While heading out for my morning ski on our newly cleared ski trail, I was listening to CBC Radio news and heard that about 1 million Canadians lose their jobs in mass lay-offs each year. This is particularly hard on people in mid-career, as those in their early careers have time to start a new one and workers with more time on the job may be eligible for early retirement.
I thought about life as a free-agent as I was gliding through the silent, snow-clad woods, and realised that this time alone was the greatest perk I could ask for. When the conditions are right, I down tools and head out on the trail.
As a free-agent, I cannot get laid off, but in return for this freedom, I have to keep my mind focused on business, opportunities, markets and cash-flow. Training your mind, and your budgeting process, for independent work takes some time and effort, as I mentioned in So you want to be an e-learning consultant?. However, if you are approaching that mid-career level, you should examine the option of working for yourself. That way you can be better prepared if you’re one of those one million Canadians.
Other resources for the independently-minded:
A great photograph and an excellent message. Those of us who work independently have many advantages. The option of skiing, walking, or meeting with friends when we want to adds richness to our lives. We can also work at our own pace, whenever and wherever we choose.
Thanks for this show and tell reminder.
On the other hand, you could always get a job in the strip mining industry as the oil companies descend on Canada’s oil sands and the country looks set to become the second largest supplier of crude in the world.
This time they reckon the combination of modern technology and oil price make it a viable proposition.
I was listening to this report on the radio last night and wondering how my very green, very eco-friendly friends Jarche and Downes would respond to this. I’ve never even been to Canada and it make my stomach drop in dismay.
Ah yes, Canada’s dirty big secret. With high oil prices there are huge profits being made, while the tar sands create a significant amount of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. The worst part of this process, IMO, is that both natural gas and water are used to process the oil. That means using three natural resources to make refined oil. The only end to this, I fear, is when the water runs out and people won’t be able to live and work in the area.
More here:
http://oilsandstruth.org/