It's time for the next chapter...
“It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.” – Muhammad Ali
On August 23rd, I will be made redundant.
It’s an odd feeling if I’m honest – on the one hand, no-one likes being made redundant, and the fact that I’ll have no consistent source of income will be tough to deal with.
On the other hand though, I’m glad I’m leaving this job – I knew a while back that it wasn’t going to serve me any further purpose, and if it would have ensured some form of financial security, I would have walked out of my own accord, much like Eugene Farber did.
So now, like everyone else who is made redundant, I turn away from the old haunts of my job, towards the rest of the future and the rest of life. I take a deep breath, I smile, and I think of all the fun that’s about to begin.
First Plan
As I’m on holiday in Nice with Sam for a week at the beginning of September, I’ve had the idea that I would take a break from August 23rd to when I get back from Nice. An extended break, away from employed work. I’m actually looking forward to it in a way.
I’ll still keep looking for work, but if it reaches the point where an employer asks, “When can you start?” I’ll say September 12th.
That’s the first plan. The next plan is to figure out what kind of work I want to do. And now here comes that fun which I previously mentioned.
Second Plan
Whilst there has been talk from my family and friends about finding another job and getting myself ‘back in the game’, I realise now that after working just over two years in the same job, that we have to be very careful when choosing work.
If we choose a job that we don’t like, then we become caught in the rat-trap once again, and our lives go from one state of miserable to another. On the other hand, if we forsake employed work and just go for wherever our passion lies, it’s likely that we’ll struggle to support ourselves during the early stages, and face resistance and criticism from our loved ones.
It’s a tricky situation, and it’s been covered by bloggers before – John Falchetto has discussed his experiences of quitting his day job, Fred Leo has detailed reasons for not quitting your day job, and Steve Pavlina reckons you shouldn’t get a job anyway!
So what to do? What can I do now that will take me to where I want to be, without having to waste too much of my time?
Unfortunately, I can’t predict the future. But here’s what I would like to happen, and which I’ve got in store for all you lovely readers.
- Guest posts
I’ve been writing about seven guest posts these past couple of weeks, for Angela Artemis, Arvind Devalia, Benny Hsu, Bill Dorman, Christian Hollingsworth, Ingrid Abboud, and Sibyl Chavis. Keep an eye on their sites and you’ll see me there soon enough!
- Consulting page
After checking out other top personal development bloggers such as Steven Aitchinson and Tim Brownson, I realised that they have coaching or consulting pages. I realised I wanted one too, as I want to use what I know to help people in more direct, 1-2-1 ways.
So stay tuned for the Unlock The Door consulting page, coming soon!
- Interview series
Inspired by the likes of BlogCastFM and Chris Ducker, I’ve decided that I want to interview many bloggers and online figures.
This is for two reasons – because I want to raise my profile online, and because I genuinely want to engage in conversation with a lot of people that I’ve met and am aware of.
The series is in its planning stages, but it’ll get here, I promise.
- Value 101: e-book
The amazing Value 101 series (as I like to call it) was very well-received, and when I asked for your feedback as to what to do next, you gave the collective view that you’d like to see an e-book.
And I listened.
So watch out for the free Value 101 e-book appearing in the top-right corner of this blog!
- Newsletter
To coincide with the release of the Value 101 e-book, I will also be publishing a once-a-fortnight newsletter that you sign up for when you receive the e-book. In it will be extra insights and advice that you won’t find on this blog, personal stories that have relevance to you, and news and updates of things to come.
I hope you’ll enjoy what you read here!
- ‘Connections 101’
As this that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, I’ll be working on a joint project with Robert Pinto-Fernandes, a fellow UK blogger. We’ll be contacting bloggers, including YOU, in due course, asking you to take part.
It’ll be the ‘sequel’ to Value 101, so stay tuned!
- More, more, more!
From here, there will be more. I plan on writing more e-books, and charging for them. I plan on working on projects on my own, as well as in collaboration with other personal development bloggers. I plan on moving into public speaking once my name has become more well-known. I plan on eventually writing a self-help book to be published in print.
I plan for a lot of things to happen, and I know that it won’t happen overnight. But I’m a patient guy. I know progress will happen in its own time.
