I know many people are still out of a job — for various reasons, including poor performance and, perhaps more so, job elimination or even downsizing. I think it’s hardest when this happens beyond your control. You work as hard as you can, for as long as you can, sacrificing other things for the job and the company.

This happened to me. The part-time job I had was not something I really liked, but I worked hard and I stayed longer than I planned. I took on tasks and projects that were not initially in my job description. I liked them, so I continued doing them.

Then one day I got the call while I was getting ready for work — not from my direct manager, but from his partner. He told me they had eliminated my job. He said it had nothing to do with my performance, which I appreciated. In fact, he let me know that they were quite happy with that. They had decided they just didn’t need the work I was doing anymore.

I was stunned, and I wasn’t sure what to do.

The economy at the time had just experienced the real estate combustion where so many people lost their jobs and their livelihood. Even as it picked up and companies resumed hiring, for whatever reason the unemployment rate was still not budging.

When circumstances like this happen beyond our control, what does that mean in real figures? Or to real people like you and me?

It means you need to get creative. More businesses were started at this time than had been before. And that’s exactly what I did. I started my coaching business.

Now fast forward to the pandemic in 2020 where the world went into lockdown, businesses had to shift, and many people lost their jobs. It was very severe for so many people and the world is still feeling the effects of that. What happened then, too?

People had to get creative!

Think about it for yourself… You set out trying to find the perfect job and when that doesn’t work, you broaden your focus and look for any job that you might be qualified for. And when that is not successful, you broaden your scope again and look for any job at all. There are other ways you might broaden your search, such as income level. Perhaps you start out looking for a certain salary, but over time and with lack of options, that limit gets lowered. You might start out with hope for a full-time job, only to adjust that focus to part time and more than one part-time job to boot.

Things are getting down to the wire for your expenses and still your options are limited.

I know this can be frustrating.

So what are some of the creative ways to solve this problem, even crisis?

Why not take your passion, that thing you love to do all day long (would do it for free, but we all know that can’t be done, at least not for long) and turn it into a business?

More small businesses were started during the pandemic, or just after, than at any other time!

According to the Census Bureau, more than 4.4 million new businesses were created in the U.S. during 2020 — the highest total on record. For reference, that’s a 24.3% increase from 2019 and 51.0% higher than the 2010–19 average. Half a million new businesses were started in January 2021, alone.

I know what you might be thinking. Self-doubt comes in and tells you that would be a lot of work. You’re right, it would. But so is looking for a job, and that hasn’t been working. You got used to that job you had for a long time — with its perks, flexibility, steady income, and routine. I get it — and I can help.

Now, you might need a boost, a surge, or for some you might need a lifeline. Having your own business can be just that. But maybe you’re scared, unsure of how to get started, or even uncertain if you can make that jump.

Many people take that small idea and turn it into a big success. Look at Facebook, Windows, Starbucks… the list goes on.

I have worked with many clients who have a grand idea of a business they want to start. Yes, with one in particular, we sat around a table in a restaurant discussing this idea. I worked with her over a period of six months, and her business idea took off. She has paying clients, a handful of interns helping her, a YouTube channel, she’s been featured in national magazines, participated on a national panel, and made $15,000 in one month.

Here are three things to get you started turning that passion into a business:

1. Determine what your passion is. To get there, start by answering the question: What is it you really love to do? Or what is it you really want to do? You have to know what your passion is, and you need to be clear about it. It all starts with desire and clarity.

That hobby you have has gotten rave reviews and you’d like to turn into a business — like making jewelry or cooking — and you’d like to get it out there.

2. Draw from your past experience and your proudest accomplishments. Your past experience, even if it was in a corporate setting, could be an asset and an advantage in a business of your own. It can offer clues as to what to include in your business.

Some of your accomplishments that you are most proud of may also apply in your business. They can lean you toward a certain area of business and help you to shine and gain clients. This is no time to be shy; make that list of your accomplishments, experience, and successes.

3. Consider whether you like meeting people or if you prefer to work behind the scenes? This too could influence the business you set up for yourself. Are you good at communication and building relationships? Or are you much happier and more productive behind the scenes, doing the back-end work?

And a bonus step for turning that passion into a business…

4. Hire a mentor! This is probably the most important tip of all. Someone who has started their own business can be extremely helpful as you begin this journey, even if it differs from the type of business you’re leaning toward. In fact, you might even achieve a better outcome if this person has experience in a different type of business or industry.

A mentor can guide you along the steps involved and keep you accountable when it gets complicated. They can also help you set goals, develop a mission, and contribute to many other elements of business development. They can help make your success bigger and faster.

“Nobody talks of entrepreneurship as survival, but that’s exactly what it is and what nurtures creative thinking.”
~ Anita Roddick

Connect with me at info@worklesscreatemore.com and let’s explore your possibilities.

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Maureen Considine is Founder and CEO of Finding Your Way Coaching. A Master Coach with expertise in Income Acceleration, Business Development, Sales and Mindset, she is the Wealth Health Creation Strategist for entrepreneurs, executives, and other high performers. Maureen has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing. She has helped hundreds of clients grow their businesses and reach their true potential using her unique, intuitive, and holistic approach. Maureen has a B.A. in Psychology, with training in mindset and the Psychology of Sales.