Because of the recent drop in oil prices, many people have been laid off or are expecting that this will happen in the near future. Some tell me that this is just a cycle and that they will "wait it out". That's a good plan if you have a huge savings account or a rich uncle who is willing to support the family in the meantime!
Many are finding it difficult to obtain other jobs. Employers don't want to hire them when they are over-qualified or have plans to return to their old jobs if/when they are available again.
It's not just those in the oil industry, however, who sit and wait hoping for circumstances to change. Some people buy lottery tickets thinking that a big win will solve all their problems. Others believe that the right romantic interest will show up and life will then be filled with wonderful happiness. Many think that a change in government will solve issues and make life better for all individuals.
Well, the reality is that it might take years for the economy to improve. Most people never win the big prizes offered by the lottery. Romance can result in hurt and government cannot solve every problem.
If you want things to change for the better, you likely need to change them yourself.
What would happen if you invested all the money that you have spent on lottery tickets in the past? Maybe you have been able to purchase the boat, house or trip that you figure a big win would have allowed you to buy?
Instead of waiting for months without having an income or doing work that you really don't like, could you have retrained? I know lots of people who didn't like their jobs or were laid off and refused to be vulnerable. They registered for College and before they knew it, doors opened up with interesting opportunities.
You can be miserable for years in a job or instead invest time and energy for a short time in order to be ready for a suitable new career. I told my son not to think of it as studying for two years to earn a diploma. It is really just twelve weeks and then Christmas break followed by twelve weeks and then summer vacation. Do this twice and you have a diploma. Do it four times and you have a degree! (He is now in the last few months of his degree and can't believe how quickly time passed).
Dr. Suess, in "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" describes the worst place in life as "the waiting place" where everyone is just waiting.
Well, as you know, I believe that life is a series of choices. You can choose to wait or you can do something to make life better.
Begin today by making a list of things that you would like to have or do. Break these dreams down into small steps and, beside each step write the date when you want to complete it. Now you have some goals and are on your way to taking back control of your world!
You are in the driver's seat!