Why?
The next question is “why?” Why am I planning on doing all of this?
All this has been inspired by a change in the way I view this blog. I’ve been thinking lately about where I want this blog to go, and after much reflection, and reading Farnoosh Brock’s inspiring piece about following your dreams, I decided that there was only two choices:
- Keep it as a hobby
- Turn it into a launch pad for my future career
The second option seems a lot more appealing to me, so I’m going to run with that.
My Vow
So, my vow to you is this: Unlock The Door is no longer going to be a hobby. It will become my launch pad, my foundation, to the places I want to reach, and the dreams I want to realise.
I now know that what I want to achieve isn’t going to come to me by itself. And it won’t come quickly or quietly. But I’ll sink my fingers and teeth into my dreams and I’m going to drag them towards me, no matter how long it takes.
You will see more activity from me on this blog, you will see guest posts springing up every so often, and you’ll see big waves starting to appear. There will be change, and it’s going to mean something.
It’s time to move. It’s time to dance. It’s time to ride this baby headlong into the unlimited vastness of possibility and potential. It’s time to have some fun 
Like what you read? Then you should subscribe here!
Image courtesy of The Italian Voice
{ 92 comments… read them below or add one }
Stuart,
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve made redundant. Here in the states we call it being “laid off or downsized.” You have a marvelous attitude about it though so, I have one of my “gut feelings” you’re going to come out of this better, smarter and stronger for it.
Here’s to making your dreams come true!
Let me know how I can support you.
All my best,
Angela
(looking forward to your guest post as well)
Angela Artemis/Poweredbyintuition recently posted..How We Undermine Our Intuition
Hey Angela, thanks ever so much for your offer of support, it really means a lot.
I’m looking forward to this time, it’s a crossroads for me, and I hope that the future will work with me on this one
Take care
Here’s the deal and I tell my wife the same thing when she nudges me because my snoring is keeping her awake and I reply ‘there is no need for both of us to be awake’; say ‘Sam, I’m going to chase my dream, there is no reason for both of us to be miserable in our job, right’?
Scary but exciting I’m sure; hopefully you will gain traction quickly and can turn it into income. You have certainly created a presence so you just need to take it from there.
Nice, France is fun; I have actually been there. I’m sure the both of you will have a great time as well.
Look for your post to ‘pop’ on my site in the morning (my time). It should be fun.
Take care and best of luck to you.
Bill Dorman recently posted..How music helps shape my decisions
Apparently, according to Sam, I snore too, which I know she ‘loves’
How was Nice? Did you get up to much down there?
Thanks for the kind words, and for letting me guest post on your site. Your invisibility is wearing off now
Actually we were in Monte Carlo and just drove through Nice on our way to Cannes. The best part about the whole trip? Somebody else was paying for it. Ok, maybe the girls laying out along the beach w/out their tops was a pretty big deal too…………just sayin’…
Bill Dorman recently posted..You can hide but you can’t blog
Oh Bill, you sophisticated man. I never knew you had it in you
I came to your site via Angela Artemis and I’m glad I did. It looks like I found you (and your site) at a time of a lot of upcoming growth. I’ll be subscribing!
Lindsay recently posted..A Dog’s Purpose: Pets & Reincarnation
Well hi Lindsay, it’s a pleasure to have you at Unlock The Door, and thank you for subscribing!
If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know
Leap of faith, huh. I like it. I’m a mom. Have been home with my kids until recently. Started college last year. I still have this question in my back of my heart that asks the question of what do I want to do. I guess I believe that I can do what I love and get paid for it? Maybe. Hopefully. We’ll see. Good luck on your journey. I hope you find the thing that makes you, uniquely you and while you are doing that you get paid for it! Yay.
Hi Kristin, thanks for visiting Unlock The Door! It’s a pleasure to have the ‘other Thompson’ here
How is college treating you? Is it what you expected it to be?
Wow Stu, so impressive and so clearly stated! Good for you! I wish you all the best! I’ll be watching!
Lori
Lori Gosselin recently posted..Off the Grid!
