Apr 24 2009
Lessons Learned from Being Unemployed
There are a few lessons I’ve learned in the last few weeks since losing my job. I’m going to put them down here in writing as much for myself as for others.
#1) The first lesson is about spending money. It seems that there were things I needed to buy the minute I lost my job. Obviously, that wasn’t the most ideal time to be making large purchases. Make sure you have these things on hand, NOW, before you lose your job while you still have the money to pay for them.
- A interview suit that fits, complete with shoes and accessories
- A personal computer that works and belongs to you, not your employer, and all the accessories that go with it: printer, laptop bag, etc.
#2) The second lesson I learned was that I should have been backing up my computer. Sure all my work storage drives were backed up but that was done AT WORK. Now that I no longer work there it doesn’t help me to know that all the info I had on my laptop was backed up by the office system. I should have been backing up the info on my laptop at HOME. At a minimum you’ll want key personal information and documents.
- Back up personal files and documents on a personal computer
- Make sure you have access to all your contacts and any key dates off your calendar including birthdays, wedding anniversaries and directions to the wedding you’re going to next month
#3) If anyone else stockpiles frequent user points or gift cards, now is the time to cash them in. For our 4th wedding anniversary this year Chris and I were able to go to dinner, a movie and stay at a very nice hotel all for free. We cashed in some Marriott Rewards points, used a dinner gift certificate that we got a few months ago and discount movie passes that we’d purchased from Chris’s company. Now is the time to take advantage of all those programs you’ve signed up for and to use any Starbuck’s gift cards that may be laying around. Making dinner and staying at home is a great way to save money but using coupons and points is also good for your mental health.
#4) A couple people gave me this advice early on, when they found out I’d been laid-off. They told me to make sure to do something for myself every day. Something I couldn’t do while I was working. I think that is great advice! And a wonderful way to look at this added free time as a positive thing. I’ve used my time to spend more time with Jonah and head to the gym at least a couple times a week.
So far Jonah and I have gotten to go to a couple museums, the zoo, quite a few different parks and generally spend some quality time together. Which leads me to my 5th lesson.
#5) Toddlers have endless energy! Ok, so this one doesn’t have as much to do with work stuff but it’s true. I knew it before but now that I spend full days at a time just Jonah and I see it more first hand. That kid would keep going all day if I let him I think! All day I hear “Mom! Ball.” But I’m not complaining. He’s a good kid and he’s keeping me on my toes. Plus the weather is getting nicer and I love being able to get outside during the day. I’ve discovered that the park by our house is deserted around 1:00 which is great for us.
#6) Ok, back to work lessons. And this is the last one: be sure to tell everyone you know you’re looking for work. I’ve been surprised at the folks that have gotten back to me (and at some who didn’t) about ideas or contacts they may have. At this point I think everyone knows someone who’s out of work so it’s best to get the word out and network. My profile is up to date on LinkedIn and I’ve been steadily growing my network each week. Who knows what that might lead to. Check it out: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jkoslendiehl
That’s it so far. I’ll add to this as I think of anything new.
