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Not sure what to expect from 2023

January 9th, 2023 by Kenneth Abrahams

Usually, the beginning of a year is exciting. It is a chance to start over, a new beginning. In January, the slate is clean, just waiting for us to author the goals, dreams, and expectations of another year, another trip around the sun. At FUN Enterprises, after a busy December, we get a chance to recharge the batteries and rest up for the year ahead. Very few years, in recent memory, bring with it as much uncertainty as 2023, for me. Even 2021, which was in the throes of the pandemic, had a bright outlook with the promise of a vaccine that would let all of us “return to normal.” After 2022, I am a lot less optimistic.

If we are being honest, 2022 was a trying year. Despite years of tension between Russia and Ukraine and threats from Russian President Putin, many of us never believed there would be a full-scale invasion. Not only was there significant loss of life but scores of Ukrainian citizens have fled the country and overwhelmed some of the nations that border it. Even though there are reports that the war is economically taxing Russia and that Russian citizens are growing tired of the war, there is no end in sight. As the war drags on, it is also wreaking havoc with the economy worldwide.

2022 was also a year that saw even more political and social unrest. In June, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on the Mississippi case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which effectively overturned Roe v. Wade and the protection of abortion rights for 50 years. Whether for or against the ruling, it caused nationwide demonstrations and along with the economy became the focal point of a very contentious midterm election. More time, energy, and money were spent on some of these races than we had seen in years, if ever. Contests that early on appeared to be lopsided no brainers, turned into nasty mudslinging dogfights that left communities even more divided.

Perhaps it is some of the baggage from 2022 that is being carried into 2023, but I feel less optimistic than I normally do heading into a new year. Some of the recent struggles in the tech world concern me about more potential economic troubles down the road. Doordash recently laid off 1,250 corporate employees or about 6% of their staff. They join Amazon, Twitter, Meta, and Lyft as organizations that have made significant cuts in their workforce in 2022. Economists are also predicting further economic downturns in 2023. If you add to that the many industries and companies are still struggling to find help, it doesn’t paint a rosy picture for what lies ahead in 2023.

That is more than enough doom and gloom. Clearly there are bright spots ahead as well. As a company, FUN had a very good year in 2022. Whether it was because the pandemic is truly in the rearview mirror or that people have decided to simply get on with their lives, in person events came roaring back in 2022. We were busy, almost too busy. Despite our own help shortages, it was great to be back to doing a full slate of live events. There are few things more satisfying than taking a photo or making a product at an event and having the recipient smile from ear to ear or comment on how this made their day. Seeing students and their parents having a wonderful time at Family Weekend, where they are truly engaging with one another is nice to see again. Those genuine smiles are truly priceless as they understand that these moments are precious even though they are too few and too far between.

In 2022, we said goodbye to Bonnie Fox who had been a valued member of our team, but it means that I will once again be working with our speakers. Despite adding some work to my plate, I am looking forward to once again working with some incredibly talented presenters, trainers, and educators. They have already put forward some fantastic sessions to re-energize and refocus the clients that we work with. Plans are already in the works to add more sessions to this upcoming academic and calendar year.

After 3 years of trying, we have finally had some new additions to our crew. Although still looking for that full-time road person, we have added some great part-time people and a new artist. As always, they are bringing some fresh new energy along with varied skill sets to our team. Shameless plug here, if you know anybody that is looking for work or wants to change jobs, we are always on the hunt for the right person or people.

We are incredibly lucky that we have great clients and that becomes clearer every year. When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, we realized two things; the fragility of our company/our livelihood and how amazing our clients are. It is something that we have always known but perhaps never acknowledged. Despite having their own personal and professional challenges, countless numbers of clients reached out to see how we were doing, asking if there was anything they could do to help. That care and kindness continues today. They aren’t customers or clients, they are family, and we celebrate success with them as well as grieve losses. That will continue in 2023. We know that over the next year there will be weddings, pregnancies, births, milestone birthdays, and anniversaries. We also know that we will be a part of many of those momentous events.

Now that I stop and think about it, I am a bit more excited about what 2023 has to offer. Over the last 30+ years, we have seen economic difficulties. Political strife is simply par for the course. Shifting norms and expectations happen all the time. Over that three plus decade span, we have been challenged, but like the Phoenix we rise again and again. You know what 2023, bring it on. Give me your best shot, I am ready to handle it.

Wishing all of you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy, and prosperous NEW YEAR!!

About the Author

Ken Abrahams is the CBO, Chief Blog Officer of FUN Enterprises, Inc. among other titles. March of 2023 will mark 3 years of our Tuesday at 10 blog publications. During that time, he has authored most of those blogs for better or worse. Debi Holland FUN’s Newsletter Editor has edited all of them. In March of 2023 he and his wife Jill will welcome their very first grandchild.