Thanks Lori, if I have your eyes on me, then I best deliver
Congrats Stu and I wish you all the best in your first steps into the business world
john Falchetto recently posted..5 ways to grow your expat brand on Google Plus
Why thank you John! I may end up coming to you for advice from time to time in the future, if that’s OK?
Stu: Yeah…Congrats on all the exciting changes in your life. I am sure this is going to be one of the greatest rides and an amazing part of your journey. I am looking forward to watching and cheering you on
Congrats again.
Sibyl recently posted..20 Simple Things You can do TODAY that will Set You Up to Take a Quantum Leap Forward and Improve Your Life Forever
Thanks Sibyl, that means a lot.
I hope this ride continues to be fun and epic, and with guys like yourself cheering me on, I’ll power on through
Stuart: Looks like you have a lot of work ahead of yourself. It also looks like you have taken enough time for out to realize what you want most out of your blog. I like your idea’s and I’m looking forward to signing up for your e-book when its ready. ( :
Make sure you have a solid plan, because your taking on a lot of work. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when blogging, and I’m sure you have already experienced it in some ways. I can only wish you the best!
I hope everything starts taking shape just the way you want, and I’m going to be on the lookout for your guest posts!
God bless,
William Veasley
William Tha Great recently posted..Round Up 1: Learning To Fight Through The Struggles!
Hi William, thanks for the great comment!
Yes, I have experienced feelings of being overwhelmed, recently when thrashing out the guest posts. But I’ll try to balance it in future with other things.
Hope you enjoy the guest posts
Hi Stu,
It sounds like many exciting times are ahead for you. Thank you very much for mentioning my article. I hope your readers enjoy it.
Regards,
Fred
Fred @ SoloBizCoach.com recently posted..Three Foundational Pillars to Choosing a Great Business Idea
It was my pleasure to mention you here Fred, as your post had a lot of resonance with my situation!
Thanks for stopping by today, and thank you for taking the time to comment
Stu,
What an impressive post. Sorry to hear about your redundancy but I just know that your dream job is out there waiting for you
. I’ll help you through it in whatever way I can and will be here to support you 100%.
As for your future plans – wow! I knew you were made for great things
. Exciting times lie ahead for both you and your blog!
Can’t wait to go to Nice either
Once again, great work!
Love you loads and loads xxxxx
Ahhh, such love in the air here at UTD
Marcus Sheridan-The Sales Lion recently posted..The Amazing Power of One Tweet to Change Your Blog Forever
What would this place be without it?
Sam,
Every time you comment here, it makes my heart smile. I know that, from leaving comments, you’re stretching yourself out to new limits, and it’s great to see. You’re gaining more confidence and self-esteem, and I just know we’re gonna grow this relationship together.
We make quite a team!
Love you loads and loads too xxxxx
Stu…Congrats to you!!
I did the same exact thing last year. I really just needed to let that job go. When you make a decision and its coming from the heart…you either choose to follow it or you don’t. A very exciting new journey for you
Kenya recently posted..Divine Chakra Communications
It is Kenya, and I’m looking forward to what the future may bring!
Did you move into a new job Kenya, or did you take another route? Please tell as I’m interested in your story
SO excited to see all the ways you’ll be growing the blog during the course of the next couple of months Stu. The eBook is going to be fantastic.
Thank you for taking the time in writing a guest post for Smart Boy Designs. You should see it posted shortly. The readers are going to LOVE what you’ve written.
You know what you’ve got written all over you Stu? Quality. I love that! Many should be envious of your natural ability to produce quality (through work) in all that you do. It’s a real skill and talent!
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..The Last Leg of the Voting Journey
Why thank you Christian, it’s a pleasure to grow this bad boy over the coming months!
Thanks for letting me guest post as well, it means a lot.
