Comments on: Recession Proof Jobs, Santa Claus And The Easter Bunny

By: Marla Tabaka

Marla Tabaka — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:11:39 +0000

Great post Jonathan! I’ve always chuckled at the thought of being labeled a “risk taker” if you’re self-employed. Riding the train downtown, walking a mile each way, being locked into someone else’s expectations and schedule, and missing my kids grow up was far more of a risk for my health, sanity, and happiness than being self-employed! I am responsible for the life I create for myself – and I love it!
Thanks for sharing Jonathan!

By: Mitchell York

Mitchell York — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:08:02 +0000

I think your points are on the money, Jonathan. These days, most people will assume that it’s no more risky to try self-employment than to keep working for “the man.” People need to assess whether they have what it takes to be entrepreneurs, but if they do, there’s never been a better time. For those who are fortunate enough to have regular employment–they need to focus on how to stay employed while they perhaps think of their next move. There’s never been a time where you need more political skills (which we now call Emotional Intelligence). If you play the game well, you can keep your job while you plan your breakaway. Love your blog (and book)!

By: Men at Work | Travelin' Local

Men at Work | Travelin' Local — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:08:52 +0000

[...] do and earn’ can definitely cause stress; but it might also be a chance to take your career in a different direction or maybe You are the President of Your [...]

By: When I Grow Up - The Blog » Blog Archive » Freakin’ (Great Links) Friday: Installment 15

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:30:04 +0000

[...] ’s Recession Proof Jobs, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny is a great article to read again and again when you’re just too scared to make the leap to be [...]

By: Ollie Hicks

Ollie Hicks — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:00:33 +0000

In the UK there is a added risk associated with self-employment. It is much harder to claim any benefits should your business fail and your period of self-employment come to an end, than if you had been employed.

I think this is an error and a disincentive to self-employment, and fixing it would provide a stimulus to the economy and a drop in unemployment figures.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:12:41 +0000

I think that it is really wrong that everyone in society thing that going out and find a job is the safe option. I really makes me mad, because I honestly believe that it is the opposite. I don’t see how it is safer to work for someone else, your fate is in their hands. If they want to lay you off they can. But when you work for yourself you decide your fate. Yes their are some risks involved working for yourself but working for someone else and hoping they don’t lay you off is much riskier.

By: Chris Sansone, Butler NJ Web Designer

Chris Sansone, Butler NJ Web Designer — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:28:46 +0000

I have been having this conversation with people more often recently, the safety and security of a regular job.

Even before the economy started really heading south, I never thought it was very safe. Then I had the opportunity to work for a medium sized company in a position where I could see dollar amounts.

If we employees did a better job, the company coffers filled up at quite an astounding rate. Our checks were still the same old thing at the end of the week though.

In lieu of perceived stability, I’d rather have the chance to do a better job and have something to show for it.

Yes, it’s stressful and it can be downright scary sometimes, but ultimately I’m capped only by my own abilities and determination.

By: When I Grow Up - The Blog » Blog Archive » Freakin’ (Great Links) Friday: Installment 14

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:10:29 +0000

[...] Recession Proof Jobs, Santa Claus & The Easter Bunny on Awake @ the Wheel delve into the myth that working for someone else is the “safe” think to do. [...]

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:49:05 +0000

You are right, nobody is safe in this economy; even high-paid executives are being laid off. With your own business, you truly are in control, and you know you won’t get laid off by someone else, although there is always the chance your business could fail. Also, nice analogy between recession proof jobs and the fictional characters.

By: Matthew Markee

Matthew Markee — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:23:26 +0000

Many in small business/entrepreneurship will clearly echo your points as seen in the comments above. For those still in Corporate America, the key is to begin taking action to create options and discover the path. Many will sit in the “safety” of their jobs and never reach out to learn about getting into a path they truly desire. The solution won’t come to you. Thanks for the post to give people a wake up call!