What do you do when the money tree starts sprouting lemons?
It’s increasingly common these days to find middle-aged, mid-level managers suddenly faced with huge shifts of circumstance. Down-sizing, bubble-bursting, plant-closing, and consolidating are just some of the forces creating a class of sudden solo-preneurs.
At 50-something you face particularly difficult job-hunting challenges. Your salary range is high. Your network is decent after so many years, but jobs at your level are few. You’ve been there, done that, and thought you were finished with all that new trick-learning.
A big upset like job loss can provide a shift of perspective– an opportunity to take stock. What is really important? What do you want to pursue at this point in your life? Is being your own boss the way to go?
I spoke with several silverbacks to share their wisdom gleaned from these life changes with a new member of the pack.
Dean turned 50 in January of 2005. In May he was fired from his position as marketing director of a high-tech firm. He’s angry at the ease with which an employer could let him go.
“Control is a big issue for me. Do I really want to have someone tell what, where, and how? It seems like I work a lot but don’t reap the benefits. If I were on my own I’d have all the benefits and all the risks.”
Dean is deciding whether to find another job with the security of a regular paycheck and benefits, or start his own business. He finds information on the internet helpful but wishes there was a Big Brother-like program pairing people and businesses to help him sort through the options.
Carl was 51 when the ordinance plant where he was safety manager closed its doors.
“I had a lot of friends in the business. I could have easily picked up another job but I would have had to relocate halfway across the country. I didn’t want to do that.”
Bob was an engineer whose position was eliminated after 23 years with the firm. This sent him into a deep depression that lasted for months.
“I couldn’t even drive.”
With the help of his psychiatrist, Bob recognized what was most important in his life