Chances are higher now than any other time in history that we may know someone who has been laid-off or has personally gone through this life-changing process . I want to share a little insight from my personal experience of being laid-off and how I got through the process and became stronger from this chapter in my life. I hope it will encourage you or anyone you may know that has or is currently experiencing this life event of being told "We no longer need your services." Keep reading below to discover how being "Laid-Off" was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Life After a Lay-Off
I had just flew in from a long week conducting business in New Mexico. My stomach was encouraging me to pull over at the wonderful "Sandwich Shop" and get some dinner "to go" on my drive back home from the airport. As any good man would do, I honored the request of my stomach and purchased some "Comfort" food to ease my mind, not to mention the hunger of my bottomless pit.
As I waited for my food I took a drink of my favorite soda (Green-Apple..Jones Soda) and read the bottom of the cap as always for a good laugh. The print under the cap read, "You will seriously consider a move by year-end." Now let me say upfront, I don't buy into fortune cookie mantras or Jones Soda Bottle Cap snipits. After a good laugh, I received my food and off I went to my car.
Once I got settled in the car, my phone rang and I noticed it was from Tom (my boss). I answered the phone and Tom asked me if I was sitting down (that's never good) to which I replied yes. He went on to tell me that he was driving home from work for the last time. I had to ask him twice, "Did you say you are driving home from work for the last time?" He said with a laugh, "Yep! They let me go." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Tom was by far the greatest boss I had ever reported to and to think that the company let one of their BEST go was hard to believe.
The next morning I received a call from our Vice President and HR Director (That's never good when they say on a Conference Call that the HR Director will be joining the call) to inform me that my position of 14 years was being eliminated. All I can remember was laughing nervously and saying "Holy Sha-Moly, it's really happening." I won't bore you with details of the conversation (you can discover those details in my book when it's published), but I can tell you I was numb for the first few days after receiving the news.
So how did I finally experience "LIFE after a Lay-Off"? It all started from a conversation with my mentor reminding me that I have the potential for greatness and I have what it takes to make a difference in the world. He said, "Robbie, you told me years ago you have a passion to provide others with financial strategies that eliminate worry and create wealth for a lifetime (Create Legacies)." Little did I know that would become my mission statement. He went on to state, "Knowing that your calling Robbie is to provide Financial Coaching unlike others' (the world's way), you need to consider how you will leave your mark on the people around you." I knew right then after that conversation that I could NO LONGER Procrastinate. I had been in disobedience too long. The better choice, act in Obedience to God's Calling on my life. The crazy part is that God gave me a second chance by giving me a little nudge out the door into "LIFE" by allowing me to get laid-off.
The lessons I have learned from that day I was "Laid-Off" :
1. My identity is NOT my job.
2. Everyday is a Gift from God to be used as an Opportunity to leave a positive mark on others. (It takes the focus off me)
3. God Loves me and has plans to take care of me. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Take action TODAY to get on the path God intended for you in living a Debt Free Lifestyle. Change your behavior and you can change the world! Don't believe me? I dare you to try it!
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