So the saying goes when the world dumps a truck full of lemons in your lap, you......

[Dave Sikorski]

You've got the right attitude Dennis.

Kick some ass and take some names.

If you need anything, give me a shout.

-D

[La Gringa]

I've been laid off three times in my life and each time it was like the world had come to an end. The last time I got laid off (2004) I decided to start my own consulting business out of my dining room in the house in NJ. The first year I made 18K. Scared the hell out of me but I kept at it. Now I live and work from the Caribbean. Last year was the best year of my career and even in this economy I have better job security than I've ever had. In retrospect, they did me a big favor.

Joe is right though - it does take cajones (or some near facsimile ) to do it but my feeling is if you don't try, you'll never know. If you do try, you may fail or you may succeed - plan for the worst and hope for (and work towards) the best.

Good luck..!!!

[pitch bait]

Dennis that is a dam shame what a gutless punk. Its a shame people dont understand that there are more mouths to feed then just yours. Just do yourself a favor remember this one day when you have your own employies. Just remember to always take care of the guys that are taking care of you. Hopefully this will come back to bite him.

[Double D]

Dennis

I got laid off a year ago this saturday - and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Not hard at all to get up and running

Give me a shout if you want to discuss

D

[Avenger]

Ask anybody going into business "what do you need to start your own business?" and they'll tell you... "Money."

Ask the same thing of anybody in business and they'll tell you... "Customers."

If you're going to compete with him make sure you empty his Rolodex.

Just a word to the wise. Good luck on your new venture.

I dis-agree, Starting a business takes cajones. Not always MONEY.

You missed the point. Which one do you think has a better handle on what a succesful startup will require, someone starting a business or a successful business owner? The correct answer wasn't money.

I don't disagree on the cajones part, however.

[JD5652]

Dennis-

Make him rue the day he fired you......your own gig is PIA sometimes...you'll work the hardest and longest hours than you've ever imagined.......BUT I've been doing it now for over 20 years and wouldn't have it any other way.

If I can help in ANY way...PM me or give me a call

[Captain Michael Buffington]

but I don't have the answer. I just 5 minutes ago declined on a free-lance charter gig for this weekend because I would have to miss Friday at a job I hate but am obligated to perform. Good luck

Mike

[sportfishingusa]

They always say when one door closes another one opens..

I couldnt imagine... sorry to hear that.. but it will make you certainly stronger and keep you looking to be better then before!

you will succeed! just give it time and work at it!!!

[Squidnation]

Its take cajones. My first commission check when I started my company was for $7.83. On the same time in the same mailbox we got our first mortgage statement for the house we just moved into. My wife cried and I danced a jig. I told her the amount doesn't matter - the fact that we are not getting paid for something we are doing on our own is what matters. I promised her the checks would get bigger. That was 10 years ago this month.

I have seen 100's of smart, driven people that won't leave the security of a J.O.B just becuase they can't imagine life without a paycheck. If they only knew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Luck D - I am sure you will make it work

[SeaBiscuit]

Good luck Dennis.
Nick