I was a statistic of losing my job due to corporate downsizing. Facing the loss of a job is a very frustrating, confusing and discouraging thing. But you can either let it break you or make you. I decided to let it make me. I refused to let the loss of my job make me bitter, I let decided to let it make me better.

Losing my job actually inspired and empowered me to look for the hidden opportunities in the obstacle. And I am glad I did, because it changed my life in a way that I never could have imagined.

Below are 7 life lessons I learned from going from employee to entrepreneur. They are not the only 7 lessons that I learned, but I hope they will inspire, empower and motivate you to keep pushing toward your dreams and goals regardless of what you are facing, and especially if you are facing the loss or potential loss of a job.

1. Losing your job doesn't have to mean the end of something it can be the beginning of something.

If you ever find yourself in a position where you have lost your job you must not let that be the loss of who you are. You can take what you know and start a business (if that is your desire). And just because you lose your job does not mean you should abandon your dreams. You should continue to move toward the things you want to achieve in your life.

2. You have the power to drive your business in the direction you desire it to go in.

When you are an entrepreneur you are in a position to make passion driven decisions based on what your vision of success is. You don't have to simply go with what is being done. You have a voice and you can use it in a big way to ignite change in the lives of others and the world. Your voice can release your inner power to build your business according to your heart's desires.

3. Just because the economy is bad doesn't mean you can't prosper.

I learned that simply because the economy is in a recession doesn't mean your business can't succeed. God gives us amazing ideas, and that means no matter what is going on in the economy, he can give us one idea that can shift our life and our income.

4. Don't abandon your dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur simply because you don't see results.

When you are an entrepreneur it is not always easy. Matter of fact it takes a lot of hard work. There are going to be times that you want to quit. And there may be naysayers who don't believe in you. But regardless, you should never abandon your dream. Give yourself enough time for results to manifest and expect to succeed, not fail.

5. Cherish what you learn along the journey because it is not just about the destination.

No matter what your path to entrepreneurship looks like, learn from all of the life lessons you are presented. With every step toward your goals and dreams you learn and grow. So just don't focus on the destination, but embrace what you learn along the way.

6. It is not about the money it is about the people and your purpose. Making money is simply an added blessing.

When you are an entrepreneur always put people first. Always look for ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Don't be so preoccupied with making money that you lose focus of making a difference. Making money is very important to many entrepreneurs and that is okay, but don't lose who you are in the process of becoming financially successful.

And keep pursuing your purpose. Many entrepreneurs move into being an entrepreneur because it provides them with an opportunity to pursue their passion, and do what they love to do. So never forget why you became an entrepreneur in the first place.

7. Even if your job ends your gifting doesn't.

If for some reason you have lost your job that doesn't mean you have lost your gifts. Take any gifts, talents and skills you have and figure out how to package those into doing what you love to do, and what you were called to do. Many times when we have lost a job we don't look at it as being in transition. But when you become an entrepreneur you are transitioning from your job to your purpose. No one ever wants to face the loss of a job, but if you have just remember that it can a blessing in disguise.