A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway.
- Fr. Jerome Cummings
As a friend pointed out today, "unemployment is good for the journal updating habits....". Yes, I've gone from maybe a journal a week, to posting 3 to 4 times per week.
So, what other benefits are there to unemployment?
I no longer have to drive by the scene of my car accident every day. (Actually, I haven't driven hardly at all!)
I have been able to catch up with old friends, co-workers, bosses, and professors, while networking, . (Some of these people are now in worse, but different, situations than I am, which makes me appreciate what I still have. Others have been through their own lay-offs, and are happier now than ever.)
I've been able to observe who are true friends. (as opposed to the people who are "friendly" as long as you're providing a benefit to them.)
I've been able to enjoy quiet time, with just the noise from the radio in the background. (And some occassional meowing from the cat.)
I've been able to work on a good computer that hardly ever locks up or crashes.
I've been able to do my neck and back excercises more often. (Since it looks a little silly doing them in public.)
I've been able to drink normal coffee. (As opposed to the "kill what's left of your stomach" double brew coffee.)
I've been able to update my resume, and have it reviewed by a professional.
I've been able to go through the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other websites to research industries, companies, locations, occupational outlooks, careers, etc... ( I love to research!)
I've been able to realize that my identity is much more than wife, mother, grandmother, and buyer for ****.
It's not a "piece of cake" to be unemployed. But, "attitude is everything", and being bitter or vengeful isn't going to get anyone anywhere.
I'm going to get by with a little help from my friends.
Thanks for reading!
Ann Marie
