Readers and viewers were stunned when GOP candidate Herman Cain announced (with attitude I might add) “Don’t blame Wall Street, don’t blame the big banks, if you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself! It is not someone’s fault if they succeeded.”

The media went berserk, as did many Americans. How insensitive, degrading and disrespectful! I was upset until I thought about it. How was this any different than what my parents taught me or what I taught my son? You have to step back and try to understand where he was coming from. As tacky as he was when he said it, could there be an ounce of truth in those words? Occupy Wall Street protesters don’t think so. Many of the unemployed and poor don’t think so either. How dare he be so condescending towards people who lost jobs through no fault of their own! It sounded like more of the same right wing, insensitive bullshit that people peddle on a daily basis.

But then I had to stop and think. As a parent, I’ve often told my son that if he failed a class it was by his own doing. If he wanted something, he’d have to work hard to get it because nobody was going to just give him anything. Much like I tell myself (and my clients) if you want to eat, you need to work to make your business work. If you want to stay employed, you have to continue to build your skills and stay relevant so that no matter what, you could always find other opportunities. Notice I didn’t say jobs. Was I wrong for telling my son that? Was Cain wrong in saying that to the Occupy Wall Street protesters? There is no right or wrong answer, we can only address his tone, not his intention.

This is going to be a bitter pill to swallow, and I may make some enemies, but you know what? When has that ever stopped me from speaking my mind on my own blog? So if you’re already on the defensive, you might want to click that little “X” at the top of your screen. Or, if you’re a sensible adult who wants to hash this out like grown folks, keep reading.

I’ve written and said long ago that people often paint themselves into corners by being comfortable with only one job or skill set through their entire life. What’s happening now is no different than when the steel industry, airline industry, manufacturing industry or automotive industries went spiraling down. I may come off as sounding mean but what I learned long ago was that we are all individually responsible for our own success or failure. That means that you must do everything within your power to diversify your skills to remain relevant. There really is no tangible excuse or anyone to say they can’t learn new skills. If you’re reading this blog, you have access to the most powerful learning tool…the Internet. Between books, mentors, networking, continuing education, Internet and good old fashioned healthy curiosity, there is almost nothing you can’t learn.

Diversification is a game changer. Giving yourself options gives you leverage and power that you don’t even realize. Step back and think about it for a moment. If your job goes away because some technology comes out that makes you obsolete, who’s fault is it that you didn’t have a fall back skill or that you didn’t take the time to learn that new technology to ensure you’d still be needed? The more skills you allow yourself the better chance you have to either find jobs or create your own opportunities. But it starts with you. Sure the economy and its effect on people is a big looming elephant in the room. But am I responsible if you can’t pay your bills? Are you responsible if a client doesn’t sign on with me? No. I agree that legislation and regulations play a big part but come on, really, you an’t lay all the blame on the government. Yes the banks screwed up royally and were given “free” money that we all screamed to the mountaintops NOT to give them, then they turned on the very people who keep them in business. But let me ask you this. Is Bank of America, Citi, or whomever the only game in town? No, they aren’t. Community banks and credit unions offer alternatives. But I’m drifting here. Let’s get back on topic.

Don’t just think about finding jobs. I know many people who got fed up with not being able to find work so they created their own. They freelanced, started businesses, and even subcontracted themselves out as independent contractors. Starting a business doesn’t always have to be an expensive affair. But just take action to get started. Way back in the day it was necessary to be self sufficient. Whether you chose to farm, become a blacksmith, take in extra seamstress work or sang for your supper, you made it happen. Well not YOU but you know what I mean. There is NO EXCUSE today to not create your own opportunity in the form of a business. And I won’t accept any excuse. Even kids are starting businesses…with NO MONEY. Get a pen and a pad out and figure out what you do best so you can create your own way.

So while I don’t fully agree with Herman Cain, I can understand the comment. We need to be more creative and proactive. Make things happen. Don’t sit around waiting on the President, Congress, Big Business or Wall Street to bring anything to your table. Stop worrying about the bad news and focus on creating your game plan and strategy to take care of you and yours.

How badly do you want it? Comment below and tell me how you’re making things happen.

Til next time,

Adrienne Graham
I make my own rules, my own opportunities, my own way!

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Adrienne Graham is the Founder & CEO of Empower Me! Corporation (www.empowerme.org). She is a strategist that helps people grow their career, business or network in any economy. She is the voice behind Views from the Top Radio Show, and the creative visionary behind Empower Me! Institute and Empower Me! Magazine. Her writing and shows focus on Career Management, Networking Strategies, Entrepreneurial Success and Small Business Management. You can also find her causing a ruckus on Forbes.com.