(This article was first published on 3/10/09 at Examiner.com.)
A quick search on Google for the phrase “recession proof” produces more than five million results. Obviously the blight of the economy has caused many to adopt a defensive position when it comes to their finances, careers, and life – all for good reason. Every day the media is plagued with news of layoffs, cutbacks and economic stress. Despite this, working moms needn’t follow the grim attitude of the masses.
There are two truisms that enable working moms to thrive during today’s economic climate – the knowledge that the U.S. economy will move out of its current stagnation eventually and the fact that motherhood is the ultimate training ground that enables moms to manage uncertainty, stress and change. Coupled together, working moms are perfectly positioned to thrive.
The economy fluctuates; this is an established truth. Mid-20th century economist Joseph Schumpeter and other suggested these fluctuations move in cycles, or periods of rapid economic growth and periods of decline. Some, like editor of the Sovereign Strategist Mark Rostenko, believe that the recession is a necessary evil that is designed to “clean the ‘fat’ out of the system, mop up excess, and pave the way for the next expansion.” As painful as it is, a recession is a natural part of the economic cycle and it will turn around.
Of course, this knowledge doesn’t ease the real-life difficulties facing working moms today. Fortunately, motherhood brings with it unique skills that can help. The skills normally used as a mother can easily be used to deal with the circumstances that affect finances, career and life. Here are three core skills that can help:
Moms are creative problem solvers.
Every day moms are faced with problems that must quickly, and often creatively, be solved. If a mom can create a makeshift diaper from a roll of paper towels, then she can certainly come up with a solution to a sudden cut in salary.
Moms are optimistic cheerleaders.
Moms always see the best in their children, even when unbelievable mistakes are made or public tantrums are had. There is a natural tendency to nurture, support and encourage, which ultimately turns a negative situation around. These same skills can be applied to news that the household is losing an income due to a corporate lay off.
Moms are passionate and inspire others to be too.
Every mom has a dream, though it may be shrouded in the busyness of life. An economic downturn is the perfect time to review, plan and act on dormant passions. Some moms return to school, while others pursue entrepreneurial ventures. The side benefit of this is the inspiration and hope given to others who see working moms making it happen despite tough circumstances.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” As others are intently focused on economic despair and ruin, working moms can choose differently. Create a new path using the knowledge of economic cycles and the skills learned from motherhood. Be the one who thrives.
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