In the later part of 2020, during the depth of the Covid-19 pandemic and most unusual workplace scenario ever seen in this world, I was told, after 21 years of employment, that I would be laid-off of my corporate job mid 2021. I had just become comfortable working from my bedroom, my kitchen, my living room, and eventually a basement-turned-office with hours of long Zoom meetings, confidential phone calls over my personal cell phone, and days of not leaving my home. I was able to manage all of the ups and downs, twists and turns that this pandemic and new “virtual-work” environment presented, but how was I going to manage being laid-off from my corporate career after 21 years?
I found the answer to be the empowering strength of God and the wisdom of His word. I have trusted God and His Word my whole life, and although answers have not always been the ones I wanted or come when I thought they should, my position has always been surrendered to Him. Since my lay-off in 2021, I have embarked upon a few new journeys at this stage of my life, and it has brought excitement, anxiety, frustration, curiosity, and growth, all at the same time. God’s strength and wisdom has of course kept me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually anchored, but creating a system has allowed me to persevere in moments of uncertainty.
My daily routine includes: morning prayer, Bible devotion, meditation, exercise, three healthy meals, occasional snacks, dedicated work hours, spending time with loved ones, and partnering with a goal accountability partner to keep me focused on my next steps. Over the last two years of learning to pivot, consistency, discipline, and faith have been the keys to my growth and success. Since transitioning to entrepreneurship, I’ve spent lots of my time learning various aspects of real estate, and added another property to my own business through Airbnb. My property is currently booked in full for the next three months, and our income from that one resource alone has tripled the financial projection. I also started my own financial consulting business and property management company.
Even in launching three different businesses, I still seem to have more time to myself and to spend with family than I did when I worked in corporate. I am able to work from home, provide for my family, enhance my marriage, and motivate my children towards their professional careers as well. The Covid-19 pandemic, career changes, and economical challenges has been life changing, but keeping the perspective that life was never meant to stay the same has provided insight, and trusting God has provided peace. Life is a journey, sometimes on a 21 year flat road and other times hills and bumps; I’m here to enjoy every part of the ride, and I hope you are too!
10 Steps to be a Successful Entrepreneur:
- Manage your time
- Focus on objectives and goals
- Establish self-respect
- Don’t give up easily
- Maintain self-confidence
- Commit to a solid work ethic
- Maintain integrity
- Genuinely care about your customers
- Be disciplined
- Stay consistent
