Ok, so for those of you who know of Cicada Graphics, the title of this blog may seem confusing. Let me help you by explaining that, no; this was not Cicada Graphics' first week of doing business. In fact, I am proud to announce that Cicada Graphics has just seen its 5th year anniversary. Cicada has seen a lot of growth since its inception, and continues to offer new products all the time. This - the fact that Cicada is NOT new - should put a few of you (especially on-going clients of Cicada Graphics) at ease.
So why then have I titled Cicada's first blog posting with such a seemingly disassociated set of words? Because a unique set of circumstances led to a change in Cicada Graphics as of this week.
Those circumstances being: I lost my full-time job last week.
It was unexpected, but surprisingly quick and efficient (as far as these things go, I'm assuming). It was laid out in very clear terms that the organization simply couldn't keep me, circumstances as they are.
As any "normal" person would, I found myself shocked, frustrated, scared, and - I dare say - a little hurt. But I moved past that to begin the next "normal" set of actions one takes when they find themselves in such a predicament - I started networking like my hair was on fire! Instinctively, my actions were aimed at finding another job - a "normal" nine-to-five to replace the one I'd just had taken from me. Anyone in my social circle quickly became aware that I was "available".
But an interesting thing happened as I blasted my message across every media I had at my disposal... the individuals who were responding were not coming to me with "normal" jobs as I had expected. Instead, they were contacting me with projects and opportunities for Cicada. I even had a few conversations that included those beautiful words every young business owner hopes to hear, but never really expects to until they've already made it: "product distribution" and "partnership agreement".
Needless to say, I was overwhelmed. Within 48 hours of being what I would have considered "normal", my life had been turned upside-down - and now my wife and I were faced with an interesting delima: Do we take "the road less traveled", and seize these potentially life-altering opportunities (even while the rest of the world is looking down the barrel of a global recession)?
Or, do we do what's "normal" and send out resumes, texts, tweets, instant messages, phone calls and telegrams to everyone I meet in hopes of finding a "normal" job? That's the "normal" thing to do, right? I mean, the answer to not having a job is that you go find another one, right?
Well... I am happy to say that after many conversations with my wife and family (and at least as many prayers concerning the decision) I concluded that it was reasonable for me to be ab-normal. I decided that I would NOT look for another "normal" job, and that if it was to be that I should become successfully un-employed - then so be it!
So, as of this past Tuesday evening (08.25.09) I became gainfully un-employed by my own small business, Cicada Graphics, LLC! I am now officially and absolutely reliant upon my own determination and the successes that God allows me to have. I am now completely dependent upon the small business that I began over 5 years ago as no more than an outlet for my creativity.
While this is terrifying to me on its surface, it is also exciting in a way that have never experienced before. I have, in the last few days, felt a desire to achieve in a way that no other role has brought with it. I'm proud, grateful, and anxious.
I have no idea what the coming days, weeks and months will bring for me, my family or Cicada. What I do know is that this was Cicada's first "real" week... and I loved it!