I always like reading your comments Christian because they come from the heart, they’re filled with kindness and warmth. I appreciate all you’ve done for me
hello stuart
i am sorry to hear about you being made redundant however it is important to point out that you’ve approached it with an encouraging attitude/spirit and i have the utmost respect for you
it seems you have a strategy & plan ahead of you and i agree that not being in a haste to jump into another job or possibly take time out is quite helpful.
i also agree with john and fred leos articles.
a slight digress please:
my sister inlaw who is a scientist and worked for one of the big laboratories was made redundant just over 2 years ago. she took some time out and decided to go into teaching because secretly nursed that ambition.
she enrolled for the pgce, graduated two months ago and is currently teaching in a school.
i trust that things will fall in pleasant places for you.
with reference to future projects:
they sound very exciting and please let me know if there’s anyway i can help through the blog or magazine.
which reminds me, thank you so much for contributing to last months edition of the magazine.
i truly appreciate it.
take care
ayo recently posted..The Eighteenth Edition Of The Life Skills Magazine Is Out Now!!
Hi Ayo, thanks for the awesome comment, I appreciate you sharing it here!
That’s wonderful to hear about your sister-in-law, it sounds like she’s moved onto better and brighter things. She took the opportunity and made gold out of it.
Thanks for having me over at Life Skills so often as well, it means a lot to be featured so regularly. I value all you do Ayo
Hey Stu, I’m going to say congratulations – I have a feeling this is going to be a really great step for you.
And holy shit, you’ve got a lot of irons in the fire – I’m really excited to see what comes of it all – particularly your project with Robert!
Danny @ Firepole Marketing recently posted..The Secrets Revealed: Why Marketing Never Changes
Thanks Danny, I seem to taken a bit of inspiration from yourself and got plenty going on!
I’ll keep you posted as to how things are going, I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be great
Nice Stu!
Definitely know the redundant feeling. But I love your plan of action. And I think your biggest piece of advice here is don’t get into a job you don’t like. I think we need to get rid of the “a jobs a job” mentality. A job is what you will spend a big chunk of your life doing. So make it count!
Definitely dig challenging yourself to new things as well. I’ve got a list going on my chalkboard of new shit to do, and it definitely keeps me from hitting that redundancy wall.
It’s a pleasure to meet you Chris, and welcome to Unlock The Door! It seems you’ve arrived at a pivotal moment
It’s not a nice feeling being made redundant, but I’ve since learned to view things from a positive angle. Otherwise, you run the risk of ‘hitting the wall’, as you put it.
What have you got going on then Chris? I’m genuinely intrigued
Hi, Stu.
I’d like to say I’m sorry about the redundancy issue, but I will not…because if it opens doors for more growth and development for you, then I am glad that you were made redundant in that world you are soon leaving behind.
I am so happy and excited for the things that you have lined up for your future and I can’t wait to get my hands on your ebook. I am learning to read ebooks, but am still going to spend some money to have my favorite ones printed and bound, so they’d look like the real thing and I’m sure yours would be one of those. Will be checking on your guest posts, too.
So, congratulations on your new ventures! And have a blast in Nice with Sam. I’m sure you both deserve it.
Kim Davies recently posted..Are You Wasting Your Time Blogging or Doing 3D Renderings?
Thanks Kim, and no need to say sorry. As you said, this unlocks the door (lol!) for self-growth and bettering myself!
Your kind words are always appreciated, and it’s been a real pleasure to get to know you over the past few weeks. Your support means a lot to me, thanks Kim
Kim, what a great comment. I was going to say something along the same lines but you said it beautifully!
Carolyn recently posted..Tech-Knowledgy: What’s Data?
Stu, I gotta tell you man, for me this was the most inspired piece you’ve ever written. Why? Because you really put your cards out there, plain for the world to see, and you’ve clearly now got a vision. Ever since I started reading your blog, I wondered when you’d make the switch. I knew it was coming at some point, and I’m thrilled you’re going to give it your absolute attention now. So excited for you mate, I really am.
Marcus
Marcus Sheridan-The Sales Lion recently posted..The Amazing Power of One Tweet to Change Your Blog Forever
Thanks Marcus, so you knew all along? You’re quite the fortune-teller
I was inspired by Darren Rowse and Farnoosh Brock ‘making the switch’. It’s now time for the same to happen to me, and I’m ready for it. It’s gonna be fun
Sounds like you have a lot of great ideas. I find that (in my case at least) when things go wrong with one job, it’s a sign that it wasn’t right for me in the first place. I’ve always ended up somewhere better, and one day that somewhere better will be working on my own. The risk of possible hard times is worth the reward of the freedom to do the things I’ve wanted to my way. Good luck!
