Now Is The Time To Turn Your Passion Into Profits

We are in the third week of unemployment claims in the millions, totaling around 16.8 million (reported) jobless claims. Now, more than ever, innovation and creativity will fuel the economy.

Photo by Garrhet Sampson on Unsplash

About four years ago I was laid off. I was working at a small PR firm in Boston managing social media strategy for a variety of clients. At the same time, I was still writing and speaking, with some personal development coaching clients mixed in.

A few short months prior to the layoff, I had just moved into a new apartment and had planned on using it as a starting point for building a new life. But the universe had other plans.

Considering nearly 17 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the last 3 weeks (upon writing this), a few of you can probably relate.

I have always been unorthodox in my career decisions. Having grown up in an entrepreneurial family, I always valued freedom and autonomy. That translates to a non-traditional resume that made it more difficult to land interviews and jobs.

But, bills must be paid. So I made a decision.

I went all-in. I went all-in on branding myself, creating virtual online courses, selling coaching programs and packages, pitching speaking engagements, writing daily.

I knew I needed to carve my own path and take the reins. I’d been laid off and fired enough times before to know that things can change at a moment’s notice when someone else is in control. Hell, even when they aren’t.

I’ve been doing my own thing ever since.

Now due to coronavirus shutdowns, millions are finding themselves in the same boat. I was fortunate and was living on my own, single, with no children. Many have far more responsibility than I had then, and feel lost or hopeless.

While it may not feel like it, this is an opportunity. Everyone out there has a skill or value-add they can bring to the table. Perhaps you’ve got an eye for branding, maybe you’re a phenomenal singer, or artist, or videographer.