Not So Silly Signs…

I’m fan of silly signs that make me chuckle. And I’m not just talking about those creative billboards that have clever advertising.

Those are great, but what I’m really talking about are those signs that people make that have mistakes or are just plain silly. You see them in front of businesses, in front of churches, through memes online, or maybe it’s just your crazy aunt Hilda passing on some information that is clearly wrong but you don’t have the heart to tell her.

Funny signs are just great! Sometimes when these silly signs are intentional in nature, I say to myself, “why didn’t I think of that?”

I mentioned memes as that seems to be a growing opportunity for the everyday person to comment on a situation or say something funny. We can even make our own memes now with apps and AI ready and available for use.

One thing that I do not like are the memes that are mean. There is a way to chuckle about something without doing it at the expense of someone’s misfortune in an unkind way.

I’m always on the lookout for silly and funny signs. On a recent trip to Washington DC, I noticed a few signs that just cracked me up.

There is bus and van parking everywhere to accommodate the many tours. I saw this one at the NASA Building. I was so hoping to see the actual Space SHUTTLE occupy that spot ! Yes, I know that they were just explaining who could park there but I couldn’t resist their use of the word Shuttle.

This next one shows an identification of the part of the city. But they put the 3-sided description in a 4-sided object! Or, is that what our Federal Branch thinks a Triangle looks like??? Again, I know it’s just an advertisement so that people can know where they are, but I could not help myself to identify this funny bit of irony.

I understand the importance of signs. They are there to alert us about something. Whether it is advertising or something to make us aware of a situation. We live in a society where we are dependent on order so that we may function better together. For example, signs like stop signs and caution signs are important, don’t you think? We are dependent on signs as we don’t know what we don’t know. These simple, yet effective, means of communicating information accomplish many things, not the least of which is protecting us from danger.

But they can also make us chuckle, right? If you read my last blog post or have seen any of my TikToks you know that I am trying to insert humor as a means to make life enjoyable for me and hopefully those around me.

My point is that signs serve a purpose and signs should be observed, and when necessary, followed. And if they offer a little chuckle, well, that’s a bonus!

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!

After over 30 years working in Corporate America and enjoying a very fulfilling career, I noticed that I was not as content as I used to be. I also started hearing feedback from those around me identifying that I was just not quite the “Ernie” they were used to seeing. My health was declining a little, I was serious most of the time, I was not as jovial as I used to be and I was always thinking and talking about work – specifically work problems.

When this was brought to my attention, I saw it as a sign. A sign that I needed to make a change. My change could either be fix the situation at my place of employment or move on to a different opportunity.

I chose the first and made a conscious decision and was determined to fix my attitude by taking a more positive approach to my work.

It worked for a little while. However, I could not completely control my the environment and it became very evident that I could no longer function in that atmosphere and remain true to myself. So, I decided the best thing to do was to remove myself from that environment. I’m not saying it was toxic, it was just a situation that had evolved in a way where I just didn’t fit in anymore. It was nobody’s fault and things just naturally moved in a way that did not allow me to enjoy what I was doing. And I could see that would eventually lead to me changing in a way where I would be less productive at my job and also make everyone around me miserable.

All the signs were there and it was time to make a change. I was going to get a new job and I was going to thrive with a new opportunity.

But there were more signs. While my tenure and experience in my profession were getting noticed and I was receiving a lot of interest from other employers, that interest did not turn into opportunities. I discovered there were several reasons for this that was outside of my control.

After about six months I realized that I needed to make yet another change and I asked myself a very serious question… should I change careers and should I make such a drastic change at this stage in my life? I discussed this with my wife and those closest to me. Everyone unanimously agreed that it was time for me to make a change. So, I did it! I started to hunt for a new opportunity outside my current path and outside my comfort zone.

I found that while I was looking for a new opportunity, I was also starting to enjoy life again. I was home. I was available to those that might want and need me around. I found that I was laughing more. I found a sense of peace.

Now while all those things are nice, they don’t quite pay the bills. And then I stumbled upon an opportunity where I could work and learn at my own pace and still make an income and support my family. I decided to start an online business. This business has evolved into many more opportunities I could never have dreamed of when I was “stuck” in the grind of my old job.

I am so glad I paid attention to these signs. They were not silly and they were meaningful.

Below are some ideas you may want to consider when making a huge decision and change, whether personal or professional.

Clarity of Purpose – Why do I want to make this change?

• What am I feeling right now?
• What is pushing or pulling me toward this decision?
• Does this change align with my core values and long-term goals?

Potential Impact- How will this affect my life or business in the short and long term?

• Will this positively impact my health, relationships, finances, or personal growth?
• What struggles might come with this change?

Support System – Who is in my corner during this transition?

• Do I have emotional, professional, or financial support?
• Who can I lean on or ask for advice?

Risk vs. Reward – What do I stand to lose or gain?

• What are the possible consequences of making this change?
• What happens if I don’t make the change?

Readiness and Resources – Am I prepared to make this change successfully?

• Do I have the necessary tools, knowledge, and mindset?
• What steps can I take to prepare more thoroughly?

Speak these out loud and write them down and discuss them with those around you and with trusted advisors. You will be surprised that when you pay attention to the signs and thoughtfully consider your next move, good things happen.

What do you do when you see the signs that a change needs to happen? How have you learned from your mistakes when you did not take action? I’d love to hear from you and I’d love to learn from you so please comment below with your thoughts on taking action when you see signs.

I’m getting a sign right now that I need to take a break. So, I think I’ll follow that sign and grab myself a snack. I better make it a healthy snack because I’m also seeing the signs of how bad food decisions impact my waistline, if you know what I mean. 😊

“Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.” — Tony Robbins

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”— Martin Luther King Jr. “

And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

Funny Signs:

“Couples who laugh together… probably just survived assembling IKEA furniture.”

“Due to budget cuts, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.”

“My favorite machine at the gym is the vending one.”

Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

 

**If you are curious about this process and wish to know more about an affiliate marketing business, please subscribe to my newsletter here to learn more.  And please continue following my blog.  My hope is not only to create the freedom I so long for but pass on what I have learned to others who have similar aspirations.