Unless otherwise noted, Copyright
James C. Hess
2008. All Rights Reserved. Published by Thinking Rock Press, with written permission from the author.
IN THIS CORNER of the cosmos every day is interesting by way of challenges
and curiosity, but as I write this something that began as a curiosity has
become challenging, in terms of managing it.
Mostly for others.
Since the early hours the telephone and e-mail have becoming increasingly
persistent. Inquiring minds want to know what I know about rumors and
reports regarding the economy of the United States of America. Inquiries
that began politely and which become insistent. Inquiries that began by
way of family and friends, that soon grew to peers and passing
acquaintances around the world - all wanting to know what is going on in
the U.S. of A. in terms of economics.
I am by no stretch of the most fertile and flexible imagination an expert
on such concerns as economics. My understanding of such things is,
relatively-speaking, nominal. But when framed by common sense, logic, and
reason, I have an unwavering comprehension of the basics involved: A lot
of people have been spending money they don't have on things they don't
need, piling up debt in a reckless and irresponsible manner.
And all of this debt has come due.
Which does not bode well for the U.S. economy at large.
A fact the news media, doing a cheap and bad imitation of a Shakespearean
chorus, delights in with sadistic glee.
At the same time, not given equal coverage or even passing consideration,
is an important correlation - small businesses are doing business almost
unprecedented.
Of course, were the news media and other self-important experts on such
matters to give this fact due process their cries would quickly turn to
confusion because they cannot understand how it is possible.
It is possible because economics are not neat and tidy, anymore than Life
itself is.
As some readers of this effort know a number of years ago a decision was made on my part to leave the then-reassuring embrace and stability of corporate life, both in and out of Hollywood.
My decision provoked a number of responses, many of which questioned my sanity and mental well-being. Others demanded to know how I could what I was intending to do, given the obvious risk involved. And few went so far as to suggest that I lacked talent, skill, and ability to support such an intention.
To all of you naysayers, I say simply: Nanny-nanny, boo-boo.
More than a few years on and I endure. I survive. I succeed. And, oh, yes: I am happy. Happy, happy, happy.
What I'm getting at here is why I believe big companies in the United States of America are failing in great numbers while smallers companies are doing businesses hand over fist: It all comes down to happiness.
When I worked in corporate America I was not, admittedly, happy or satisfied. Those I worked with were of the same mindset. One co-worker, I recall, found at least one thing a day to complain about, and did. I remember how it was he complained a template used for documentation had too little information it. When I asked what he wanted in the template he replied, 'Everything'.
In other words, he wanted someone else to do his work for him.
Another reason for why big business in the U.S. of A is failing while small businesses prosper. The smaller a given business the fewer employees it has. The fewer employees a business has the more work each employee is expected to do, and the more they do, with pride and honor.
I have long been of an independent mind. That is to say, I am not inclined toward group-think. I prefer to act in what is often declared a politically incorrect manner - unilaterally.
A characteristic, I admit, that has not served me well historically.
But since I left the environs of corporate America and took it upon myself to succeed this particular characteristic has allowed me a life otherwise unknown.
Which brings me back to e-mails and telephone calls that interrupt my day. I have done what I can to offer explanation for what is happening and will happen in the United States of America, and around the world, and I have offered a piece of advice few have wanted to hear and even fewer have decided to follow - the time for you to make a difference is now. You make a diffence by standing on your own. You make a difference by making a difference, as a Writer, a painter, a dancer, a road crew worker, by not embracing the idea of a debt-burden existence.
And tell the rest of it 'good-bye'.