You got laid off. So really, now what?
Yeah, we all know the economy stinks and more people are every day. And there are plenty of resources on the web to tell you how to network, work on your résumé, take a shower so you don’t feel like a loser and so on. I have been jobless for about two months after working steadily for about 17 years and I’d like to put in my two cents. Here are my words of self-proclaimed wisdom.
I get entirely too much guidance from The Simpsons, but there was an episode years ago with a dialogue that went like this:
Lisa Simpson: “Look on the bright side, Dad. Did you know that the Chinese use the same word for ‘crisis’ as they do for ‘opportunity?’”
Homer Simpson: “Yes. ‘Crisitunity!
Embrace Freedom
For several years, I have been working jobs that were not terrible, paid at the higher end of the pay range for the position and allowed me to do a little bit more than get by. I often said that one of the best things that could happen to me would be to get laid off. I could get by on the unemployment benefits and have about six months to figure out a better way of making ends meet. I had a few creative endeavors to pursue, and the occasional bright idea for a business to start – if only I didn’t have to waste my days working for The Man™.
Well, that time has come and I often find myself thinking “this could be a great thing – just not right now”. Recently divorced, a pile of debt, and a bad economic environment for starting up most businesses. But that kind of pessimism which keeps most people from reaching their full potential can really destroy me right now so I am still trying to view it as a very clean slate. I am spending more time learning the previously overlooked details of investing in the stock market. I am writing more. Still not finding the time to make music, but I am getting there. It is our nature to rise to the occasion and innovate when thing get ugly.
Swallow Some Pride – but not all of it
Don’t be afraid to take work that you once viewed as below your standards. There are lots of odd jobs to pick up on craigslist. I haven’t done much manual labor for someone else in many years. But I have a pick up truck and lots of time and there are plenty of people who need a truck load of junk hauled and college students who need to move will soon be looking for a cheap way to move their stuff a few blocks for cheap. Do the odd jobs, walk dogs, cut grass, or anything else you can do “under the table” – you don’t want to mess up your unemployment by taking a $7 an hour job that takes up your whole day. Speaking of craigslist, check out the “Adult Gigs” if you want an adventure. You’d be surprised what people will pay to watch you wash your feet. And there are a few bucks to be made by any brave woman who is willing to watch a guy get off, spank him, clean his house in your underwear, etc. Talk about double standards! I wish I could make $50 for watching a woman masturbate for a half hour.
Have Fun!
Try to relax, worry less about money and the future and remember to appreciate the things that are really important in life. Family, personal or spiritual growth, friends, whatever. There are things in life that are so much more important that late fees, credit scores and that sort of thing. People in 12 step programs are quite fond of the Serenity Prayer. Whether you are religious or not, there is something very useful there: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
Right. Don’t freak out over things you can’t control. I’m not saying you should let your house go into foreclosure or anything like that, but slack off a little. It is good for you.
Introduce Yourself to Yourself
If you are like me, you have spent so much time working and being a parent that you may have almost forgotten your true nature. Take some time to stop worrying and get out into the world and find your way again. I don’t mean hitch hike across the country or anything like that, necessarily. But if you have always worked a day job, go out and hang out somewhere you couldn’t normally go on a weekday. Maybe a coffee shop where creative people hang out, or just roam the streets. Do the things you like to do. I am going for a long mountain bike ride as soon as I finish writing this. That is something I haven’t been able to do on a weekday in years. Trails are better when they aren’t crowded, and I get that adrenaline euphoria from exercise. Being forced out of your routine can be healthy and quite liberating (see above about embracing freedom).
“It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything” – Tyler Durden
Access useful experiences in the topic of forex investment – welcome to your individual knowledge pack.