I’ve taken my time getting back to full-time work after getting laid off. Although many of my former co-workers jumped back into the workforce immediately upon dismissal, I chose a different path. I decided to spend time getting to know myself again, even though I already had an intimately close relationship with the guy staring back at me in the mirror.
When I got out of college in May of 1991, I searched for a job by jumping through hoops. At times, I worked three jobs that required me to be awake for 24 hours at a rip while giving my time to three different businesses. When I finally landed a second full-time job in August of that year, I gently let go of the reins and found myself holding only one job a short time later, figuring I would stay for about five years at the most and gain as much experience as possible.
In the blink of an eye, 10 years passed like the wind blowing clouds across the sky… then 20… then 30. Heading toward 35 years of service, I was content to settle in and ride the wave to the beach before picking up my surfboard and walking into the sunset. I had become accustomed to the vacation time I had accrued and the flexibility that was offered. I had also started working from home, where I found it much easier to be more productive without the nonstop interruptions that always prevented any type of consistent flow from one day to the next in the office. Wasted time in unnecessary meetings and continuous distractions and drama throughout the office made it more difficult to focus and concentrate.
Then, in late January of last year, we had a meeting in which we were told that “where we work from” would be changing. Although most people missed the point, I knew it meant the office in Queensbury, N.Y., would most likely see massive cuts. The prediction I made to some of my co-workers was coming to the forefront sooner than I had anticipated. When we were told we would be working from home a few years earlier, I gave it no more than 10 years until the office would be non-existent. It didn’t take half the time that I thought it would to basically decimate the workforce.
About a year ago, I was one of the first to go. I found it to be unusually rewarding. I would finally have a chance to do what I truly wanted to do. However, I wasn’t exactly sure what that might be. Collecting severance and working some part-time jobs, I took a deep breath and found new life. Finally, I narrowed down my choices and found something I could do well and realized I might as well give it a shot. I’m a storyteller, and I enjoy telling stories. Using true stories to promote businesses and the people who comprise the workforce allows consumers to get a deeper appreciation for the products they use. It creates a personal connection that can’t be found by scrolling through social media watching reels and looking at pictures.
So where does this leave me? While I’m still plugging along looking for something that will allow me to live the life I want to live, I’m also taking on the challenge of being a storyteller of businesses. Why take the marketing approach everyone else takes and plaster insignificant nothingness on social media platforms? While some of that does, indeed, work, it has come to the point that there’s so much of it being done now, people keep scrolling and never really notice it. Why not take a chance on a person who can tell your story in a unique, captivating way that holds your intended audience’s attention and gives them a better idea about the company, the products and the extravagant results than can be achieved when using your stuff?
If you’re still reading this, think about the companies that some of you own, the companies that employ some of you, and the products you use and the reason why you use them. I can gladly work with you or your employer to create the vision you have for your company through content creation and storytelling. While my background isn’t in marketing, the paths I’ve walked in this life have allowed me to further my skills in communications and learn how to relate to people from all backgrounds. After writing three books and maintaining three on-line blogs, I’ve learned how to reach people on a personal level, draw attention and sell products.
As most of you know, my specialty revolves around archery products and the outdoor industry, which is where I would ultimately like to end up on this journey. However, with a little research, some interviews and diving into unknown depths, I can tell a unique story about anything, even if I know nothing about it prior to tackling the project. After all, I’m a creative writer and love what I do. It’s my job to be creative and think in ways others don’t consider. It’s my job to tell an unforgettable story.
If any of this piques your curiosity — or might pique the curiosity of the company for whom you work — feel free to reach out, and we will get the ball rolling to bring attention to your business.I’d love to converse with anyone about what I have to offer, including social media content development.
Standing here looking across the horizon is still a little scary, but at least I’m staying busy, looking for new ventures, and doing what I can to open new doors and help people tap into the hidden secrets in my mind that I can see across the valley. Stand beside me and let me show you what I see.
