Unexpected timing to change jobs just before crisis. Over the last 20 years, I’ve learned that a career is like a roller coaster. It’s our perspective that shapes how we feel during this crazy ride. Including, it’s the fuel we need to survive an extreme recession.
2000 dotcom bust
When I graduated from college, I started working for a digital consulting firm and was thrilled to be at the center of the ‘Internet Age’. Little did I know I was in a “dotcom bust.” Less than a year later, I found myself unemployed and wondered what had happened.
After the initial shock, I mustered the courage and never took the GMAT once or twice. five Doubled (I wanted a better grade) and signed up for business school. With my MBA, I was ready to re-enter the job market. After painstaking preparation and his 50 subsequent interviews, I landed a position in his research on equities evaluating retailers like American Eagle for investors.I knew I would hit the learning curve hard, so I was ready to take on the challenge. one more Economic Crisis – Cripple the financial industry this time. Lehman Brothers went bankrupt just a month after my new job started.
At that time I felt very uncomfortable and often frightened, An economic crisis is inevitable. But despite the uncertainty and risk, the time is ripe for innovation and opportunity. This is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned and a pro tip for others. When in doubt, always say yes and hop on the roller coaster.
join retail in a recession
In 2008 the recession hit and my company went bankrupt. I got a new position in 2009 with his former client, Saks. Instead, I saw this move as an opportunity to dive deeper into the burgeoning e-commerce industry.
Launched new businesses and transformed the way physical stores (and their e-commerce arm) operate. I also learned the value of building a strong business foundation. This lesson has helped me launch my own business. In navigating through the economic downturn, my advice to anyone changing jobs is to question the status quo, explore the market opportunities behind the scenes (after all, not everything turns out the way you want it!), and figure out how to do it. It’s about looking. towards An opportunity when others walk away. Startups like Venmo and Airbnb, for example, were born out of needs discovered during the recession and are now among the most respected companies.
“get a real job”
Anyone who’s ever been told to “get a real job” can learn many valuable lessons. I distinctly remember being embarrassed by this comment when my senior at Saks said to me by his leader. But what this person meant was that instead of just focusing on climbing the vertical career ladder, real Experience at the heart of business. During my time at Saks, I wasn’t part of the daily shuffle of buying products and negotiating with vendors that is the core of any retail company. I was missing the core experience.
This lesson was painful at the time, but I appreciate their honesty and feel it is very important to pass on the following advice. all Feedback — good, bad, honest. Find a mentor who wants to have difficult conversations with you to advance your career, and step outside the boundaries of your job description whenever possible.
“Great Reassessment”
Nine months into my position at Lyft, COVID-19 struck. Running this kind of business during a pandemic is he one of the biggest growth opportunities in my career. I learned that being able to pivot from a well-constructed plan is an important tool for resilience. This has not only helped Lyft maintain its success, but it has also helped me blaze new trails.
Ever since I was a kid helping my dad sell computers, I’ve always wanted to build a business from scratch.So I quit Lyft and co-founded Mixo— again in the midst of economic turmoil, devastating wars, and at the end of a 13-year bull market in venture capital investment. But I took a risk because I saw an opportunity to radically improve the world of social media more positively and bring more connection, joy and cultural interaction to consumers through food sharing.
Changing jobs is scary, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from taking a radical leap, it’s terrible Economic downturns are ideal times to rewrite history and take risks. Say “yes” (especially when others say “no”), look for hidden opportunities that aren’t superficially obvious, work on projects outside of your own work, welcome as much feedback as possible, and above all, follow your heart too. Those who welcome them will be rewarded.
Shirley Romig is co-founder and CEO of Mixo, a social media app dedicated to foodies around the world.
