Tip No. 179
Q. I was laid off in December, and I just don’t feel like rushing right back to work. I was employed in Corporate America for over 17 years and I’d like to explore my other options. Do you have any ideas about where to get started?
A. While it doesn’t seem wise to abandon the network of opportunities you may have developed over the past 17 years, it does make sense to investigate independent business options. Perhaps you have the skills and the drive to begin a small business venture or to begin consulting work. The library is a good place to begin your search for information about starting a small business, however, do not rely on books as your sole source of information about what it takes to tap into these markets. Gather information from people who are already self-employed, ask questions about what it takes to get started, and what is required to operate on your own both financially and personally. Additionally, the government has a Small Business Administration website that might have some valuable information: http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov. Finally, it might help to volunteer your time doing what you hoped to be paid to do in the future to see if you can develop some future contacts or clients.
CMI Career Management International
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