How I found new talents and purpose after three layoffs and a business failure.

In 2005 I was on top of the world. I had secured a new job as a manager with a large construction equipment rental company at almost double my previous salary, I had completed my Bachelor's degree the year beforeand I was about to complete my Master's in Business Administration. I convinced my wife that I had to complete my MBA because if I ever lost my job then I would be absolutely guaranteed to not be out of work for long.

In 2006 I decided I wanted to start my own business. I had dreamed of entrepreneurship for a long, long time and I felt that this was the time. I was making good money and the kids were all in high school, so why not? I partnered with a guy I used to work with and we were on our way. To top off this great time in my life my wife and I decided it would be a good idea to buy a new house. We had three kids still at home and the girls had never had their own bedroom. As fate would have it there was a new neighborhood being built right behind us, so we took the plunge and bought a brand-spanking new house in a new neighborhood. Indeed, things were looking like they could not get any better. I could not have been more wrong.