I’ve recently learned not to get too comfortable with what I would consider a normal routine. For a little over the past five years I’ve worked for my current employer faithfully along with juggling all my personal chaos. It’s funny that I actually thrive on chaos because when things get too calm, I don’t know what to do with myself. I’m the mother of four children (2 teens, 1 tween and 1 preschooler), maintain my blog and publish articles 3-4 times a week, started a graphic design business back in 09’ and keep a crazy schedule to be successful in all that I do. I’m always mom first, and once home is taken care of I can do everything else with ease. I’m usually complaining about needing more hours in the day to complete projects, time management and lacking rest. Well. My complaints may have been answered in a round a bout way.

Last week I was called into my supervisor’s office for a small meeting, I had no idea what to expect. Well after all was said and done due to budget cuts and other important factors I am now a PT employee for the company. My hours, salary and benefits have been affected by this change. I’m scared, nervous and still processing the information. I have been trying to look at this situation as a blessing in disguise! I will now work from 9am – 2pm vs. 9am – 5pm. I’m still getting used to this change. I get off at 2pm and get the strangest feeling like… What do I do now? So I had to sit down and make some decisions after sheer panic. Do I look for another PT job so I can continue to have a FT income, do I focus on my Jael Custom Designs brand… What do I do now? I immediately updated my resume and started to search and submit it on job search engines.

I had a pitty party for myself that didn’t last very long because I’m surrounded by family, friends and business colleagues that motivate me and have solid faith in me even when my faith may be tested at times. I’ve been told to make a decision, either I’m going to sink or swim and take my destiny in my own hands instead of leaving it to someone else. That being said… I’ve started to make lists of what I’d like to accomplish. I’m going to have to set monthly goals and really work towards them. I’ve always had the security of my FT job and didn’t rely on income from my business, because it wasn’t consistent. I didn’t drive my business sales because frankly I was scared I wouldn’t be able to supply my services with the demand. I liked accepting projects at my leisure and getting referrals from my clients.

I guess I’m going to look at this set back as a blessing and take the time to do for myself what I’m so good at doing for others… BRANDING & MARKETING! I’ll take this time to really grow and expand my brand and my skill set to offer my clients more. I’ve focused on Graphic and web design but, I’m a career driven marketing professional and networking is my business! After all that’s how I build all these awesome relationships that last! I’ll push myself to stay positive, faithful and motivated. I can be thankful I’m not completely unemployed! So, I guess I’m going to take these lemons and progressively it will become sweet lemonade. If you have any words of wisdom, please share.