Matt worked at a large company producing branded fruit juices. He was a marketing director, one of the four marketing directors there. But when the profits decreased the company restructured, laid off hundreds of people, and fired 3 of the 4 directors. Matt was one of them.
They let him keep his business car. I met Matt when I took an Uber and he was the driver. He’s been trying to find a new marketing job for the past 3 years. He said there were no marketing jobs for guys his age, and at least he had his car but he worried about the wear and tear on it. He had to bide his time until retirement.
I talk with all the drivers that want to talk so I hear stories like this often. I used to worry that I would fall into this trap too — that I would be good at something and get comfortable but then somehow lose it all and not be able to earn money anymore. Every time I heard about someone being fired and not having any other skills, it was scary because I could see myself following those same steps.
A regular paycheck lulls you into a false sense of security. Most people feel safe when they are employed and then when they lose their jobs their world shatters.
“In times of peace, prepare for war.”
Does it sound dramatic to you? What would happen if you were fired today? What if no one wanted to hire you for a similar job? Do you have a plan? More importantly, do you have the skills to earn money anyway?
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