We all need peace of mind, but that's not always the case. Believe it or not, I planned my monthly writing topics for the entire year last December! And I told myself that May, following the other months, would be peace of mind. For those who know me and where I come from, you know that the last 3 years have not been easy. I had to reluctantly leave the company founded by my parents, but sold to investors who knew nothing about cleaning. I have always considered this company as my own for years. This has hurt me a lot and I have had difficulty accepting everything that happened in the last 3 years, not agreeing with most of the major decisions that were made.
When I went on sick leave on May 9, 2017, two weeks later, they stopped my payments, not respecting my employment contract. I was also harassed throughout this period. One day, I realized that my physical condition was getting worse, so I took the matter to a lawyer.
Some employees, suppliers, and customers managed to contact me and expressed the fact that the company was no longer the same as when I was there. I was heartbroken again in 4, having been made aware of the bad decisions that continued to be made. I was ashamed! But all this bad news helped me turn the page. A week ago, the story ended in an out-of-court settlement. I was at least able to recover part of what they owed me in money. It's far from a perfect agreement. But since April 24, the day after this out-of-court meeting, I can finally move on!
All this to say that today, I'm doing well! I'm lucky to have built a business that's completely like me. I've been able to spoil myself by making my own decisions! For the moment, most of them have turned out to be good decisions. except for my website. I didn't trust myself so I put this mandate in the hands of a company without really understanding how everything worked. Well, 8 months later, I rebuilt my website myself with someone who helped me with the technical side. And I am now totally satisfied with it. I did, however, have to take several training courses in social media and website. I swear, I was a real dinosaur when it came to these subjects. I had the idea of a big, useless, ugly creature! Hahaha!!! So little self-confidence, that I didn't think I was up to the task of taking the courses!
I've grown since I was a dinosaur. I've gained confidence by being 100% responsible for my business and everything that needs to be done to make it work. And during this time, I've also regained my health over time. I've also been very lucky to have had respectful and friendly customers. This is exactly what I needed to get back on track.
I'm telling you all this because I know I'm not the only one who's experienced bad times like this. I see many people staying in their jobs for years despite the fact that they're no longer happy there. Why? For many reasons such as:
- The salary is good
- I'm afraid of the unknown
- I'm "OUT", like outdated, past my prime!
- No one will hire me, I've been with the same company for so long
- Well, if you have to work, you might as well stay with the same company.
- I will not lose my seniority
- I'm scared, period!
- Etc
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons not to take action. The truth is that the fear of change, of the unknown, freezes us, even if we are unhappy. Despite the fact that we have all the good reasons in the world to take action, nothing happens, until the day the unacceptable happens and gives us the courage to say "Enough is enough." Also, in every situation, there is still some good. For my part, I loved my clients, employees, and suppliers. Moreover, I was at the peak of my career, everything was made easy. And of course, it was the company my parents started. I felt like I was betraying them if I left. However, for the last three years, I did nothing but work; I no longer had a life. I was one with this company. There was nothing else!
When I had to leave, I asked myself what I could do with my life now. Starting another cleaning business was out of the question. I had achieved what I wanted. And my "baby" had been Lyna, there wouldn't be any others! So what to do?! Imagine that I went through all these ideas: opening a prepared meal business, a beauty salon, being an investigator at the ACIA or MAPAQ, a running coach.
And one day, someone told me: If you choose something you know, it's impossible to fail! Working for another cleaning company? Out of the question! But I loved teaching, giving consultations on cleaning problems, looking for a solution if it didn't come to mind right away. Doing tests to make sure the problem would be solved. All of this has always been a little pleasure for me! So, after a few weeks of germination, this was it: a consulting and training company specializing in cleaning. The first 6 months were hehe hehe! But I can say that things are going much better. I'm having a blast in my business. I meet a lot of people, each more different than the last and from all walks of life. I listened to my customers, I adjusted, and I even greatly improved my service offering. I studied and discovered new passions. I have received several requests to partner with one or the other. But the truth is, I've found my true comfort in this business. I want to live life to the fullest again, to please my customers and my employees (which I don't have yet, but it will come!!). I once again have the pleasure of learning and exploring!
Knowing all this, one could say that I should have done this before. Actually, no! Everything followed a process, a journey that I had to take and experience. If I hadn't gotten sick and endured all that harassment, I would never have left..
Everything comes to a good time
So I wrote this message with the aim of giving hope to someone going through something difficult. Burnout, depression is a necessary evil! It helps us move on. To get out of a situation that has become unbearable. We agree that it's not pleasant. Nevertheless, it's worth going through it. We don't know when we'll get out of it because the cloud is so dark. I realized in the last 2-3 months that things were better through events that I would never have been able to get through a few weeks or months before. Finally, I thank life for helping me get through all of this. Burnout, depression, it's the path to peace of mind!
SO, This month, I challenge you to accept whatever comes your way.
Lydia xxx
Here is a link to a workshop for discover the dream company that will fit you like a glove!
To reread all the challenges already published:
- January HEALTH
- February What if we changed the world?
- Mars PLAY
- April Nature
- May: Peace of mind
- June: Say YES to life, to yourself and to others
- July: Breathe, savor and focus on your goals
- August:
- September: How to overcome a bit of business blues
- October: The best gift, health!
- November: What if we had our own hygiene and sanitation conference in Quebec?
- December: Environment and business
Who am I?
My name is Lydia Frascarelli, a trainer and consultant in housekeeping – sanitation within my company: CF Salubrity Inc. After 32 years at the helm of a cleaning company with around 100 employees, I now offer consulting and training services, specializing in cleaning and food safety. I also have the pleasure of supporting entrepreneurs in their businesses or building managers as well as housekeeping managers. I love my job and I take great pleasure in seeing these managers dare to create.
Do you have a problem in one of your buildings or with employees and you can't find a solution? Would you like to improve the quality of sanitation in your building? Contact me by phone: 514-795-5962 or by email. I will be happy to meet your needs.
