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Business Class

July 30, 2009

Accidental Entrepreneurs Born from Pink Slips

Jill Fehrenbacher

CEO, Founder, Inhabitat

Summary

The American dream of landing any job one’s heart desires has taken a tandem nosedive alongside the nation’s economy.  Over half of Amer

The American dream of landing any job one’s heart desires has taken a tandem nosedive alongside the nation’s economy. Over half of Americans (71% of those being ages 18-29) plan to jump ship on their current jobs once the economy bounces back. Most employed people feel grateful to still have a place to clock in each day, and a paycheck to cash, but they are also struggling and frustrated with having to take on longer hours and more responsibility for no extra compensation... in a job that isn't fulfilling a lifelong dream.

In a healthy job market, people are able to hunt and hope to improve their careers by finding better jobs, thereby increasing their happiness and quality of life. For some, getting laid off and getting the proverbial pink slip may be just the ticket to greener pastures.

Since there’s not much one can do to control getting laid off, some are choosing to view their pink sleep as a relief -- an excuse to take time off and clear the cobwebs away to pursue their own dreams not only in the workforce, but in life. We all know that creativity breeds innovation, and those who use their downtime to gain inspiration and insight into themselves are better equipped to become entrepreneurs than those who are feeling beaten down by a job in which they’re unhappy and overworked.

Always being financially prepared for a layoff is a great way to make lemonades out of lemons if the time comes. The backdrop for entrepreneurship is filled with risk and uncertainty... the same ingredients mixed in to unemployment. But the chance to reclaim one's true sense of self and carve out a new, healthier path in life and career may turn the pink slip into "seeing life through rose-colored glasses."