Kristi Hines recently posted..Measuring Social Media ROI and Goal Conversions with Google Analytics 5
Hi Kristi, thanks for visiting Unlock The Door! I really appreciate it.
I like to think that I’ll be working for myself one day, which is what I’m aiming for with these plans. It may take years, but that’s OK – I’ll just keep heading in that direction, no matter what.
Take care
Stu – like Marcus said above, you definitely put your cards out there man. I can definitely tell that you have been doing a lot of reflection over your vision and this is something that I believe is key. To me, this sounds like you are inspired and you know where you are going and how to get there!
It’s sometimes interesting to see the situations in which life has to put us so that we can gain a different perspective of how we perceive our reality. If you remember, the same thing happened to Pat over at the SPI blog.
This looks to me like the same thing.. What do say?
Anyway, I am glad you really understand your vision. You are ahead of many bloggers who want to establish a career for themselves leveraging the work they create through their blogs, simply by that one thing!
Way to do it, Stu!
Hector Avellaneda recently posted..My #1 Habit, You Should Consider Picking Up!
Hey Hector, thanks for the kind words amigo!
Yes, Pat Flynn had that similar situation – perhaps it’s a sign of the times?
I appreciate all the support that you’ve given me over the months Hector, and it’s been a real pleasure to get to know you and your blog
The pleasure is all on this side of the table brother!
Hector Avellaneda recently posted..How Much Should You Invest in an Internet Business to get Started!
Hi Stu,
My best wishes to you . Have a great day
Ashvini recently posted..First book published on Kindle- So you want to be an entrepreneur
Thanks Ashvini, I hope you have a great day too
What’s up Stu!
Man, you have all kinds of stuff in the pipe…from loosing a job, needing to find another, vacation, and all kinds of blog stuff.
I commend you in taking a break between jobs. It can be the difference maker as you allow your mind to refresh some. And considering you have a vacation placed with Sam…it works out perfectly.
I’m really looking forward to your blog additions. Curious what your consulting page will look like and I think the live interview idea is great.
In life, you’re not redundant at all man. You’re one of a kind.
Best to you!
Jk Allen recently posted..Who Needs a MBA (or any Degree) When You Have Hustle?
Hey Jk, the Hustler himself, always a pleasure to have you here!
Thanks for all your kind words, they mean a lot. And thanks for all the support you’ve given me over the months, I really appreciate it all.
I hope we stay in touch for a long time to come, I really do
Thanks for the mention Stu, and…of course, congratulations!
It’s going to be exciting. But it’ll also be stressful and frustrating at times (and then you’ll remember that you are no longer working in a job you don’t want to do).
Sounds like you have some big plans ahead. Wish you all the best!
Eugene recently posted..10 Step Action Plan to Get More Opt-in Subscribers
Thanks Eugene!
As I was planning this post, I remembered reading your own post about quitting your job, and I just knew it had to be mentioned here
I’ll be looking ahead to the great times and the bad, and I know that it’s all going to be worth it
I’m actually excited for you, Stu!
I look forward to watching Unlock the Door move into the upper echelons of the blogging world. You already have such amazing stuff here! I’ll be watching for the evolution of your blog with anticipation. Sounds like a lot of very exciting plans in store.
In the meantime, have fun on vacation and have fun transforming your life from a work-a-day stiff to something even more amazing!
Ken Wert recently posted..10 Ways to Act Yourself Happy
Hey Ken, thanks for stopping by!
I hope Unlock The Door makes that transition into ‘super blog’, only time will tell. I’ve got patience on my side
Thanks for your guest post too, I look forward to publishing that on the 12th
Stu,
I honor your honesty and openness that you have shared in this post. I have been in your exact situation. I actually just wrote a post about changing jobs that I think you should check out. You know I don’t just randomly throw links around if I didn’t think it added value.
I am proud of the progress that you have made in your writing here on Unlock the Door while doing it part time. I am excited to see how great it will become now that you will be doing it full time. There are tons of people with the experience that can help catipult you to the next level in your career, the one you create, right here in the comment section of your own site. And if you ever need any help you know I got your back.
