Instead of moaning and groaning, pitching a fit and bitching some more, look at these heady and uncertain times as an opportunity.

During the time of the Great Happiness, circa 1998-2000, I was making money hand over fist. My company grew in the triple digits. I would literally go out and shake that money tree. Nothing was too expensive.

I also did not have time to think. I had a daughter and I was going to take a week off. I took a day and half and still responded to email.

I had a pbone in each ear, worked to 9 or 10 every night, at least six days a week, and was eating out of vending machines. Just going to the bathroom was a pain in the… well you get the picture.

Fast forward to early 2001. Business slows, but we are still busy. Just not as busy, but able to go home at a decent hour. No complaints. Catch more than an inning of a San Francisco Giants game. Life is still good.

Late 2001 and all hell brakes loose and we are laden with fear, uncertainty and doubt.

But rather than complain, I went out got some more business. Reduced budgets to be sure, but good companies still on our client roster.

But I also took the opportunity granted by this unprecedented slow down to pursue things I had been dreaming about for years.

For instance, I got a teaching gig in the marketing and PR department at a local university. The people are terrific. The compradarie among other instructors outstanding. The dean is one of the most pleasant professional acquaintances I have made in years. He will be a friend and colleague for life.

And I swear I am learning more from my students than I am able to teach.

I am also doing pro bono for the National Conference on Community and Justice, Silicon Valley. This is a human rights organization that fights racism and discrimination through educational programs. I am on the marketing committee. I am meeting the movers and shakers of the Valley who have a heart of gold and a soul the size of a crater. The executive director is one of the nicest people I have met in years. A mench if ever there was one.

I coach my kids soccer and basketball and baseball teams. I never miss a practice and I saw my daughter’s dance recital.

Along the way, I became assistant director of marketing for National Youth Sports, Santa Clara County. While receiving a small stipend, the rewards are invaluable especially when the parents come over and personally thank you for coaching and supervising the league. The kids just want to have fun.

It is always about the kids. Always.

I make less money, but am more busy than ever. I am doing marketing and PR, my profession, for companies in other industries. We just added a chocolate company, called Cocoa Pete’s Chocolate Adventures, http://www.cocoapetes.com. Fun. Fun. Fun. Great folks and leaning a ton.

I am meeting great people, many of whom are of far better calibre than those I had been meeting in tech.

I refuse to give in or give up. Nobody knows except Bo. Wall Street doesn’t know stocks. The President does not know jack. Terrorists do not know right from wrong. And tech does not know how to get out of its own way. So go out and make some news of your own.

Business may be slow, but life is great.

When the only problem you have in life can be solved with a little more money, you have no problems at all.

Rob Gelphman