The other day my friend Valerie linked to a story on the new documentary Lemonade by Erik Proulx. The movie is about a group of people who were, unfortunately, laid off from their jobs. Although seemingly depressing, it goes on to show how those people, now free from their 9-5s, decided to pursue their respective dreams. And, in the end, succeeded in their own ways. Now that they had time, an opportunity, and a desire to go for what they wanted, they did. The idea started when Proulx, also laid off, decided to become a documentary filmmaker. As the film gained momentum, his dream became a reality. Going with the old proverb, all of these people successfully made lemonade from lemons.
I find that incredibly inspirational, yet not extremely realistic in many cases. For me, once I was laid off I quickly applied to any job possible just so I could afford rent/loans/utilities. I didn't have the chance to go for what I wanted, I just had to move on. But still - if given the chance, would I have?
Definitely. Proulx runs the highly successful blog Please Feed the Animals and a recent post got me thinking. Proulx's girlfriend was also in a job lull. She wanted to do something different, something in public television, yet had no experience. So what did she do? After much convincing she applied for an ideal job anyway. She explained her lack of prior experience, but desire to learn. After numerous interviews, she got the job. Because she actually did something, she got what she wanted. Because really, what's the worse that could have happened?
I always find the start of a new year exciting. Sure, I don't need a date to tell me to seize the day, but in a way I like the idea of starting over. A clean slate. At the moment we have 358 days left of this year. One day may not be perfect, but there are so many more opportunities for memorable moments. Terrific moments. I didn't start 2009 knowing that I was going to London, I didn't start it knowing I'd end up a magazine editor.
In 2010 alone there are 358 days to do something amazing. We just need to try.
So what do you want to do?
6 comments:
I was out of work for 7 months and went to back to work taking a job that was beneath my prior position but one that I am enjoying so much more than my previous position. This year I'm going to get my real estate license and pursue a few other business ideas I have. Someday I will be out of the cubicle world and doing my own thing!
I'll have to check that documentary out. I am obsessed with docs and that topic is one that is recurring in my own life. I feel the same way as you--reality has to come into play when making life changing decisions like that. I also get too comfortable in situations that might not be the best for me, and that might hold me back sometimes.
I would like to give birth. So I have just under 3 months to get pregnant if I want to deliver a healthy baby.
(Humor is how I deflect from the fact that i have no idea what I want from this year. :/)
i got laid off and was unemployed for 4 months last year. i stumbled upon my dream job without even realizing it was my dream job (teaching) and am currently applying to grad school to get certified and all that jazz. hopefully i can teach while i go to school, but this just shows that sometimes you don't even know what that dream may be - so be open to everything!
It's bin a while since I've been here. Hello again :-)
After losing my job last year I've now found one I really enjoy. It's basically the same job, but at a much better company with a friendly boss and great colleagues. My probation period finishes at the end of February so the first thing I want to do this year is pass that. I'll think about what else I want to do this year once I find out whether I can keep my job...
Thank you so much for posting this! It has be inspired to do big and fantastic things!
I actually quit my newspaper job in the hopes that I could freelance fulltime in a larger city. I'm in that city now, but nothing is happening. Yet. I'm doing LOTS of reaching out this coming week to figure out something to make some money. I'm super excited about it, though, and we'll just see where it takes me.
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