Comments on: Unemployment Isn’t Horrible For Everyone – Attitude Check

By: Marie

Marie — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:35:55 +0000

I agree unemployment can be an opportunity, however I am 57 years old and have been searching now for about 9-10 months. I do not have health insurance as I can not afford it. My husband is disabled so that leaves very little. It is harder to get back in the older you are..( at least that seems to be case for me)
I have called staffing agencies and am hearing how many people are applying for the same job.

I am trying to be optimistic but the more time that goes by and no work the harder that is getting to be.

By: Jim Rowland

Jim Rowland — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 06:44:16 +0000

Jason,

Its great to see some of these comments on here. I have been in transition for several months and while I don’t enjoy the economics of it, I have really enjoyed all the learning. There was a culture mis-match at my last position and my leaving has enabled me to do some real thinking about what is important, make some decisions about what I am looking for and meet some great folks, although most of them virtually.

The networking is addictive and I am convinced that what I have learned will make me a better leader, and will enhance my career long term. I have kept this attitude throughout the process, I think it has been a key to making the progress I have made.

Thanks for having a great blog.

By: Michael Schaffner

Michael Schaffner — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:14:41 +0000

Jason,

Having just completed a job search I can truthfully say that if it wasn’t so serious the job search process really is fun. Yes being out of work sucks. And yes it is a cliche to call it an “opportunity”. However, it really is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to discover what is important to you and what you want to do. Jeroen Latour is absolutely right, networking is addicting and fun.

To quote another cliche “When all you have is lemons, make lemonade”. Being out of work sucks but make the most of it, Not all of it is bad so emphasize the positive. It will reflect in your attitue and that also happens to be a critical factor in finding a new job.

Mike

By: Nadine Turner

Nadine Turner — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:58:40 +0000

Thanks for the nod Jason. Lest anyone think I am one of those eternally bubbly look-on-the-brightside types, I want to say that I’m not The reason I enjoyed being out of work is because it afforded me precious time to re-invent myself and to try to beat the job-seeking process at it’s own game. I did it and have accepted a great offer after a couple of weeks out of work! But I didn’ do this alone, I met friendly experts, like Jason along the way that helped me construct my plan. What’s cool is that ANYONE can do this…you just have to expose yourself to the right groups and tools, like JibberJobber, etc. which makes taking control of your career…your destiny, fun!

Nadine Turner
http://nadineblogs.wordpress.com

By: Daniel Johnson, Jr.

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:03:25 +0000

Sometimes unemployment can be the best thing for someone who’s become wrapped up so tight in a job. In my situations, it actually had come as a relief.

By: David Sandusky

David Sandusky — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:46:19 +0000

A lot of times the forced change is a blessing for people. The key is learning and staying tuned in to your environment, culture and skills to be competitive now and later.
I started the Personal Board of Advisors online to help people address the balance and success as mentioned in this post. That is why we have published materials and support covering achievement in personal finance, wellness and time management, career and business strategy. It is great for those on the market, but the smart thing to do is get in while all is well!!! Like being a connector would!

By: Jay Deragon

Jay Deragon — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:37:35 +0000

I recently had a friend that was unemployed and down in the dumps. He was getting discouraged and through his hands up. Someone told him about the contagious give concept, see http://www.TheContagiousGiver.com so he decided to stop worrying and give.

He did and within two weesk was offered a job with a lot more pay than he was previously making. He tells me he is now “giving” more than he had in his entire life.

You reap that which you sow. Worry reaps aniexty and giving reaps doors opening. Believe it or not.

By: Carolynn

Carolynn — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:20:40 +0000

I love unemployment. Okay, not the economic reality of it, but the change opportunity.

The last two times I was unemployed for about 2 months each, I had a great time. During the first one, I took a mini-vacation and spent a lot of time just chilling. The second time, I started The Hundred Dollar Business and worked my guts out at the mall– also had a good time.

The best thing about unemployment is that you’re no longer attached to that job you don’t like… that doesn’t pay you well enough, with that boss you can’t stand, the aggravating coworkers, or the field of work that bores you silly.

What an opportunity to get in tune with what you’ve been wanting to do!