11 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Layoffs: A blessing in disguise.

In December 2006, I was laid off after seven months of working for a manufacturing company. The day I was laid off was the day before the company got purchased. We all knew about the purchase, but didn't realize the impact to us individually. All "redundant" positions were let go. This included me, my boss and many others.

Prior to this seven months, I spent thirteen years working in the corporate world. Although my position was stable where I was, I viewed the manufacturing company as a promotional opportunity that also allowed me to get closer to family.

At first, I was mortified! I couldn't believe it. I had never been laid off in my life. I didn't know what to do with myself, so I stayed up late, watched trash TV and figuratively sat back and licked my wounds.

After a month or so, I decided I was desperate enough to try to get some freelance jobs from home! Most advertisements I saw for working from home were obvious scams or revolved around multi-level marketing schemes. Being a geek pretty much precluded me from sales or marketing opportunities.

I saw the Helium website because I've always loved books and was desperate enough to start researching writing opportunities. With my own determination and the Helium site as a marketing tool, I am on a new career path I never thought I'd take! Someone once told me that true writers don't wish for a best-seller - they just write because that's what they love to do.... that simple message has inspired me beyond any previous comprehension.

I am now self-employed writing full time and staying home while earning a living. I'm here when my kids leave for school and I'm here when they get home from school. My income depends upon my desire to find new jobs. However, in the first three weeks of devoting myself to finding freelance writing jobs, I was awarded enough projects to pay for two months of my mortgage payment. Although I would never have made this my career path, I am happier than I've ever been, am satisfied as a business owner and absolutely love being home during the day for my kids!

Sometimes, opportunity has to slap you in the face, and in this instance, it did. I was slow to pick up on alternates, but when the desire is present, nothing - not even an unexpected layoff - can quench a great career!

Learn more about this author, Linda J Banks.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Layoffs: Maybe the best career move ever?
We want to hear your view. Write now!