How To Start Over For GenXers (Or Anyone Really) Amid The Great Resignation

The Great Resignation is something that I never anticipated happening in my lifetime. The fact that employees and entrepreneurs have so much power in today’s economy is absolutely stunning. It’s something we should all take advantage of, so if you aren’t in your most optimal position and thinking about starting over, now is the time. But, as a Gen Xer you may be thinking you’re too well established, or that it’s too late to start anew. But I’m here to tell you that it is never too late.?

In 2015 I lost my job and with it 90% of our income, my husband had just started a new business and I was our sole earner. At the time it felt like the world was crashing down in slow motion. I didn’t have the same kind of leverage as employees do now, so even the thought of starting over was daunting. In the moment when you’re uncomfortable and feeling hopeless it seems endless, but I wish I knew just how temporary it was – just a season, and like all seasons it passed. Starting over can be scary, but know as long as you keep trying and set yourself up for success it will all be worth it, and you will have learned a valuable lesson along the way. Here are the steps I took when I had to begin again.

Find a community to support you

No matter who you are or how independent you perceive yourself to be, you still need a support system. Even if you are a solopreneur, having people to commiserate with and bounce ideas off of is a must. Finding an amazing coach that can guide you through your journey is a great first step in any budding entrepreneurship. For me Hera Hub was my saving grace. Hera Hub is a coworking space that is geared towards women, with an amazing spa-like atmosphere. The collaboration of women in this space is wonderful and something that all entrepreneurs should experience. In fact Hera Hub now has a global community that is there to support you every day of the week. So find yourself a community that will lift you up and you will already be ahead of the game.?

Start trading services for things you need to get done

One of the most important things you can do at the onset of any business venture is to use your resources to your advantage. Don’t sell yourself short, you will always have something to offer that someone else wants, even if you think you don’t. For example, if you are venturing out on your entrepreneurial journey and developing a public relations business, but you are in need of a website and lack the tech savvy or time to create your own, you may benefit from a web designer and in turn can provide them with some public relations services. There are all types of goods and services that other entrepreneurs are looking for, so utilize your bartering powers to elevate your own business.?

Get video testimonials

When reinventing yourself, social proof is crucial. When someone is pleased with the product or service you have offered, ask them for a review. Better yet, ask them if you can get a video testimonial. You can either have them record their own or conduct it yourself, interview style. The more personal the validation can get the better, so if they are willing to share a personal anecdote about an interaction they had with you then capture that and utilize it on your landing page. These days social proof and referrals are some of the most important tools an entrepreneur has in their toolbox. When embarking on a fresh start, make sure you focus on testimonials as soon as you have satisfied consumers. Capitalize on those “warm fuzzies” they’re getting from your product or service, to help solidify the reputation of your new business venture.

Utilize Linkedin?

LinkedIn is one of the most important spaces you can show up when starting anew. Having a strong social presence is incredibly important, but LinkedIn in particular can connect you with like-minded professionals, those that you may even want to partner with at some point. Create as much relevant content as possible to help raise awareness and bring attention to your new undertaking. Network as much as you can through LinkedIn, so that you can foster new relationships and make connections with people that you might be able to collaborate or trade services with at a later date. I have connected with my biggest clients through Linkedin and I hear this same sentiment often from my colleagues and peers.

Offer yourself grace and have a solid morning routine

When I was starting over, one of the things I wished I had known and really recognized is the importance of self care.? Being kind, gentle, and patient with myself.? At the time I had so much judgment and shame that added an immeasurable amount of weight on my shoulders.? Eventually I knew that in order to heal I needed to lift that weight and find myself again underneath it all.? I developed a disciplined meditation and yoga morning routine that nothing gets in the way of, so I am sure to take some time for myself every single day.??

If you find yourself today struggling in your current position and trying to reimagine your future, start by finding your tribe, trading services, securing social proof, utilizing social media and establishing a morning routine. Soon enough you will be taking action to reinvent yourself and be whoever you want to be.? It’s a chance to reevaluate what was working for you and what wasn’t, and if you embrace the process it can be one of the best learning experiences you will ever have.???