Off and on through out my professional career I have been unemployed. I thought that I would be ok with whatever came my way. But somehow this time it's a little different, for the first time it is hitting me on a more emotional level, rather than on a financial (Oh! crap, I don't have a salary) level.
I have been busy trying to keep busy and trying to keep mental sanity. I also took some time to look at myself and try to figure out what I want to do next. I have been looking for a new "permanent position" but am also trying to figure out if I continue on my own.
So I guess I should do so "pro's and con's"...here goes....
"Permanent Position" or going to work for someone else -
CONS:
* hmm, is there anything or any job out there that is permanent, you know like back in the olden days....work with one company until you retire or die? I don't think that exists anymore
* the older and more senior in an organization I get, the more difficult it is to find a new job, or change jobs.
* I am venturing into an industry where I am not an expert, I have functional background and can do the mechanics of the job/position, but I get looked over for those with experience in the industry.
PROS:
* a steady income and benefits for as long as the job existed
* being on a schedule, not having to think about my schedule, it would be all mapped out for me...in at 8 out at 6.
* on a personal psychic level, this would give me "security". Though I know nothing is forever, the knowing I'll get paid on the 1st and 15th is security and lowers my anxiety levels....(II'll post on anxiety and security on a separate post)
Self Employed - CENAK Consulting LP
CONS:
* There is no steady stream of income, income is on a project basis, this means we have to have the discipline to budget and to have a "rainy day fund" (more on rainy day fund to follow).
* My anxiety levels are heightened, I don't have the security of income, and though we are well prepared for lows in income, logically I can think about life and monthly income/expenses and can totally get through it, but psychologically, my brain is playing head games with me....I get thoughts of not making it, what if scenarios fly through by brain as if the sky were falling....(why is it that my husband can deal with this and sleep like a baby, not have anxiety issues? He and I are partners in CENAK Consulting LP)
* Searching for projects clients, selling yourself and your services is hard, finding companies in need for services, especially in a down economy can get tricky.
PROS:
* the flexibility in schedule is awesome, I own my time and I get out what I put in. I am my own boss, and work on projects I really enjoy.
* Getting to work with my husband, he is my best friend, and though it gets tricky at times, and we get sick of each other, we totally respect each other's opinion; we know our strengths and weaknesses and build on those to create more business.
So all in all I am still confused and not knowing what/where I'll go next. In the meantime I'll continue project work and apply for jobs that I think will make me happy and would be a good trade-off for being self employed. I'll keep you all posted on what happens and what goes on.....but in the meantime, I'll blog about Finance and Money Matters for "REAL"....for all but for women in particular. CHEERS
