For many of us, the economy and recession has taken many of us to places we have never been before. The back of your empty fridge. The bus because you cannot afford car insurance. The reality that you have to take a job that is below your pay grade. Times are tough and sometimes we are forced to change the way we live, due to our environment. Many people have lost their jobs and have had to transition into another career…one that they are not used to. But with every dark cloud, there is always a silver lining.
Becoming a Business Gypsy was not an easy road to travel. Like many of us, I threw myself into the 9-5 Rat Race and never looked back. I went to work everyday, received my check and had a great health plan. I liked most of my co-workers, the ones that showed respect at least, and had the chance to buy a great car! I was used to the 9-5 and thought that self-employment wasn’t even a possibility for me. Once I was forced to re-evaluate my position in employment and society, I had a hard time facing the fact that my professional career might be over and that there wasn’t any hope for employment. I became self-conscious, depressed, and the feeling of hopelessness just took over. Once I pulled myself out of the pit of despair though, I started to look on the bright side. Being a contractor, or a Business Gypsy, had some major advantages. I could choose my own clients, help others when most were stuck at work, and I could have the freedom to be creative!
Transitioning from being a Business Gypsy, or a contractor, to being in the 9-5 world is no picnic either. Being a contractor, you are used to having flexibility in your job, being able to work when you want, and not have to deal with coworkers on a daily basis. Many people who used to be contractors have a hard time moving into the corporate world. I live with an ex-business gypsy and I have seen and heard the trials and tribulations of moving into the 9-5 Rat Race. There is more pressure to out do your coworkers. You have to play the office politics game, day in and day out. Traveling in morning and afternoon traffic is never any fun. But with all of the bad, came a lot of good. A reliable paycheck every other week, health benefits and consistent, year round work.
Changing your career, if you are a Business Gypsy moving into a corporate office, or a lawyer or CEO becoming a successful contractor and entrepreneur, isn’t always easy. One thing you must do though, while doing the Employment Switch-Up, is to search inside your self to find the strength and courage to make the transition smooth and successful. It won’t just help you, but help society and the economy as a whole.
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