No more GAS - I've been sacked!!

[childers-jk]

Well, no more GAS for a while 🙁 . I've been laid off from my job :bang: . Which really is good, because now I can concentrate on more photos 😀 . I am setting up my own business, not photo related, but I should still be in the black for some time. Just thought I would share with all of you. I am nervous about setting up the business, but hopefully I won't fail.

Any thoughts from other business owners would be appreciated.

Jeff C.

 

[bmattock]

I'm sorry to hear you got the sack, but you seem confident, so I wish you the very best. I owned a small business for a couple of years - never really made a go of it. What I recall more than anything else is 7 day work weeks, 11 hour days, and a couple of customers that you can't seem to get off your back - they want the world and they want it for free. But it was a good experience!

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[BJ Bignell]

Sorry to hear about that, but best of luck in your new venture!

 

[BJ Bignell]

I'm not a business owner, but a few things I've learned from watching my parents, and other people, in their business ventures:

1. Have a business plan. A good, solid business plan. And be prepared to have it all fall apart...
2. Remember to pay yourself. If your business has troubles, at least you've been receiving paycheques, and can feed yourself.
3. "I am nervous about setting up the business, but hopefully I won't fail." You won't fail. There's a possibility that the market is not going to support your business, but it will be the business that fails, not you.
4. See #2.
5. See #1.

 

[back alley]

good thing or not, getting laid off can be a bit of an emotional upheaval.

i wish you the best in your new venture!

joe

 

[peter_n]

Jeff, I have my own small business and it can be very consuming. However the freedom, not to mention the income are incomparable in comparison to working for a large organization. I don't rule out working for an organization in the future but I definitely and absolutely don't regret striking out on my own either.

What has happened to you is not a setback, it is a tremendous opportunity. Good luck to you in your new venture!

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

I think you will find you like being off the merry-go-round for a while. I am in the middle of my second layoff in 2 years. I have now learned to recognize the tell tale signs of a company that is about to sell out.

Before that I was an independent consultant/contractor. Only thing that stopped me were clients who payed in net 90/120 days. Otherwise the work was fun and satisfying.

I'll bet GAS won't be an issue. You will be busy building your business and enjoying what you have.

Good Luck and hang tough. You are going to make it.

 

[GeneW]

Jeff, as someone who was recently let go due to a corporate takeover, I sympathize. And I wish you the very best in your business venture!

Gene

 

[eric]

Sorry to hear that and it sounds like you are in good spirits. I'm ont a business owner but I freelance on the side. Save all receipts. That's about the only business I know 🙂

 

[oftheherd]

Being laid off is never fun. I had it happen twice. But, hang in there. Trying your own business sounds scary but fun too. I think with your attitude you will make it happen. Good luck.

 

[MrRanger]

Sorry to hear about your layoff Jeff. You sound very up-beat and ready to move on with your life and for that, I congratulate you!

I am a Union Officer and I know only too well the emotional, physical and financial effects of layoffs/job loss. 😡

Best of luck to you!

Mike 😀

 

[Peter]

Sorry to hear the news Jeff. But I always try to see good in bad. One door shuts and more doors will open. Opportunities are around us and we only need to see objectively to uncover them. Best of luck to your future endeavours! 🙂

 

[kiev4a]

Nine years ago I decided if I tried to stay in my lifelong career, I would never live to see retirement. So I quit--just walked in one day, told my boss it wasn't fun anymore and quit! After four months on the sidelines I found the job I wish I would have had 30 years ago. I like to believe everything happens for a reason. The layoff may be the best thing that ever happened to you.

Good luck!

 

[Honu-Hugger]

Sorry to read of the layoff, Jeff, and good luck with your new venture!!! Change brings a certain level of stress, but can be very positive. As for abstaining from GAS, that may also have its blessings -- gear is cool, but it's just "stuff."

Best wishes,

 

[Roger Hicks]

Good luck. After 20+ years of working for myself I can suggest the following:

The boss is a bastard and makes you feel guilty EVERY SECOND you are not working.

Fortunately you can tell him what to do about this and he'll understand.

The money is lousy.

The freedom is great.

Don't make TOO many enemies among corporate customers/potential customers -- you never know when someone will get promoted -- but equally, don't be slavish.

Ignore most books about business plans, business procedures, etc. If they know so much about business, why are they writing books, which I can tell you from experience pays VERY BADLY.

And pay attention to the following proverb. Anyone know where it comes from? I don't.

Take what you want and pay for it, saieth the LORD.

Again, good luck/bonne courage,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)

 

[FrankS]

Yes, exactly what Doug2 said.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I'm sorry to hear that you got sacked.

Good luck with the new business. Let us know what it is and how you are going. Contacts have got to be good.

 

[egpj]

I have been going through the unemployment thing for the past month and a half. It is not fun, but I have gotten to spend some great time with my kids and I do have some savings to go off of. I plan on taking a little photographic trip around the north west next month. I think something will pop up after that (I hope). For some reason I am just not stressed out about it. Could be the savings I have. 🙂

 

[childers-jk]

Thanks for all of your great words. I really appreciate the support. I have just been trading e-mails with an old friend who is ready to send a lot of work my way. I love proverbs Roger, and one I love is "becareful what you ask for, because you might just get it." So far I have three really good oppurties for some work, and at least we won't starve. I have had this business planned for several years, just didnt' have the nerve to make the break. So far, it looks good. I will keep all of you informed, and thanks again for the great feedback, you guys are a godsend with all the encouragement!!!

Jeff C.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Jeff,

The version I know is "Be careful what you pray for, for you will surely get it." I have lived by that for years...

Isn't it cheering though when people give you work? Not just because they like you, but because you're GOOD. That's one of the best things about being self employed.

May we ask what the business is? Or are you keeping quiet in case it's 'bad magic'?

Cheers,

Roger (oh, and take a look at www.rogerandfrances.com for some more comments on living the freelance life...)