Newsletter - November & December 2023

This is a double edition of MentorMinute. I will be having a break in December.

Reading Time 6 minutes

The festive season is a good time to sit back relax and reflect on the last twelve months.

2023 has been a year of challenges with a hint of opportunities if you knew where to look.

As the curtain falls on 2023, take a deep breath and reflect on the highs and lows of your job or businesses.

For many, it has been a rollercoaster, marked by the lingering impact of the global pandemic, a changing job landscape, and the continuous evolution of the business world. 


In this special edition, I’d like to touch on the experiences of those fed up with their jobs, the brave souls who started their own businesses, and the established businesses who have weathered the storm.

It‘s fair to say, job dissatisfaction and coping with a job you hate has been palpable.

So much so, I have changed my website concept to include these folk. The guys who hate what they do.

My there are a lot of you.

It is now calculated that in the whole workforce of the planet, 53% are dissatisfied with their job. Look at the numbers. 

3.45Billion people work. That is 3,450,000,000 at last estimation are employed globally.

53% are dissatisfied in their job. 

That is, 1,828,500,000 workers who in varying degrees hate what they do.

Astronomical isn’t it. Just image what the productivity increase would be if this was reduced by just 1%. Fascinating.

Here’s an exercise. Get the stats for the workforce in your part of the world. Then do the numbers. Interesting.

Many individuals found themselves at a breaking point, fed up with unfulfilling work, long hours, and a lack of work-life balance to say the least.

This phenomena is gaining traction as we speak. Growing to the point of becoming the next epidemic. Read about the Great Resignation.

With the cost of living soaring, adding an extra layer of stress to an already strained situation.

I can only say to my followers that life is short.

Seize the day. 

I understand how hard it can be to jump out of some sort of security into the abyss.

Again life is too short to not have a go.

On the positive side there has been somewhat of a release in that your daily commute is eased by working remotely. Working from home.

The widespread adoption of remote work became a lifeline for those seeking flexibility and a reprieve from the traditional office grind. 

There is a growing push to get these folk back to the office/plant/worksites. This will create many issues. Be prepared.

As we move into 2024, the opportunity lies in navigating this new era of work. 

If the growl in your gut moves to a haze in your head. You have to do something about it, and do it with determination. Get help here.

Changing from employee to business owner might be a golden opportunity to capitalize on the demand for remote work solutions. This could create platforms that facilitate your expertise in a virtual environment.

Think opportunities for those forced back to the office. Make an attractive offer to join you. Working for you might be the job that attracts them. An offer of remote work flexibility may be an attractive proposition. 

For those who took the leap into their startup, this year presented a different set of challenges. 

Starting a business is never easy, and the uncertainties of the economic landscape added an extra layer of complexity. 

From supply chain disruptions to fluctuating consumer behavior, the journey was far from smooth.

On the positive side, the acceleration of digital transformation (AI) opened doors for innovative solutions. Businesses that embraced technology found new ways to reach their audience and streamline operations. 

Niche markets also gained prominence, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to carve out a space for themselves. As we look ahead, the lesson is clear: embracing digital tools and finding unique niches can be the keys to success in 2024.

The established businesses that weathered the storm, 2023 presented its own set of challenges. Supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and economic uncertainties tested the resilience of even the most established enterprises. The cost of living impact rippled through every aspect of business operations.

There was a positive outlook - a notable shift towards sustainability.

Businesses that adopted eco-friendly practices not only contributed to a better world but also resonated with an increasingly conscious consumer base. 

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances became a crucial skill. This skill has much upside.

Going forward, the opportunity lies in continuing to prioritize sustainability and building adaptable business models that can navigate the unpredictable currents of the market.

Cost of Living is a common thread in every story.

Whether dissatisfied employees, budding entrepreneurs, or established businesses, the cost of living was a common thread weaving through the narratives of 2023.

Rising prices affected everything from personal finances and interest rates to business overheads, amplifying the challenges faced by individuals and enterprises alike.

The Positive Outlook

Every adversity breeds innovation and entrepreneurs and businesses that found creative solutions to mitigate the impact of rising costs emerged stronger.

From exploring alternative supply chains to renegotiating contracts, the ability to adapt and innovate became a survival skill.

As we transition into 2024, the opportunity lies in finding innovative ways to manage costs and create value in the face of economic challenges. 

Remember the saying, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”

So, in conclusion, 2023 has been a year of challenges and opportunities, a tapestry woven with the threads of discontent, resilience, and innovation. 

I dare say that at the end of 2024 we will be discussing a different issue. That’s life.

You need to take all in front of you and see it as it is. Make the changes where necessary and move on. 

As we step into 2024, let's carry the lessons learned from this year and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

Whether you're seeking a change in your job, embarking on a startup, or steering an established business forward, the journey continues, and the possibilities are boundless.

Here's to a Transformative and Prosperous 2024!

Have a fantastic festive season and make some well thought out new year resolutions. 


Create a positive plan of action and I will be back with another MentorMinute at the end of January 2024. 

From all at Mentoraus - Happy Christmas and a bright positive New Year.