I have now been unemployed for a month

[Snoggera]

because I chose to be. I have been experiencing the following, however, and don't like it.

Sleep - I take more and longer naps than ever.

Easily irritated - I like to stay in my own world, and become upset when others intrude.

Lowered self-esteem. I don't even want to travel beyond the extent of my domain.


I am not depressed, but I am experiencing something I didn't expect.

I am not experiencing a lot of joy other than in my dreams.

Is this comparable to anything you have gone through? What's the next step (other than suicide)?

[bearfan454]

1. This is my first week unemployed.

I am just now learning. One slice of bologna instead of 2 for starters for me.

[DebJ]

2. you lack a sense of purpose. Volunteer for something

You could register people to vote.

[liberalhistorian]

3. Snoggera, what happened to the job

you had just started? Was it that bad?

I know exactly what you're talking about and I would rather endure ANYTHING else (yes, frankly, even an illness or something like that) than unemployment and job searching again. The depression, the worthlessness, the not wanting to be around others, the never-ending fear and uncertainty, the frightening uncertainty of financial insecurity, etc., etc. Yeah, I've been there one too many times and don't even want to think about what a tailspin it'd send me into to go through it again. Even though I have a job now, though, I will never, ever trust another employer again. That's why I'm trying to start a couple of businesses on the side, on evenings and weekends.

Are you trying to find another job right now?

[Snoggera]

7. Hi!!!!!!!

Yes, the job turned out to be a big problem. Mostly because EVERYTHING was dumped on me, and it seemed to be becoming a 80 hour per week job. The kids in the program were great, but the rest of it was like having a 400 lb gorilla on your back. It was tough, and though I'm sure others would have done well, it was not the job for me.

I hope you are doing well!

It is SO good to hear from you.

I had to reinstall my operating system, and lost everything, including your info.

[Dastard Stepchild]

4. you may eventualy find yourself walking more....

I couldn't stand being in the house for hours on end, so I would find myself walking a lot. Or desperately using up body lotion or chapstick so that I had an excuse to go the the store. The library works every now and then, too. As does a midday movie - cheaper seats with a matinee showing, and it doesn't feel as lonely as going to a show by yourself in the evening. Oh, and I got hooked on crossword puzzles and sweatpants.

[dweller]

5. Coming up on one year for me.

it's all same old, not much changes beyond what you've described.

sorry,
dp

[CrownPrinceBandar]

6. Unemployed for six months this past winter..............

Your experience sounds REALLY familiar. I went through almost all the symptoms you mentioned above (except for the naps, I never nap for some reason).

When I was unemployed, I had more time to sweat the small stuff. It made me realize how much of a role work played in my overall personality. I found I needed the job experience to give me time "outside my own head."

[REVOLT823]

8. I feel your pain, I have been unemployed for 6 months

I can't describe it as anything but a funk I am in, feel worthless, useless, bored to freakin death. Like someone else mentioned, it becomes obvious that we don't realize how emotionally attached we are to our jobs in a self-worth sense.

[burythehatchet]

9. Its a tough thing. I once went 20 months

it was the biggest struggle in my life. My wife took our baby and left me during that time. All is well now, but I had more than a few instances where all seemed hopeless.

The worst part was the withdrawal from society.

The next step is going to be unique to you based on your personal issues. I'll share with you what kept me psychologically afloat.

1. Exercise
2. Do not watch a lot of TV. It is a depressant.
3. Establish a network. This is the hardest thing to do. Many times, because of circumstances, our existing network is no longer available to us. You have to get out and build a new one. It will keep you engaged. Find ways to interact on a social and professional level. SOmething like a college extension night class is great.
4. Meditate every morning and feel gratitude for all that you DO have.

Yiur fortunes will change. You can bet on that. Its not the change that scares us, its the transition. Use the transition period to re-evaluate what you can do to strengthen your mind.

[Snoggera]

10. Thanks

all those suggestions are excellent.

At the end, you mention using the time to re-evaluate, and that is what I have tried to do, but can't seem to get the motivation. It's only a matter of time, though.

[KG]

11. i actually liked being un-employed

had a few bucks saved up. traveled, rode my bike in the sunshine, goofed off, worked some side jobs at a leisurly pace.

if i could get away with it, i'd never work another day in my life.

[Snoggera]

13. that's the life!

I, unfortunately have expenses that can't be postponed. My son doesn't live with his mother most of the time, but I pay the monsterous support just to keep her from saying anything. I don't think I'm going to make it this month.

Maybe I'll be prisoner #Somebody for not being able to pay child support.

:nopity:

[Rowdyboy]

12. Nothing unusual...I wish I could offer a decent solution but its tough

being unemployed. I spent 24 years helping people find jobs in Mississippi before I retired. Unemployment is a pain in the ass.

BTW. Chill. I know the "suicide" reference was dark humor, but don't allow yourself to even fantasize in that area. It only drags you down and makes finding a new job that much harder. Boost yourself.

Get out of the house. Go to places that don't charge. Force yourself to get out (I have to). Staying at home is like a pacifier to a 4 year old-he shouldn't need it but its comfortable when you're unhappy. And when you're unemployed, you're always unhappy.

I just wish I was better at taking my own advice.

Most of all, good luck! :toast:

[scottcsmith]

14. Unemployed, but working for free (damn it!)

I used to work in high-tech at Intel corp., but due to health issues I left the company last year.

Now I've returned to my roots as a writer, so I keep busy writing articles for my web site and I also write a weekly column.

I'm getting published, but haven't gotten paid for anything yet.

In a way I'm glad to be out of the corporate America rat race, although it's stressful at times to not be bringing in an income. I'm very grateful that my wife has supported me and my writing. I'm crossing my fingers one day I'll get paid to write.

[Snoggera]

15. People with writing skills need to be encouraged

and should NEVER feel bad about others that help them achieve their dream.

And that's all I have to say about that!

[scottcsmith]

16. Thanks!

And now I have the perfect opportunity to plug my award-winning web site, What Is In Scotts Head, home to my rants, analysis, and Bush-bashing (when possible).

[Snoggera]

17. Very well done

it's bookmarked!

[northzax]

19. hey scott, you missed a bit

on your analysis of "how to Lie" you forgot (and everyone seems to have forgotten, but it just struck me) that this George Elliot must have been an awful CO to allow people under his command to get so many medals they didn't deserve, you know? what exactly was Captain Elliot doing over there while his sailors were running around awarding themselves medals, anyway?

[northzax]

18. get a library card

seriously. This is the best time you will ever have, with luck, to read all the stuff you always said you'd read and never get around to. Find a coffee shop that will let you sit there all day for one cup of coffee (most cool ones will, unless you are an ass) and sit and read for a couple of hours every day.

Check out a series of language tapes (or buy some) and learn esperanto (that's a resume-killer) or something new.

do something interesting. I once spent a month doing nothing but reading and writing at a coffee shop between jobs. I got caught up on all the classics, and the writing helped me categorise my thoughts personally.

do something. anything.