The Unemployment Game

Unemployment might be the worst phrase in the modern human language. Outside of a few key offensive epitaphs. I've had the pleasure/displeasure of being unemployed for the last five months. I've had some time to reflect on the entire situation, and here are quick observations on it.







The Downside:
1. Blow to the ego: Nothing says you're worthless like being laid off after five years of hard work. Knowing that you are being "let go" because you make too much isn't really a comfort.

2.Making money: If you can swing living off unemployment benefits, go for it. However, even that ends up being a stressing balancing act. Most bills don't take unemployment as an excuse not to pay them. Bum system.

3. Stress: Have you ever looked for a job, when there are no jobs? Or at least no jobs that will support you? It's a lot of fun. I hope you can hear the sarcasm, because I'm doing it as hard as I can.

The Upside:
1. Free time: You have an awful lot of free time. If you are the kind of person like me, who is constantly playing catch up on books, music, and movies, then Unemployment can be your best friend. I almost feel like I'm taking advantage of Netflix. Almost.

2. Work: I have done more writing in the past six months than I have in a year. Unemployment has a way of lighting a fire under you.

3. Late nights: Not having to work in the morning makes for some late nights. I took that picture at 2 in the morning while on a spur of the moment late night walk. I do enjoy my late nights.

4. Pre-retirement: I have experienced the golden fruit that is retirement. I finally have something to look forward to in my old age. Of course working till I'm 90, might put a damper on it.

Overall I would say it's not the end of the world to be unemployed. Yes it sucks having to go through the initial sting. And yes it's not particularly fun job hunting. But it does give you a nice break, and a chance to evaluate what you want to do. Now if only I could figure it out.