Adulting Up, and When Things Don't Go Your Way
There are times, despite all best efforts and intentions, that Things Just Don't Go Your Way, or at least not the way you planned. Sometimes it doesn't effect just you, either; sometimes it has the potential to effect a lot of people. It can kinda make a person feel like this:
When I was hired into my current position it was with the specific goal and intent of supporting our single largest customer. We're a startup, they are a huge Fortune 100 company, and they spent $2 million on us in January of 2021 (when I started). It was a good thing. We have other customers, but none like that.
We have been finishing Project Number 1 for them and have ironed out the details of Project Number 2. It was just as big, with just as big a price tag. We were happy. They were happy. Kumbaya and unicorns were every day. With that sale, a few other sales we have made and a couple of partnerships completed, we were ready to begin a $40 million Round B investment. More unicorns.
Well. Large Company recently went through a Big Shakeup, to the point that we no longer know who our contacts should be. Project Number 2 is now in doubt and, with it, plans for the entire company. Yes. This sucks.
Needless to say, today left a lot of us feeling a little numb. More than a little numb. All is not lost, but it is not looking good, either. At the current rate we are burning through cash, the company will be out of money by March. There are always variables, of course; the sale could happen; other sales could happen; we could be bought by another company! Really. There are a number of possibilities.
It leaves a person wondering what to do. What does a person do when things go south, or look like that is where they are headed?
At times like this I do not think about any words of wisdom my parents would have shared, because there was none. Rather, at times like this I like to think about what I would tell my own children. In this case, that conversation would roll around "how to make things better," or, "how do we solve this situation."
I am not one of the executives. My goal is not to build a plan for the company. I am a Solutions Architect (fancy name for I.T. Nerd), and my goal is to build a plan for my family.
The negative is that, unless things turn around quick, we are going to see layoffs. With a company of less than 100 people (really, less than 40 people), one doesn't need to look far.
The positive is that we have some time. At least a couple of months. So, my goals and plans are really quite simple. What would I advise my children? That's simple, as the best truth's are: don't panic. Focus on the things in your control. Do what you can to mitigate potential issues.
So I am once again entering the job search market. I'm not a big fan - I need to update my resume (blah). But there is something out there.
What really strikes me, though, is my need and desire to diversify my income stream. I have a couple of side-hustles that have sat stagnate. It really is time to get them up and moving. The dilemma is that I know I can do it, but amongst being a parent, working and, now, looking, time is a premium. I will need to better structure my day. That will be hard, because I do get distracted so easily. For instance, there is currently a spider running along the floor, and it is fascinating me.
I shall take ownership of my issues and course correct from stimuli external to me. Wailing and panicking will solve no issues; unless, of course, you're a hungry infant, in which case that is precisely what you need to do.
(c) All images and photographs, unless otherwise specified, are created and owned by me.
(c) Victor Wiebe
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Sometimes photographer. Wannabe author. Game designer. Nerd.
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I'm not sure there's really anything a person can say to this sort of thing, nothing that'll be adequate anyway. What's important is you're taking ownership of your future (CV update and job search) and that's about all there is you can do. It may light a fire under you on those side-gigs, may bring some stress and anxiety, but ownership, discipline and action will ultimately win the day...meaning you'll move things forward one way or the other.
Just on the big client. They're great to have, but terrible to lose. I think having a whale like that can breed a little complacency, the rest on your laurels situation. I like whale clients, but I never cease to fish for the tunas and sardines as it's those that can provide some stability and mitigate risk. If fishing for whales and one gets away it's devastating as they are often few and far between. When fishing for sardines and tuna and a few get away, it's not as damaging. I think you know what I mean.
Good luck, keep us apprised, and get after it.
Yep, that about sums it all up. I'll do what I need and make sure that all works out. For all I know the deal will be signed by the end of the month and it'll be business as usual, but I'd rather take control of what is in my control and not let my fate be dictated by external circumstances.
Taking control of one's future (and actions) is legit. Good work.
No matter how large corporate company is today, things do go wrong and not much is done to turn it around. With a few months in hand hopefully this is not the case, markets desperately trying to rectify after long break.
Whether one holds down steady employment which is easier to plan around, we should all have a plan B as nothing today stands on firm ground. Delve into a variety of income streams.
!LUV
@joanstewart(3/10) gave you LUV.
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Yes, exactly! I've been wanting to do this for awhile and, I suppose, it's all on me for why it isn't yet done. Time to rectify that.
You penned it down now to get the ball rolling, fully aware of what is happening is better than being caught with your pants down.
How did I miss this? I flew by you in Pennsylvania and this? I am batting 1000. Sorry. I know I cannot do anything, but, I can help you worry. Or drink in your name, yes?
At this point, there is nothing I can say, but, I already know that it will work in your favor, having taken ownership and you being all fired up. Everything going on around you is having a ripple effect, and right now it is affecting the whole company because nobody knows exactly what is/what will be going on. It is unclear how to help/do anything when the feedback loops are still.
You are on top of it, at least you know what you have to do. I wish you luck, Victor. I throw a bit of holy water on you.
You just never know, right?
Let us know how it goes.
It was said long ago by a certain bloke called Nat Ure or something. Those who adapt will survive. It's true for businesses, too, not only lizards. So, that's why I am kind of angry that our business refuses to take steps towards change that I've been pushing since this time last year. I am not a fan of soft landings but of failing fast and trying out another path.
Easier said than done ;)
Very true! Sitting stagnant is a sure way to watch everyone else succeed without you. The argument "We've never done that before" is, honestly, the best argument to actually do it.