Unemployment 101

I am not that unique.

In fact, I am so un-unique, that I have joined the many many people who have been laid off from their jobs. Harumph. Even, as in my case, when it's not a surprise, it's still a bit shocking. At it's worst, I imagine it can paralyze you. At it's best, I think it's an opportunity to grow and move into a new, more exciting direction. I am choosing to believe the second of those two options.

I was laid off from a company at which I had worked for three years. A company from which I expected I would one day retire. It was a smaller company and the people like family. That's what I miss the most..that daily interaction with people I truly liked and now miss. But I also believe things happen for a reason and being laid off, while a bit daunting, is also a great opportunity for me to change the trajectory of my life. It's what I needed to bring my focus to other areas in my life and to determine where I really want to go.

It's an opportunity to be proactive instead of reactive.

Do I want to be a full-time comic again? Or public speaker? How can I wrap my writing into my life and make more of a living? What about my passion for clothes and wardrobe presentation. Is there a career in this love? Can I even do any of this? Well, this is the time for me to find out.

It's been four weeks ago today since I was laid off. To be honest, I've been so busy in this time I sort of wonder how I got anything done when I was working 40 hours a week! I have started working on a business plan, had lunch and dinner with oodles of people, visited my parents, performed some comedy, written an article for a local paper and helped a friend style her look for a photo shoot. I'd like to say I have also painted my kitchen, but..well.... that's still to come! I have learned that if I get up early in the day and get on my computer and start working, it leads to a more productive day. In fact, I have a short list of things that I am going to note here that I have found make me feel better and more productive when I perform them on a daily basis. They remind me that I am a member of the land of the living whether I am wearing a pair of pumps or not!

1. Make my bed. This is so simple yet I have found that if I make my bed in the morning (something I admittedly did not do all the time when I was working out of the home) I feel more organized and productive immediately. It also helps to ensure that I don't languish around watching Ellen and the Price is Right because I fear once that habit is formed...well, let's just say it's better to not go there!

2. Wear make up. I am not a huge make up wearer beyond the basics. I have terrible skin so I go very lightly unless I'm going on stage. I have found however, that as I'm out and about right now, if I've put on some powder (I have discovered Clinique's new powder/mineral foundation) and lipstick, I feel much more prepared to face the day. It also helps me to simply feel better about myself even if I'm just taking my laptop to the coffee shop to work for awhile.

3. Wear the clothes I love. Like makeup, being in clothes that I love has always been central to who I am. I've never been one to really distinguish between "work" and "play" clothes because that line is so often blurred for me. But I'm very clear on the fact that just because I'm not going to an office every day doesn't mean I have to schlep around in sweat pants and fleece. I love my clothes and just because I've lost a day job that doesn't mean I'm not going to wear them! And again, like the makeup, wearing clothes that are fun and stylish means that I feel better about myself and that is worth everything in this transition.

4. Stay connected. Part of going to an office means you are seeing and interacting with people. It'd be so easy to become super reclusive and stay at home (see above reference to Ellen and the Price is Right!) I've been very deliberate about going out every day and seeing people. I am fortunate to have other friends who are self-employed and more flexible in their schedules, which leads to lunch and afternoons spent together. I call people daily and go out per usual in the evening. I feel connected to my community and that's because I am.

These are just some really simple things I have found during this transition. I'm excited to see where this road leads and will keep you posted. Thanks for reading!