From Multiple layoffs and firings to becoming a successful entrepreneur
This conversation is something every entrepreneur can probably relate to. The common story is that you work for several years, get frustrated, and decide to strike out on your own. It's usually depicted in the movies as the main character leaving a job in a blaze of glory and instantly going into a montage becoming an entrepreneur. In this conversation, we learn from a seasoned entrepreneur that becoming unemployed either through firing or layoffs is not the end of the world. In fact, in most cases it can be a blessing in disguise. Read more below:
Me: Can you share a story of how you became unemployed?
P: I've been on fired several times, every time I've been fired it’s been good news. It rips the scab off of a reality that was denied by the employer and the employee. Getting fired brings you back to reality.
Me: What were your initial feelings after losing each of the jobs?
P: Well, the most important thing to remember is what you do doesn't distinguish you or getting fired and losing a job. Getting laid off under different circumstances: if they close the whole company that is more a statement about the economy and if it's a reduction in force and you're selected to be laid off then you inevitably ask the question, why me? I always tell people the most important thing about being laid off and being fired is don't take it personally. It's the single most important thing.
Me: How did unemployment or being laid off or fired impact your daily life and routine?
P: It will cause you to reassess yourself. Why were you the one? Why was the company for which you work the one? So it causes a lot of pain and introspection, but it's always good news because it’s like ripping a Band-Aid off. It's not gonna heal till the sunlight hits it. What is almost always the case is it was unhealthy underneath with an infection. But you're much better off, ripping off the Band-Aid, dealing with the reality that your company was going nowhere, dealing with reality that you were going nowhere within the company, dealing with the reality that you didn't like the job dealing with the reality that maybe you weren't any good to deserve to be let go so whatever realities are there you have to deal with but again.
Me: What strategies did you use to stay motivated during your unemployment?
P: This reality was brought to bear on your life
Me: Were there any resources, people or organizations that helped you?
P: Most of the resources are bullshit. The rest of life you have to help yourself. You have to figure your own way out of the box. Get a settlement, if you can. Was the company on the way out? We went to India and I got a big settlement on the second one. Another reason being as good news it helps you your negotiating skills.
Me: How did unemployment shape your career career goals or direction?
P: It made me understand that ultimately I had to depend on myself and not to rely on other people.
Me: Did you take up any new skills, hobbies or education during your time off?
P: No No, I just thought about an analyze the best way forward.
Me: What lessons have you learned about work in life from the experience?
P: Everything depends on you yourself. If you let unemployment affect you in an adverse way it'll do it and it’ll be a major problem. If you look at it as a reality check as good news as an opportunity then you look back on it and say thank God I got laid off, which is what I do for every time I've been laid off thank God it happened. They did me a favor and by the way when I'm on the other side of it of laying someone off I always had the opinion that I was doing them a favor. So you know, it's a real skill how you do it you know because the goal is the employee should never end up hating you or the employer and really when you lay someone off, it should never be a surprise to them. If it's a surprise to them then you haven't been doing your job before you let the axe fall. So that's my take.
Me: I think we covered it
P: OK, the bottom line is it's good news all right later
