“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius
This quotation is the basis behind Entrepreneurship. The majority of Entrepreneurs decided that they wanted to do what they Love and created it. Even being resourceful, insightful, innovative creatures some times the bootstrapping results in revisiting employment.
If you are an Entrepreneur you may already know how this feels under your collar. You may even be reconsidering your decision or seeking temporary employment.
What you need to know
#1 YOU ARE NOT ALONE
#2 Searching for work has changed
#3 There’s Help!
Before you throw in the towel here are some Business Resources.
Today I want to share a Journey with You. The Journey is one I took over the last week. I want to share it because I Learned a Lesson that I really needed to – it may benefit you.
On April 12th, a week ago today, I had plans to attend a Family Dinner. My Daughter and I were going to visit My Niece (2 weeks old tomorrow) and Her Family. We set the time and made the plans. We were excited.
Snow Fall April 12, 2012
Shortly before 4pm it started to snow – and it was heavy. I texted “you mind if we pass tonight – roads suck?” I found out that the salad we were bringing was to go with a Roast Beef dinner that they made special for our visit. We decided we would go anyways – we were really looking forward to it and I could handle snow. Everything was packed up, ready to go, we were standing at the door and I reached for my keys to find – the car key had fallen off and was missing.
My Heart Sank.
I made the call – “Guess What?! Missing Car Key, Sorry! Will Keep Looking”.
We looked around the house and went for a walk in the falling snow – hoping to find the key, quickly. 6:00pm, the time we were supposed to arrive, I texted again “No Luck”.
We were so disappointed. I thought – we have had our share of challenges in the last 2 years – NOW THIS?
Between frustration and tears – I realized I had a Daughter that was looking to me to show her how to deal with situations like these. We talked about our disappointment and the things we could do.
“We could walk, but it’s too far”
“We could bike, but there is so much snow”
“We could bus it, but it would take too long”
“We could take a taxi, but it would cost too much”
“We could “Break Free” (by Jhonny K) of the disappointment and make the best of the moment”
It was getting later, so we broke free and agreed to plan a visit another day. OUCH!
What I was unaware of at the time was that the Universe had an even BIGGER plan.
Plans for the weekend had already been made and although Friday was full, Saturday would be Resolution day.
I had to called my Daughter’s Dad, for help. (YIKES!) He had another key for the car (yet I had the remote reprogrammed and it would not give me access) it would reduce my replacement costs.
Tidbit about Me – I have this thing about being able to go where I want, when I want and having a vehicle makes a lot of that happen. I feel trapped and immobilized without access to transportation. Another little thing about me – I struggle with waiting. So waiting for the key to reappear – was something I wasn’t about to sit for.
8:00 am Saturday Morning – I’m doing my homework; to find out how much it will cost and what I need to do to become Mobile Again. Made a post on facebook to get info (so many wonderful people), called a dealership (what is this going to cost? – Like I can handle another expense right now – ARGH!), and called road side assistance (came with the car – so towing was free – I recommend it).
Here were the facts: I have a Daughter that needs a car seat (it’s locked in the car), the towing company can not accomodate (understandably), the service department is not open until 9am (triggering my waiting issue), and I now have to ask for help again (grrr – I guess I’d better get use to this).
I called my Daugher’s Dad and explained the situation. My Daughter got a Daddy visit while I followed along in the tow truck with the car (Hurrah play time for them).
Car Being Towed about 10am
The car was loaded and on route and we were at the Dealership before 10:30am. Dan the tow truck driver was awesome!
Now the dealership was not expecting me. Originally, I was going wait til 1pm for wheels (it takes time to program systems to work together, efficiently). I was Grateful to the reprogramming done, the same day. They offered me a loaner car. I LOVED the offer, however declined (for insurance liability reasons – their deductible -should someone hit me was $1000 – Yikes!). Thank You – I will wait (accepting waiting over the uncomfortable thought of a $1000 for someone else’s OOPS!). There was still light, they had free Wi-Fi and I had the forethought to bring my MAC (thank goodness). So “I AM” there being my natural self – playful and productive (while I waited- patiently).
I chatted with the service staff (I’m Great at Conversation and Connecting with Others)- actually had to ask for change for coffee (again this help thing). Who carries cash any more? (Note to self – pocket some cash). They were Happy to help me out (reminder – I owe Kurt a coffee).
I connected online and shared what was going on, in my world, with others.
My Car was back on the road, 2 hours earlier than I had expected. YAHOO! I was a Happy Lady!
My week since the key was lost – Full.
Family
I went out Saturday Night with Friends, I visited with my Family, ran errands for myself and others (I’m not the only one that needs help – sometimes).
I had let go of finding the key for the car and had moved on. When I was looking for the key, I found a set someone else had lost. That set has yet to make it’s rightful home.
This morning when the right KEY did Find Me (at the foot of a tree I had been playing in, 15 feet away from the car), a Valuable Lesson was Anchored.
Had I waited for the KEY to Find Me – I would have missed out on so much. The week contained so much LOVE, CONNECTION and FUN. Sitting back and doing nothing or even less than I did do – I would have missed it all. Finding My Key was a symbol. The key (an object) does not matter – it doesn’t work anymore. It really is only a representation of the lesson I was suppose to learn.
The Car Key
The Lesson the Universe gave….
Slow down and listen. Sometimes you need to see and feel vs hear.
Being Self Employed can feel like a Journey into Outer Space.
While our companies may not be NASA calibre and we are not Astronauts….
We can learn from Apollo 13.
We need routine Systems checks.
It is about staying alive in the Small Business Space.
Power = Motivation
Oxygen = Inspiration
Pressure = The Fire under our shuttles
Heat = The Passion behind our Purpose
Water = How it all flows together.
Source: Pinterest