I love how you broke down each and every avenue that you will be pursuing as it gives me hope about things I can accomplish. You didn’t let this situation stop you from moving forward. Now I vow as a part of your community to keep pushing you no matter how challenging things may get. I know you can do it. Look how far you have already come.
Stu you’re my hero!
Frank, I’ve read your comment many times now, and each time I’ve smiled!
Thanks for such an awesome comment, it really means a lot. I’ve got your back too, and if there’s ever anything you need just let me know.
I hope you keep pushing me on Frank, as I’ll be doing the same with you
Hi Stu,
I’m sure you’re going to think of this day as one of the best things that can happen to you. You’ve finally made it to the next stage, and now it’s all up to you what you want to be doing.
Have you thought about making it on your own? Or do you want to be working for a company? I have many friends who have started their own one-man show, and they are making a good living from doing what they have been dreaming of. It doesn’t sound that hard, if you just hustle… and you definitively got the skills.
Jens
Jens P. Berget recently posted..Tag and Filter Messages in Google+
Hey Jens! Thanks for the comment amigo, I really appreciate the kind words here.
I have played with the idea before, and it’s something I would like to do at some point. I’m just not sure whether it’s the right time at the moment. Still, there’s only one way to find out
I hope you’re having a great time on vacation Jens, you deserve it
I’m pretty sure the break up with your job will be the best thing that has happened to you. You are now put in a position to choose. What a great day to be alive and hold the balance of your fate. I say go for it head first and don’t look back…….After your vacay of course.
Brad recently posted..The Strings Of Your Life
Brad, I appreciate your kind words! I’ll charge forward with this, and I won’t have any regrets.
But, as you said, a little time in Nice comes first
Wow Stuart! Sounds like you have a lot going on. As they say “And this too shall pass.” Your job situation will be sorted out eventually. I am trying to blog my way out of my current job. For me, it is better to have a job while doing it. The stress of not being able to contribute to my family financially would drive me batty. Your strategy sounds good. Through great adversity comes great revelation.
Lisa H. recently posted..Using the Power of Momentum to Achieve Your Goals
Hey Lisa, it’s good to see (in a way) that we’re in a similar situation – we both want to blog our way to success.
I may need to get another job, who knows. Whatever the future brings though, I’ll grab it with both hands!
Thanks for stopping by
Stuart, where are you?
Bill Dorman recently posted..You can hide but you can’t blog
Sorry Bill, I reported late for duty!
I’ve been over and made a nuisance of myself, order is restored
Stuart..I like your blog bro..think I found it through a guest post or something. Hope to talk to you soon.
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
TrafficColeman recently posted..Syed Balkhi Specks His Mind on Seo and Web Design
Hi Coleman, yeah, I think it was my guest post on Christian’s site.
Great to see you there, and great to see you here! Thanks amigo
Hi Stu,
I have to admit that these days when I hear of someone being made redundant, I kind of want to say “Congratulations!” Because the number of people who say that redundancy is the ‘best thing that ever happened’ to them just seems to be growing and growing.
It definitely sounds like you’ll be numbered among them!!
Now you get to do what you love – and it sounds like you’ve got some great ideas and plenty of projects to keep you busy.
Best of luck with everything you’re doing! Looking forward to reading much more of your writing.
Hey Brigid, welcome to Unlock The Door, it’s a pleasure to have you here!
I wonder about redundancy – a lot of people that I’ve spoken to think it’s bad, but reading stories online, a lot think it’s good. I guess it’s whatever I choose to make of it. And as I’ve listed what I intend to do in this post, I’ll make a good meal out of it
Thanks for commenting Brigid
Ahhh … Stuart you’ll soar like the eagle you are! My words for you … Awesomeesimo!! Fantabulous! Stake your claim my friend, there’s a mountain just waiting to be conquered and if anyone could … it would be you!!
Be safe, be blessed, go make more of a difference than you already have! I can’t wait!!
Much kindness,
Elena
Elena Patrice recently posted..Small Business Owner, You Can’t Handle the Truth!
