Making major life decisions can feel overwhelming, especially now when everything around us seems to be changing at lightning speed. North Americans are unsure how to react to all this change. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a business owner, buying a home, changing jobs, or building your legacy, knowing what to do right now and what to put on hold can make all the difference.
At The Entrepreneur’s Source, we understand these challenges. We’ve guided thousands of people through periods of uncertainty, helping them find their path to career ownership and financial independence. Let’s explore how to make wise choices during massive change and how having a Career Ownership Coach® by your side can transform this journey from stressful to empowering.
Understanding why Big Decisions Feel Harder During Change: A Source of Relief and Empowerment
When the world shifts around us, our decision-making abilities can suffer. According to a recent study by the American Psychological Association, 72% of Americans report feeling stressed about uncertainty in their lives, making it harder to think clearly about essential choices like buying a house or starting a business.
During times of change, our brains tend to go into protection mode. We might feel the urge to rush into decisions to regain control or avoid making any decisions. Neither approach serves us well when considering life-changing moves.
Smart Moves: What to Do Now During Change
1. Invest in Financial Safety Nets
Building or strengthening your emergency fund should be a priority during uncertain times. Financial experts at American and Canadian financial institutions recommend having 3-6 months of essential expenses saved, but during periods of major change, aiming for the higher end of that range provides extra security, giving you a sense of control and peace of mind.
Why now? According to the Federal Reserve, 37% of Americans would struggle to cover an unexpected $400 expense. Statistics Canada reports that 47% of Canadians live paycheck to paycheck, making them vulnerable during economic shifts. This safety net allows you to make decisions based on what’s best for your future, not just immediate financial pressure.
2. Consider Business Ownership Exploration
Surprisingly, periods of change can be ideal times to explore business ownership options. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported that over 4.4 million new businesses were started in 2023, showing that uncertainty often breeds entrepreneurship. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reported that despite economic uncertainties, small business optimism remained resilient, with thousands of new businesses launching across provinces in 2023. This sense of opportunity and optimism can be yours too.
Ownership affords control and eliminates the worry about your job’s security. A Career Ownership Coach® can help you explore opportunities that match your skills and interests with lower risk than starting from scratch. This exploration doesn’t commit you to buying immediately, but prepares you for the right time.
3. Focus on Skill Development
Learning new skills is always valuable, but during times of change, it becomes essential. LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report found that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development.
Which skills matter most for potential business owners? Leadership, financial literacy, and operations management top the list. These skills make you adaptable, whether you choose employment or business ownership.
What to Postpone During Times of Change
1. Major Home Purchases Without Clear Necessity
While homeownership remains a key part of the North American Dream, rushing into a home purchase during uncertain times can limit your flexibility. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median home price in the U.S. recently hit $375,700, and in Canada, it reached CAD 716,000—a significant commitment during unstable periods.
2. Expensive Car Purchases
According to Kelley Blue Book, the average new car price has reached $48,000, and in Canada, it has reached approximately $45,000 CAD, according to Autotrader Canada, with financing costs adding thousands more. During times of change, significant depreciating assets like vehicles can become financial burdens rather than assets.
If possible, maintain your current vehicle or choose reliable used options until your path forward becomes clearer. This preserves capital that could be better used for business investment or emergency funds.
3. Job-Hopping
Jumping from one job to another without careful consideration might bring temporary relief, but could lead to more stress. According to a study by The Muse, 72% of job seekers who experienced “shift shock” regretted their decision to change jobs.
Instead of making quick moves to escape current challenges, work with a Career Ownership Coach® to explore what truly matters to you in your career. This might mean exploring self-employment options or ownership that aligns with your values and goals.
4. Major Location Changes Without Research
Moving to a new city or state is exciting but involves significant costs and adjustments. Research from the American Moving and Storage Association shows that the average interstate move costs around $4,300, while staying within state averages costs $2,300. The Canadian Association of Movers shows that the average interprovincial move costs around $4,000 CAD.
Building Your Legacy During Uncertain Times
While immediate decisions like buying houses or cars might need careful timing, building your legacy shouldn’t wait.
What does this mean for you? Even during uncertainty, you can:
Clarify your values and vision for the future
Document your intentions for family, wealth, and impact
Begin mentoring with A Career Ownership Coach to explore your transferable skills.
Explore business ownership models that create lasting value
A Career Ownership Coach® can help you think beyond immediate career concerns to consider how your work contributes to the legacy you want to leave.
At The Entrepreneur’s Source, our Career Ownership Coaches® bring a unique approach to helping you navigate big life decisions:
They Listen First
Unlike traditional career counselors who might jump straight to solutions, our coaches start by truly understanding your situation, goals, and concerns. This empathy-first approach ensures that any guidance is tailored specifically to you.
They Expand Your Options
Many people feel stuck because they can only see limited options—stay in my job or quit, buy a house now or never. Career Ownership Coaches® help you explore possibilities you might never have considered.
They Provide Structure for Business Ownership Decisions
Making decisions about business ownership during change can feel overwhelming. Your coach provides a straightforward, step-by-step, patented process for evaluating options and moving forward confidently. This structure alone can reduce stress and improve decision quality.
They Offer Accountability
Having someone who checks in on your progress makes a huge difference. Studies show that people with accountability partners are 65% more likely to complete their goals than those working alone. (The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD))
They Focus on Long-Term Success
Rather than quick fixes, Career Ownership Coaches® help you develop strategies that lead to lasting success and satisfaction. This long-view approach is particularly valuable during times of change when short-term thinking can be tempting.
Real People, Real Results
Meet Sarah, a marketing executive who felt trapped in the corporate world during recent economic shifts. Working with her Career Ownership Coach®, she discovered opportunities in franchise ownership that allowed her to use her marketing skills while building her own business.
“I was ready to jump into any new job just to escape the uncertainty,” Sarah shares. “My coach helped me slow down and think about what I wanted long-term. Today, I own two successful franchises and control my future in a way I never imagined possible. I’m not just working—I’m building a legacy for my family.”
Making big life decisions during change doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right approach—focusing on what matters now (financial security, business exploration, skill development) while thoughtfully postponing what can wait (expensive homes, new cars, hasty job changes)—you can successfully navigate even the most challenging transitions.
A Career Ownership Coach® from The Entrepreneur’s Source can guide you through this process, helping you transform uncertainty into opportunity. They won’t position themselves as the hero of your story—that role belongs to you. Instead, they offer the map, compass, and support you need to chart your own course.
Ready to gain clarity about your next steps toward business ownership and building your legacy? Connecting with a Career Ownership Coach® could be your most critical decision during this change. Visit our website or call us today to begin your journey toward career ownership and lasting success.
Remember, the choices you make during times of change don’t just affect your present circumstances—they shape your legacy. With the right guidance, these decisions can become stepping stones to the life and career you truly desire.
We help them define their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity goals and provide education on the best ways to achieve them. We don’t sell franchises – we help people achieve their dreams of self-sufficiency through business ownership. The approach is different, the experience is different. And it works.
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