So, I'm now heading into my 10th month of unemployment, (and heading deeper, deeper into debt). What did it tell me when the traditional 26 weeks got extended in increments of 6 until I'm now 'covered' for 60 weeks? Sure gives me lots of confidence when I apply for a job at half my former salary; and when I get told I'm overqualified, it makes me wish I didn't spellcheck my cover letter.
I am just one of the forgotten 5. That 5% over the national average of unemployment that cropped up this past 2 years. Are you one of them too?
OK, so at first, I kinda liked the open timeslots, freedom from rigid schedules and availablility to my family and friends. In between brainstorming a new resume, digging up connections and signing up on every job website, I cleaned my home like it never was before, organized, budgeted, downsized, donated, sold off, learned skills, visited family and friends, did all the 'if only I had the time' things on my life list and meditated. (Yes, I actually sat still here and there!)
But, to be honest, my family is sick of me, I have nothing left to give away, my donations haven't helped me on my tax return and I have no more items on my wish list. So, technically, I'm bored.
If you're in the same situation, maybe we could get together and start a grassroots effort to bring our boredom to national attention. Or maybe not.
Let me know.
PS, If you're looking for stuff to do, I can probably give you about 6,000 suggestions. Since I've tried all of them, I can even advise the most fun/interesting.
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well, hello there 5%-er! ( is that right?). great blog liftoff, Ellen. Val and I have been working with "Taxmasters" since june in an effort to reduce our taxes. Aggravating??????? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletethe only thing worse than owing taxes is to have to go through the groveling process with semi moronic "experts" who lose all your faxes and documets, etc, etc. all the while the IRS keeps adding penalties onto the debt.
I like the Blog tone and layout.
Before starting teaching, i went through about 2000 of your 6000 ideas to stay mentally somewhat level....well., as level as i've ever been - but you know me.
I tried volunteering, but after a while it got boring and it lacked a certain thing............money! it seems the only people happy with volunteering are rich dowagers, trust fund babies and people staying under the radar.
keep the blog going and tell my lovely niece she is wrong...someone is reading your blog.
Brother Bill
PS how about a visit? and we can be in debt together!
Thanks for the comments, I know I'm definitely not alone. Would love to visit, but, as we're running a monthly deficit of $1200 a month (and that's after cutting everything to the bone) it is just not plausible. If there happens to be a windfall in my future, I'm on the next plane to Albuquerque. (Although I've always wanted to fly to Phoenix so I could hum that tune while I'm in the air)
ReplyDeleteI'll keep blogging for now and we can visit each other on the site, OK?