Today's quote:
There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still."
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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This seems particularly appropriate today. Like so many people in America (and the world) right now, I've been grappling with how to go forward given our deteriorating economic situation. The plans we had just a few months ago were based on a different outlook than we have today. As the news gets worse, we keep wondering what's next? How can we deal with this? What strategy will get us through this the best?
Large businesses are watching share prices plummet, laying off thousands of people, and asking the government for billions in bailouts. Small businesses across the country are hurting just as badly, but we don't have anybody to bail us out. Individual homeowners facing possible foreclosure, and employees facing layoffs don't have a bailout either. We're all sick of seeing corporate execs who drove their companies into the ground being rewarded at our expense.
That's the situation, but back to the question at hand. What to do now, to get through this time of crisis? The fact is that we can't count on the government. Even if they do pass a stimulus package early in 2009 it may well be too little and/or too late. We have to figure out our own way.
Like FDR said, there are many ways of going forward It's difficult to pick a course in changing times. But one thing we know for sure -- we can't stand still. We can't carry on as before. Few businesses these days will find that the strategies that worked well a couple of years ago are as effective today. Most of us have to keep adjusting to the changing situation, and trying our best to pick a good course out of the options available.
Which way... which way...
It's kind of like walking through one of those large hedge mazes. You get to an intersection, and have various paths you can take. You can't see very far down any one, but you know they've all got twists and turns. Who knows whether path A is a dead end, or the one choice that will lead you out of the maze successfully?
All you're sure of is that you'll never get out if you just sit there.
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The good news for today? I'm sure glad I'm not the president walking into this mess! 
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9 responses so far ↓
1 Stacey Derbinshire // Nov 20, 2008 at 8:45 am
Just wanted to say HI. I found your blog a few days ago on Technorati and have been reading it over the past few days.
2 Berkin McFlerkin // Nov 20, 2008 at 9:45 pm
your title - Moving forward in today’s economy - caught my eye on the google blogsearch. Tahnks for writing this, I've added .adventurouswench.com to my reader, and will look forward to your next post.
3 Deanna Keahey // Nov 22, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Thanks for visiting! I know we'll all get through this crisis together. Somehow. Sometime. In the meantime, we just need to keep moving, and doing the best we can...
4 cara press // Nov 22, 2008 at 8:19 pm
You're absolutely right, we have to find our own way. I have known we can't count on the government since Katrina. They really can't help us if all they do is discuss the situation to death.
5 Green Yak // Nov 25, 2008 at 12:00 am
The picture you chose for this post is particularly apt -- it really shows how I feel lately when reading all the financial news!
I like that you talk about "carrying on" and trying to rely on ourselves rather than on the government. So many discussions about the economy lately seem full of doom and gloom, without any sort of good advice for the reader.
6 Scott // Nov 25, 2008 at 8:34 am
I too am very angry over all of the bailouts for big business while the consumer and small businesses are being completely ignored. What ever happened to capitalism--where if you fail you fail? That is what we are having to deal with as "little" people; yet the big corporations are not having to deal with this and are enjoying a windfall of OUR tax money.
7 Deanna Keahey // Nov 26, 2008 at 10:40 am
Green Yak - I feel the same way - walking through the maze, not sure which way to turn. Wondering when I'll ever get out of there.
Scott - If only the bailouts were working, then I'd be happier about it. I can understand wanting to save jobs, and keep the banking system going. But it seems we have to pay more and more. And the part that bothers me the most is execs who reward themselves lucratively after we have to bail them out.
8 Tim // Dec 3, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I have been thinking the same thoughts as a lot of people; frustration with government, sick of big business using the little guy up and throwing him away, and fear of what might be around the corner. But, you are absolutely right. All we can do is forge ahead and look for a light at the end of the tunnel. Adjust our plans and keep going.
Tim’s last blog post.. Go Ahead and Back Up! Protect Your Precious WordPress Files…
9 Deanna Keahey // Dec 3, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Hi Tim - I'm going through that "adjusting plans" step a lot more often now than I used to! Ah well, life is interesting. Thanks!
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