文章大意:本文是一篇记叙文。作者在55岁时失业,为了改变现状,做起了生意,虽然跌跌撞撞,但是终于好了起来。作者也从中明白了一个道理:如果你失业了,不要太沮丧。这对你来说可能是个新机会。
In 2016, I lost my long-term job. The company simply went through serious changes, and my position was no longer needed. They were great to me when I worked there, and they gave me a small severance package (辞退补偿). I was 55 at the time. I was more than a bit anxiety-ridden, as I wasn’t in a position to retire, and I was concerned about the prospects of being rehired at this age. The good news is that I was a saver, had no debt (债务) and always lived simply. My husband’s job carried the benefits.
I woke up every morning at 4 am to consider how best to use my resources, and ended up starting a small business. Once I started, I made mistakes and messed things up, but kept educating myself more and more. There were tough times that were not easy to get through, but I managed to keep going.
After about 18 months, it was working! Everything fell into place, and the train finally started going down the track! Now, I wake up each day and think, “I own a small business!” My husband even took early retirement to partner with me.
While we are not making $1 million, we have crossed over into six digits (数位) over the past few years. We run our business out of a home office. And I offer a service based on my knowledge from my previous job that I lost.
Now several times a month, friends and former workmates reach out to us to ask how they can also get started like what we do. Though we’re busy, we take the time to talk with them sometimes. I know they really need help.
Nowadays it’s easy to lose our jobs. Luckily, we’ve gained work experience, which can be really helpful if we want to start our own business. So don’t be too frustrated if you lose your job. It might be a new opportunity for you.
4. What can we learn about the author when she lost her job?
A.She regretted not having worked hard. |
B.She was quite anxious about the future. |
C.She was dissatisfied with the severance package. |
D.She failed to get along well with her workmates. |
5. What can we say about the author’s small business?
A.It was full of ups and downs. | B.It used up the author’s resources. |
C.It lasted for one and a half years. | D.It forced her husband to retire earlier. |
6. Which of the following words can best describe the author?
A.Brave and calm. | B.Creative and honest. |
C.Independent and strict. | D.Determined and considerate. |
7. What message does the author want to give us?
A.We should keep educating ourselves. | B.When one door closes, another opens. |
C.People should start their own business. | D.When a friend asks, there is no tomorrow. |