Aw, thanks Elena!
I’ll soar higher than I’ve ever soared before, and no matter what happens, I’ll enjoy the flight
Redundant. I think it’s a great experiencing because it opens new possibilities for your mind to run free with. For example, you have now made a vow to continue this blog and do great things with it! That’s pretty cool? Don’t ya think? (:
Hey Jonathan, it’s a pleasure to have you here! Welcome!
New possibilties come from new situations, and being redundant is definitely a new situation for me. I’ll use what I’ve got, and what I can, to take to the skies!
Hey Stuart,
Congratulations! I started blogging when I left my job… to just get back to my love for writing! But whatever works for the best! Realization is like half the battle won! Good for you… the changes sound amazing, looking forward to all that jazz!
Hajra recently posted..What now?
Hey Hajra!
The love of writing is something that has spurred me on for some years now, and I’m seriously looking forward to getting more involved in the ‘business’ side of things.
Thanks for commenting, as always
Hi Stu, I agree with Kim’s comments 100%. I believe this is a golden opportunity for you to pursue your passion and dive in head first to a blogging career. I wish you the best and will be eager to snatch up your ebook!
Just one comment. You are not redundant, your job is. Big difference. You are not your job, my friend. Even when you begin your new career working for yourself.
So relax in Nice. Get some amazing perspective (though you might want to stay away from the casinos in Monte Carlo while you’re there). And keep us posted when you return. We’ll be following and supporting your journey!
Carolyn recently posted..Tech-Knowledgy: What’s Data?
Thanks Carolyn, that means a lot. I’ll try to avoid those casinos
That’s a great comment about the job being redundant, I know for a fact that they would have kept me on if they could. But it’s time for a new chapter, and the wonderful potential beyond
I love your attitude Stu
! Best of luck to you my friend. I have no doubt that you will succeed in realizing your dreams. It seems you’ve got a heck of a plan and I for one am excited to see you go through with it.
It’s also nice to know that you were listening and decided to turn your value 101 series into an eBook
.
Hope you and Sam enjoy your vacation in Nice. I would definitely go around the area if I were you and head towards Cannes (only 20 min away) and Juan Les Pins, Monaco…I would tell you St. Tropez as well but it’s a bit further from Nice but of course well worth it if you have the time.
Thanks again for your wonderful guest post. It was a pleasure to host you.
Have a great Sunday.
Talk soon.
Cheers
Hey Griddy! I must be doing something right if you decide to comment on my posts
Thanks for all the kind words, I really appreciate it. I’ll keep you and everyone else posted on the happenings around Unlock The Door.
Take care, and thanks for giving me the chance to write for you Griddy
Stuart, I headed on over to Unlock the Door at the request of Ingrid Abboud and I’m glad I did. Funny, I had to read the first few paragraphs of this article before I exactly knew what you meant by redundancy.
Based on what I’ve read so far, I would like to say congratulation on your redundancy! Looking at your passion for writing this blog, it seems that redundancy is exactly what you need to take it to the next level.
Interestingly enough, it seems Srinivas Rao of The Skool of Life is going through the same experience. Though the two may a bit different in situation, I suggested that losing his job was exactly what he needed to take his blog and business to the next level. When I started my small business a few years back, I had the security of a severance check. It wasn’t until that money stopped rolling in before I really got serious about my business, and recently about my blog.
Excited about what opportunities you have in front of you, and to see where it all takes you! I look forward to getting to know your blog.
Adam Sokoloff recently posted..5 reasons why you CAN & SHOULD take on the GIANTS of business with Inbound Marketing
Hi Adam, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to Unlock The Door!
That’s great of Griddy to recommend me, I really appreciate it, and will thank her accordingly. And thanks for the kind words, I can only hope I power through life and make it to the next level.
Feel free to ask anything you need Adam, it’s great to have you here
Stu
i understand exactly what you are talking about
i got trapped in a job that i dont like and i was running in endless cycles, thankfully i managed to get rid of it:)
Hey Farouk, thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it
I know you predicted that this may happen Stuart but I still love your positive picking up of the torch and running with it. This doorway is about closing one behind you on a job and perhaps life that was there to support you while you grew and shone. Now you are asked to reach for more that’s contained within you so that it appears large and abundant in your meant to be future. I know you will, I know it is, I know you are capable of amazing things. Now, the world can witness it too!!
