Making the Most of Unemployment
How to Enjoy all the Free Time that Accompanies Unemployment
Nov 5, 2009
In the past few years, the world has witnessed the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Almost everyone has been affected, whether directly or indirectly, by the countless amount of layoffs rippling through companies worldwide. Major businesses have failed due to a lack of financial backing, and have been forced into bankruptcy. Others have had to cut back drastically on headcount, forcing millions into unemployment, and inadvertently worsening the effects of the depression.
Being laid-off of a full-time job can be disastrous for a father figure trying to support a wife and family of three kids, however, it can be an entirely different experience for a young adult who has just entered the working world. A period of unemployment for a recent graduate provides a rare window of opportunity to explore the world and brush up on other skills that may not have been possible before.
Getting over the Initial Fear of Unemployment
No one wants to hear that he is no longer wanted at his company. When someone first finds out that they're being laid off, the initial questions consist of "What did I do wrong?" and "Am I not good enough?" The first step in enjoying unemployment is to banish all the negative thoughts that accompany the process. First, realize that this is a period of global instability and millions of people around the world are in a similar situation.
Being the only one singled out to leave a company can be unsettling, but more often than not during this economic crisis, a lay-off comprises much more than just one person. At a time when companies are being forced to lay off a third, a half, and even a solid majority of their headcount, it is likely that even the most competent workers will be targeted. So do not let thoughts of self-doubt and insecurity cloud the brain. Many people are in the same boat.
Finding the First Step to Self Discovery
Unemployment means one thing: an unprecedented amount of free time. So how does one deal with this abrupt change in lifestyle? No longer having to report to work everyday results in valuable free time to do some self-reflection and character development. It is not necessary to immediately try and replace work hours with various types of extracurricular activities. Take a step back and instead try to relax and enjoy the everyday aspects of life that may have slipped by too quickly before.
It is important to take this time to discover true passions and future goals. Too often, people are put into certain professions or set on a certain job track due to external pressure from parents, the job market, and salary requirements. Someone who has a dream to be a famous movie director or celebrated artist might instead go into a field such as accounting or law simply because they have been told that that is the only way to make a living. Unemployment can be that blessing in disguise; a chance to explore different passions and find a true calling in life.
Learning to Expand Horizons and Explore Different Activities
So how can all that free time be put to use? A good start is to enroll in some extraneous classes that might spark an interest which wasn't there before. For example, there are always classes at local community colleges and individual schools that are available for people to take for a small fee. Such classes include art, painting, drawing, acting, dancing, etc. Exploring these different activities might be a good start in discerning between different interests and figuring out possible future careers.
Also, take this time to travel the world and see the different sights. Nothing develops someone's character more thoroughly than interacting with different cultures, languages, and people around the world. Having a full-time job might represent a lifetime commitment, so take advantage of any free time now to travel the world and engage in new experiences. There will be plenty of time to settle down in one location in the future.
Unemployment can be regarded in many different ways. Although no one wants to be put out of a job, there are many advantages to having some free time that everyone can find useful. The job market is poised to turn around all too soon, and the chance to explore oneself, one's interests, and one's desired destinations may never come again.
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