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In 2008, before the country plummeted into depression, I was laid off from a large silicon manufacturer. I looked around for work and didn't realize how bad things had gotten. I was afraid that if I picked up and moved again (I had moved only 2.5 years before for this job), I could be let go again and not in a city I loved as much as Portland. 

I had run a small business before and if there is one thing I can do it's find work! I hit the streets to find consulting work and continued to look for a full-time job. After one company who interviewed me 5 times decided they weren't hiring after all, I decided to go full force into creating my consulting company. Things have gotten steadily better and I am now getting consistent work. Focusing on health care and technology as well as "user experience" - all buzzwords in today's economy, but also what I happen to be passionate about - has kept me busy. 

I realize that I'm very lucky to have the background to make this work and the internal fortitude to experience good times and bad. What I will comment on from others is that you don't need a lot of money to start a business. I have yet to take out a loan - I needed a computer and a LOT of networking -- that's practically free in this town. LinkedIn, Facebook, Podcasts and Twitter are all free and help with visibility locally and nationally. 

This week, I am interviewing some individuals to see if I can find associates interested in helping me grow the business. I can no longer do it all on my own. It's exciting to think of employing others AND helping health care be more user friendly. 

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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