John Sherry recently posted..Have You A Bounce Buddy?
John, I predicted that I’d be losing my job, but I wasn’t able to predict what would happen with my blog at the time
Thanks for all the kind words, you have a poetic way of putting things! I hope the world shines on you too with your new domain too
Glad I found your blog, Stu. I was laid off last year after being in IT (computer industry) for over 30 years. Talk about being made redundant, they only need 1 of everything in this economy any longer. That’s a good thing, see I was already hellbent on getting out anyway and I’m glad I did.
Not doing what you really love is always a mistake, but the money makes it necessary somehow. We don’t realize that getting into something we love would be more fulfilling, and eventually would pay the bills as well. I’m doing what I love now, and getting better at it all the time so making more money as well. I hope this works out for you, but I can already tell it will since you seem to have a passion for it!
Best of luck, Derek
Derek recently posted..Rental Agreement
Hi Derek, welcome to Unlock The Door, it’s great to have you here!
Sorry to hear about your redundancy, but it sounds like you made the most of your opportunities! I hope I follow suit and make money doing what I love.
Take care
Stu,
You have just the right attitude and plenty of plans to keep you busy and going for years to come. Better than being trapped in a job and with your passion and interests, I’m certain that you will have a lot to offer others as well as fulfilling work for yourself.
This can definitely lead the way to bigger and better things. Just today I read a guest post by Farouk Radwan, on http://giuliettathemuse.com/blog/solving-your-life-problems/ a success story about how he turned to full-time blogging after losing everything on the stock market.
Penelope J. recently posted..Reasons to Be Thankful
Hey Penelope, thanks for the kind words, I really do appreciate them. And I hope bigger and better things come my way!
Thanks for providing the link to Farouk’s article, I’ll check that out now
Hi Stu, first time commenting, not first read though. Congrats on your decision! My girlfriend and I decided the same, and even though we struggle with money, we know that we can’t go back to a full time job, this is simply too much fun.
With what you got in the pipeline for us I think you owe not getting another job:-)
Great trip to Nice!
Jannick Kjaer recently posted..House Sitting in Costa Rica
Hey Jannick, thanks for dropping your first-time comment! It was a pleasure to read it!
That’s great to hear you and Jenny are having fun doing what you love doing – that’s a state where I want to be at. Actually, it’s a state where everyone wants to be at, but most let the fear overtake them and prevent them for living big.
I hope I don’t fall into that category
Stu
I was made redundant last year, just before Xmas but I have the added disadvantage of being over 50.
In this current economic climate, you have to think a little outside the box and I am just starting a site for people who have been made redundant who may be interested in starting an internet business.
I am aiming to pass on the information I have learned so they don’t make the same mistakes I did and can save time and money.
Neil Johnson recently posted..Being Laid Off, Facing Redundancy or Already Redundant?
Hi Neil, welcome to Unlock The Door!
Although I now have a new (and better) job, I can sympathise with you – my Dad has been recently made redundant, and he’s 55.
I’ll be sure to pass on your site to my Dad, and anyone else that needs it. Thanks for stopping by
Thank you for sharing your experiences of redundancy. It is interesting, because you have seen that redundancy can be an opportunity if you look at it in a positive light. Many people stay in their jobs, even if they are not that satisfied, because they are unsure or afraid of how to change or what to change to. Sometimes redundancy can be a blessing in disguise as it forces people to reevaluate their lives. In some cases however, people do not see this and instead sink into a state of hopelessness, despair and frustration with their situation. I hope people will see that the first option is by far the better one to choose.
Steve invites you to read more about how career change can be inspirational at Change of Career
Thank you for the kind words Steve!
Yes, it was difficult at first, but I’ve since learned that without the troublesome times, then I wouldn’t have been able to look at myself and realise where it was I wanted to be. Today, I know that there will be more difficulties to come, but I’m stronger and more confident in my ability to deal with them.
Take care my friend
{ 5 trackbacks }