Award-Winning Executive Producer, Author, Show Runner, Director, Consultant//I make highly-rated content that delivers viewers and donors//I develop talent//Listening is leading//craig@colbyvision.net
A lot of talented people in my industry have lost their jobs recently, at Corus and Blue Ant in particular. I talked to one of them last night, a career high achiever who created content her clients adored and had a loyal and productive staff. She did things the right way. Still, she was cut free. I’d like to share with all of you who have lost your jobs what I shared with her. It’s something I have learned throughout my life, not just through job loss, but also when I left places where I had built up accomplishments, where I belonged. When your job is taken away, you are stripped of what you are. Your title, status, and daily camaraderie are gone. It’s hard. People like everything that goes with what-you-are. It's warm and comfortable. It makes you feel safe and confident. You are left with who you are. Your knowledge, skills and values remain. The good news is that no one can take those away. Who you are got you what you are. Who you are will get you through this. Who you are will make you successful in the next thing. No one gets to define you but you. You know who you are.
It sucks. Then there’s us freelancers who have been atrophied all along as well. Getting old is a thing but no generation has been more adaptable throughout all of the change than ours. And now there’s just not enough for everyone. Don’t forget, our parents, silent generation and even some boomers, were a lot older versions of us. They eased back and let retirement and withdrawal come. We all need to work, in this crazy economy, and be vital in a much more different way. This world was was not theirs. Godspeed to all.
Eloquently said Craig. I had to go through that same realization myself despite giving ‘my life’ to the business. It takes a while to ‘get it’ but when you do you are more at peace with yourself than you’ve ever been. 🙏 I really enjoy your posts.
I have been there, both when I left because the environment was so bad on my own, or because they chose me to be part of the cutbacks or reorganization. I have also left because I was offered a great new job to go to. As awful as the first options can be, you are correct that it is possible to come through a tough time to a much better situation and ultimately a rewarding career. When getting through the tough times, try to spend time with people that lift you up and help remind you of how talented, kind, intelligent and capable you are. It can be instinctive to hide and not put yourself out there. I know what that is like too. But most of us who have long, productive careers have had challenges. Most people can relate and there will be good people who want to help you.
Great post Craig. Too many people define themselves by their job and it’s such a fool’s errand. Do your job, take pride in what you do, go home to your family. Don’t seek validation from your employment.
So true, and I've found from my own experience and clients who have experienced job loss, we tend to be a lot happier once we find our way
Well said Craig. It’s especially difficult if one is older as it becomes harder to find new jobs at the same level. Other countries such as German don’t permit this. People have to be paid something like 80% of their salary after age 50. I think that is something we need to look at as well.
Great post Craig. Not just for those who lost their jobs, but those who might have also taken a hit to their businesses. Like you said, we need to focus on who we are and also on what we learned, how we grew, and how we're going to full force tackle the even more amazing opportunities coming our way 😉
And let’s not forget the qualities you have as a genuine human being, that trump everything else in life.
Well said... this needs to be on a poster: "Who you are got you what you are. Who you are will get you through this. Who you are will make you successful in the next thing."
Director Post Production, Love Nature, Saloon Media at Blue Ant Media at Blue Ant Media
2wWell said Craig. A tough time for all involved. After 46 years in this industry, I started when I was 5 😉, I have gone through finding myself without a job. Once restructured out and one agree to disagree so parted ways. Either way it stinks. However in both cases I ended up with something that was better. I have seen this with many other people as well. Knowing your own strengths and being confident without ego in them usually wins the day. Work Life balance is so important and the only sustainable way to live your life. A lesson hard learned. So many talented people have had their employment terminated. There will be another job and more opportunities than you think out there. Me, I am starting to work part time, a semi-retirement. I will always do something in this industry. The day will come when I don't. That will be okay. I will be okay and all of you now looking for work will be okay.