Tags
2012, Belterra, casino, Happy Holidays, Midwest, unemployed, workforce
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly sixty (60) days since I was informed my position was being eliminated at Ipsos. What do they say, time flies when you’re having fun? Perhaps it flies all the time- regardless of the amount of fun involved.
As I mentioned previously, I encountered this leg of my life journey for a specific reason. Perhaps it was to find work or an industry I was more passionate about. Whatever the reason, there are some positives that stem from this experience. And they include:
1. Spent more quality time with the family. Bar none, this was the greatest benefit of all. I had the opportunity to participate in my children’s daily activities that my typical work schedule does not allow for. The kids may be less pleased Daddy found a new job- they’ll get over it.
2. Acquired a deeper appreciation for my wife’s hard work. And I do stress hard work. The mental challenges that come with being a stay-at-home spouse are severe. And I believe many can’t fully appreciate them until they experience for themselves. I’ll make it a point to more frequently show signs of appreciation towards my wife for her work in raising our children. She’s amazing at what she does!
3. Acquired a deeper empathy for those affected by workforce changes. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I don’t believe we can ever truly understand what people go through once they are required to work through when “in transition, “but at least I have a realistic point of reference to work from.
4. Caught up on some reading. This is an area where I believe people who have been recently displaced can invest more time. I enjoyed a number of books (6, I believe) across multiple genre: motivational, self-help, spiritual, & sports history. Reading allows our minds to work in different ways- and sparks our creativity which allows us to find solutions to life’s problems. It may also direct you towards work that utilizes your natural talents & passion.
5. Developed an even stronger positive mindset. By nature, I tend to be a pretty optimistic guy. I view challenges as opportunities to grow, I prefer to see the good in people, etc. Describing oneself as “unemployed” or “in transition” is certainly not a badge of courage. But I always stayed focus on the goal: Find an opportunity that utilizes my God-given talents working with a company & people I respect (oh yeah, and do all this by the beginning of the New Year). Mission accomplished.
So where do I go from here? Well, I’m sure those in the Midwest are familiar with the recent news regarding casinos. I’ll be actively engaged in those efforts as I join Pinnacle Entertainment (which owns Belterra & River Downs locally) as a Career Development Manager.
Should anyone ever have to navigate though a similar experience, I’d be more than happy to lend advice or an ear to listen.
Happy Holidays, everyone, & here’s to looking forward to a fantastic 2012!
F
