Last week the US Department of Labor reported that the national unemployment rate hit 9.5%. The actual number is probably a bit higher since it doesn’t include those who have rolled off the unemployment payroll, don’t qualify for unemployment, have quit looking for work, or are under-employed. This statistic is projected to go even higher. So for those who think you have dodged a bullet so far, don’t get too comfortable on your high horse quite yet. You might find yourself in the same predicament I’m about to find myself in!
One thing I find so interesting about my soon to be unemployed status is that many people just don’t’ want to talk about it with you. Oh yes, people are sympathetic, but they are careful to not delve too deep into the subject because they are probably secretly chanting over and over: “There but for the grace of God go I”. I think people are scared they could be next, and by avoiding the topic, they don’t have to deal with the possibility it could happen to them. And then there are those people who think their talents are so irreplaceable and their employer could not possibly show them the door. There’s also the group who thinks the media is putting way too much emphasis on the dismal unemployment numbers. However, I heard no one complaining during good times when numbers of 3-4% unemployment were being reported.
I don’t wish unemployment on anyone, but the brutal facts are it’s happening to many people right now. And since I’m about to become one of “those people”, I have been reflecting quite a bit lately about how I feel. I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t think it’s going to be that bad in the long run. Look what I have to look forward to-more time off, a chance to reevaluate exactly what I want to be doing, the possibility of an even better opportunity or job, and more time to spend doing what I love. Several years ago I would have been much more upset, because I would have looked at this as a roadblock to saving more for retirement, saving for a down payment for a house, and saving for countless other little materialistic goodies. Now, I’m not so concerned about retirement or having to have my name on the deed of a house. I’m more concerned now with quality of life, experiences, traveling, and finding work that is meaningful. So if you do find yourself in the unemployment line anytime soon, look at it as a way to reinvent your life and begin new adventures. So if anyone reading this is not working right now, I would be interested in your take on how you’re feeling about unemployment. What are your experiences and what have you learned?
Follow Me