The world always changes. Competition increases and on a worldwide basis. To compete successfully and effectively, companies use all means at their disposal, including downsizing.

But if you get caught in the middle of downsizing, you end up under severe stress. You are then forced to act, often hastily. You can much reduce the stress, if you act before any chance of downsizing appears on the horizon. Remember, downsizing can happen in any business and at any time - even if a company only moves from one county to another in the same State.

The impact of your downsizing may be softened by providing you with a lump sum and a re-training course. But the retraining will most likely be for a business with you being another employee fully dependent upon your new employer. And the lump sum may only last for a few months, after which you may be eligible to collect low unemployment benefits. Not a future to be happy about.

If you are not an executive of the company, you have no control over any downsizing and who would be effected. You remain under the complete control of your employer. Essentially, the company controls your future, your future life is totally dependent upon them.

You have to realize that to get rid of the control by others, you have to act to create your future, as you see fit best for you. There is simply no other choice. This may sound scary. But if you become the victim of a sudden downsizing, your situation is much scarier and you end up quickly with high stress.

What choices do you have? First of all, you have to reserve extra time to develop a plan for your future which you control. Do you have hobbies? Can any of your hobbies be converted to a business? Do your various hobbies require supplies? Can you provide these supplies or add new ones? Consider all businesses which you can derive from your hobbies.

Do not hesitate to mark down all the various businesses you can dream of and which you would enjoy. In fact, do a mind-storming session to write down 20 (twenty) options, not only those derived from your hobbies nut also others which you would enjoy. Stick to writing, until you have marked down 20. Then think about the 20 and which one may be the best one for you. Work on it.

Although you can "jump into independence", you may prefer to proceed stepwise. You may not have adequate experience. You need to learn first, how to proceed to create your future. But do not delay your action from one day to the next. Act now. You may find help in the website provided below.

Author traveled widely, mostly in North America, but also in Europe and Asia.He started a newsletter on business opportunities in 1990. He later moved the newsletter onto the Internet.

Source: www.isnare.com