Navigating Change

This week has been a whirlwind of mixed emotions, a vivid reminder that change is the only constant in life. In today's world, where uncertainty looms large over job markets, housing markets, inflation, and everything essential for building and living a successful life, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Despite being a strong advocate for change and adaptation, even I sometimes find myself teetering on the fine thread of uncertainty, where losing balance could lead to a plunge into self-doubt and a nihilistic outlook on life.

Yet, history tells us this isn't the first time we've faced such challenges. Our parents and grandparents navigated similar turbulent waters. Despite their talents and foresight, they, like us, couldn't predict the future with certainty. If they could, we would all be billionaires living blissfully, or at least be billionaires. This unpredictability is a humbling reminder that while we can't control the future, we can control our response to it.

This week, I found myself in a poignant conversation with a budding businessman who had to make the difficult decision to lay off a few employees. Here's how the conversation unfolded:

Businessman: "I'm deeply sorry to have taken this step, and we are in the process of helping them find future opportunities. They have been fairly compensated."

Audience: "Is there a particular reason for this step?"

Businessman: "Well, the performance from these people was not up to the mark, and as a lead, I want the best for the company and nothing more."

Audience: "Don't you think that consistent layoffs would affect others' mental health and work performance?"

Businessman: "I would prefer to have success than stability if needed. And company success is your success."

In this exchange, both parties held valid viewpoints. The businessman had to prioritize the company's growth, while the audience was rightfully concerned about job stability and mental well-being. As I listened, my philosophical mind grappled with the deeper question: Who makes more sense?

If I were in the businessman's shoes, perhaps I would have taken the same steps. But how would I measure performance? Would I reduce human lives to corporate ratings of 1-5? On the other hand, if I were one of the laid-off employees, would I feel I had given my all, only to find there were no incentives to push further? It's a complex issue, much like a coin with two equally compelling sides.

This dilemma brought me face-to-face with the ever-present uncertainties of life. There's always a metaphorical sword hanging over us, threatening to disrupt our plans. It begs the existential question: Does anything we do truly matter in the end? And if everything is fleeting, why should we bother?

Enter the concept of Optimistic Nihilism or Existential Nihilism. These philosophies suggest that while life might ultimately lack inherent meaning, we can still find joy and purpose in our actions. Understanding that we'll leave behind all our material possessions—the money, the travels, the clothes—can be liberating. Worrying incessantly about the future only robs us of the present.

This isn't to say we shouldn't plan for the future, manage our finances, or strive for stability. Rather, it's about finding a balance where we do these things intending to enjoy life. The most important aspect of life is life itself. If I lose my job today, I would be sad, undoubtedly. But maybe, just maybe, it's an opportunity to explore better paths, to find new avenues that align more closely with my passions and skills.

In my professional journey, I've realized that attaching deep emotional value to a job or company is a precarious endeavor. Unless it's your venture, you're essentially a resource—a resource they pay for with time. And time is the essence of life. We must respect time, both ours and others.

Reflecting on this, and with the conversation about layoffs still resonating in my mind, I've decided to embark on my entrepreneurial journey. No matter how small the start, the crucial part is taking the right steps towards it. 

Starting a venture is daunting, but it's also a chance to craft something that aligns with my values and vision. It's an opportunity to build a business where empathy and performance coexist, where success doesn't come at the cost of mental well-being. The corporate world often demands us to choose between success and stability, but I believe there's a middle ground—a place where we can thrive without sacrificing our humanity.

To those who find themselves at similar crossroads, remember: uncertainty is inevitable, but so is the potential for growth and new beginnings. Embrace change not as a threat, but as an opportunity. Let the challenges sharpen your resolve and guide you towards paths you might have never considered.

Life, after all, is not just about the end goals but the journey itself. And in this journey, finding joy, purpose, and meaning in every step, despite the uncertainties, is what truly matters. So, let's forge ahead, embracing change, and making the most of the time we have. The future, uncertain as it may be, is full of potential, and it's ours to shape.

BOOK EXCERPT
MEDITATIONS - MARCUS AURELIUS

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