like the doctor telling you that you have cancer. You can fight it or accept it. If you fight, you face chemo and radiation and a host of other issues none of which are pleasant.
If you want to fight the current crisis, you have to be a star. You have to excel in what you do. You have to take the lead, the initiative and learn new skills fast. You have to volunteer to do the work of 2 or perhaps 3. And if you look at your watch at 4:30 or 5:00PM, throw it out. Sure, it won’t be pleasant, but you will survive. And like cancer survivors, you will be much better for it afterwards.
What do you want to do?
Happy Friday!
December 5th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Shake the pressure off and keep your vision in sight. No Excuses!
You are responsible for you at all times no matter what is going on around you. Appreciate what you have, and who you have! Use all avenues to Be great at your job, and Be Happy at home. Always work on Improving yourself and being Dependable and Valuable! Be confident and Believe in Yourself, What YOU see in YOUR mind, Can be Created. Don’t Give Up!
….seeing yourself accomplishing your goals can’t hurt!
December 5th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
My strategy all this year has been to take business management college classes, to remain relevant and valuable to my company. I’ve been doing hair on the side, nights and weekends, to pay for it. 75 hour weeks, and my only weekend off all year was Labor Day.
Next year’s economy will apparenly only be tougher. I’ll have to work even harder, and I’m totally on the bus for it. I’m going to learn everything I can about SAP, and aggressively capture business from my competition. “I am strong!” *My 2007 personal motto.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I’m on board with Shauna!
Setting good examples for the little ones around us as well.
No matter what happens, if something falls apart pick up the pieces and get back to work and life.
December 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Great job Ryan!!!!!! I know it is hard working and going to school at the same time but keep looking at the future it is closer then you may think.
Your new skills will make you more needed.
Good Luck.
December 8th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Sometimes things happen to make up realize that we should never take anything for granted. We must ALWAYS treat our customers like they are the only one and really brush up on our service skills. We have done so many things this year to IMPROVE that we may never have been able to do in a stronger setting. I really feel we will get through this and the die hards with strong passion will survive and make our industry even better!
December 8th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Our parents suffered a depression back in the 70’s, I believe. They made it through it by being strong and ambitious. As long as we remain focused we with perseverance will overcome any obstacle. If the children are unable to get a lot of their wants but their needs are met, they will grow up appreciating more with life. We all know you don’t know what something means to you until its gone.
December 9th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Geeez, Diana gives us “Old Farts” a break…The 70’s were not that long ago. I had a job WAY BACK THEN and we had cars & T.V. and all sorts of modern convienences…At least I think we did, being 52 years old my memory isn’t what it used to be back in the olden days!