Take Control of Your Career: Why Now is the Best Time to Build Your Own

Right now, companies are making tough decisions—layoffs, restructurings, budget cuts—and even the most dedicated employees, from entry-level workers to top executives, are feeling the impact. If you’ve been affected, or if the uncertainty in your industry keeps you up at night, here’s something you need to hear: you have more power than you think:

Instead of waiting for a company to dictate your future, why not take charge of it? This moment, scary as it might seem, could actually be your best opportunity to build something of your own. Whether it's launching a business, starting a nonprofit, or freelancing your way to financial independence, now is the time to bet on yourself.

Job Security Is an Illusion

For decades, people believed that if you worked hard, stayed loyal, and climbed the corporate ladder, you’d be rewarded with stability. But today? That ladder has missing rungs, shaky footing, and sometimes—it's just straight-up gone.

Mass layoffs are hitting every industry—tech, finance, media, healthcare. No one is immune. Even executives and long-term employees aren’t safe. Ten, fifteen, even twenty years at a company doesn’t guarantee job security. The economy is shifting, but opportunities exist, especially for those who are willing to adapt.

Mindset Shift: From Employee to Leader

Losing a job (or fearing you might) can feel like a loss of control. But what if it’s actually an invitation to level up? Being laid off isn’t a failure, it’s a redirection. It’s life telling you, 'Hey, maybe there’s something better for you.'

Employees depend on companies; entrepreneurs create opportunities. The question is: do you want to be at the mercy of layoffs, or do you want to take the driver’s seat? This can come in the form of starting a business or being the founder of a nonprofit. Starting a nonprofit is leadership in action. If you see a problem in the world that needs solving, maybe you’re the person to solve it.

Takeaway: Instead of asking, 'Why is this happening to me?' ask, 'What can I build from here?' This shift in perspective is the first step toward independence.

Your Fast Track to Freedom

Think you need a million-dollar idea or an investor to start a business? Nope. Today, solopreneurs (one-person businesses) are thriving, and you can too—with nothing but a laptop, WiFi, and your expertise.

Monetize What You Already Know: Can you teach? Consult? Design? Write? Manage projects? Businesses and individuals are already paying for skills you might have.

Low-Cost Startups Are Winning: From coaching to digital products to subscription services, many businesses require little to no overhead.

Find Clients Fast: Platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, and social media make it easier than ever to connect with people who need what you offer.

Takeaway: You don’t need investors, fancy offices, or a business degree. You need a valuable skill, an audience, and a way to offer something they need.

Turning Passion into Purpose

Maybe your goal isn’t just financial freedom—maybe it’s impact. If you have a cause you care about deeply, starting a nonprofit could be your way to change lives while building a meaningful career.

Why Nonprofits Matter:

✔ They solve real problems that businesses often ignore.

✔ Funding is out there—grants, donations, corporate sponsorships, and government funding can help get you started.

✔ You don’t need to be rich to start one—just passionate and strategic.

Steps to Get Started:

1. Define your mission—what problem are you solving?

2. Handle the legal setup (nonprofit status, board members, etc.) or have The Dates Group organize this for you.

3. Start fundraising—community donations, crowdfunding, grants. (Grants is where The Dates Group comes in).

4. Spread awareness through social media and networking.

Takeaway: If you want to create real change, a nonprofit might be your path to both purpose and financial sustainability.

Feeling Hired Up Yet?

Good!  Now, let’s turn that energy into action.

Step 1: Assess Your Skills - What are you great at? What do people ask you for help with? Hint: That’s probably something you can monetize.

Step 2: Validate an Idea - Before going all-in, test it out. Offer your service on a small scale. Would people actually pay for it?

Step 3: Test the Waters - Freelance, consult, sell a digital product, or offer a service before quitting your job (if you still have one).

Step 4: Find Support - Join entrepreneur communities, masterminds, or nonprofit groups.

You don’t have to do this alone.

Takeaway: Start before you’re ready. You don’t need to have everything figured out—you just need to take the first step.

You Hold the Power to Shape Your Future

Losing a job, facing layoffs, or feeling uncertain about your future doesn’t mean you’ve lost control. In fact, this moment could be the greatest turning point of your career—if you decide to take action.

Whether you launch a business, start a nonprofit, or build a side hustle that grows into something bigger, you have the ability to create your own opportunities.

So what’s your next move? Will you wait for a company to dictate your future? Or will you take the leap and start building something that’s truly yours? The choice is yours. And there’s never been a better time to bet on yourself.

If this resonated with you, let’s talk!

Chi Dates

Nonprofit Strategist, Grants Project Manager

The Dates Group

cdates@thedatesgroup.com

(312)898-0042