Lose Your Job? Make Lemonade Out of Lemons
August 20, 2009
A friend just sent me a link to the trailer for Lemonade, an upcoming movie that takes a look at what happens when people who got paid to be creative in advertising lose their jobs and then became creative in their own lives. It’s just too perfect!
Coming from the advertising industry myself, I know several people (no, I won’t name any names!) who would insist that this movie was made specifically for them. They didn’t want to lose their jobs—and went through all of the nerve-wracking anxiety the movie depicts—but then had one of those “that was the best thing that ever happened to me” moments. They soon realize it’s a blessing in disguise and move on to something that taps into their truest potential—whatever that may be (artist, yoga instructor, nude copywriter, you name it). Soon they’re doing something that fires them up, more accurately expresses who they are and is integrated in their lives. They’re happier than before. As one of the characters says in his final comments: “I got laid off and I’m finally doing something that I think matters.”
The opportunity to follow your Professional Destiny can initially seem like you’ve just been tossed a big, sour lemon. But go out there, like these people, and make some sweet lemonade out of it!
Check out the movie clip for yourself:
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4 Comments Leave a Comment
1. Ken Segall | August 20, 2009 at 10:57 pm
When I see you discussing “professional destiny” with a diverse audience, I tend to look at it a little bit from a distance. It sounds very logical. BUT — when I see people in my own industry talking about finding their true calling (and these are my people!) it starts to get very personal for me. It’s uplifting to know that tough economic times pushed these people into a situation they hated — but turned out to be utterly transformational. Looking forward to the movie. Has anyone bought the movie rights to your book yet?
2. Anne | August 26, 2009 at 10:26 am
I am so happy that people are choosing to make lemonade! I had a recent job-loss and was very upset initially, as I loved my employer and the team I was working with. However, it has proved to be the best opportunity I have had in years to really transform. I reflected and realized that I needed to face how much I was dissatisfied with my chosen profession. Although I have been fortunate to work with great people and awesome projects, it is just not fulfilling personally. So, I made the decision to change careers. I am pursing my passion for the culinary world. I have just begun my journey with starting culinary school. I have a business planned and am making small steps during my time in school to set-up the business. I cannot wait to experience all of the exciting things coming up in the next few years- and I owe it all to being laid-off! Thank goodness for lemons. Lemonade is oh-so-sweet.
3. Carrie Glassmeyer | September 8, 2009 at 7:32 pm
I am loving all these comments! And I am learning more and more, through reading the book and “others”, to pay better attention to my surroundings and just why it is that I was laid off and have been for so long. Instead of blaming it on the economy, I have decided that it really isn’t about that. At least, it doesn’t have to be!
I have asked myself, like Haw, “What would I do if I were not afraid?”. And since then, I ask it of myself each day, or a million times a day, depending on how much change I am making and it has opened up my world in a whole new way.
I am not on the precipice of doing something that I never, in a million years, saw myself doing, and quite frankly, cannot figure out why I was so afraid to try it in the past!
I have always wanted to use all my talents, as I am very left and right brained, love to educate and learn, love to be of service, and work in environments where I know I can trust everyone I am working with. And when I don’t, I can say “no”. And, all of a sudden, I have started to create that environment without realizing it
This has also given me the time I need to explore the other things that I am interested in and have wanted to pursue. And isn’t it funny how things just seem to start to…work themselves out?
I hope I am lucky enough to keep moving in this direction, but if not, and the winds change, I will be prepared for the change and move with it, knowing that what I love to do and what I am good at are always going to take care of me
I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!! And like Amanda, I owe it all to being laid off (well that and Valerie and a lot of journaling and writing
)
4. Steph | January 5, 2010 at 4:38 pm
I have been trying to make lemonade since 2006 – I am not good with recipes, but come on! I LOVED my job and was part of an 80% workforce layoff. I have several passions, but I can’t fathom how they can work for me as “work.” I will keep trying. I am so thankful to have found your site – and I have ordered your book! I am hoping it will help to get me “un-stuck.” Sailing is one of my passions, so here I go, navigating into uncharted waters!
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