NEW BLOG LOCATION

I have moved my blog and linked it with my Web site, so please visit me at www.saramichael.org.

things to do when you're unemployed

If I had more readers and this was more than just an exercise in self-absorbtion, I'd ask for suggestions on what people do when their unemployed. Besides job hunting.

How do you find creativity and motivation? How do you continue to feel smart and engaging when you're sitting around your house checking Facebook and ignoring your confused dog who whines and paces for attention?

(Wow, it's not looking good for the Sara Betterment Phase. I even Googled the phrase "What do to when you're unemployed" and a list actually told me half of the things I have been doing already: blogging, cooking, crafts.)

I will say I am surprised at the amount of people at home during the day. It's almost offensive. What are they doing? Are they also out of work? Are they all really collecting disability checks? Seriously, I have seen more of my neighbors today than in the last month. What are the chances they work evening jobs or just have off on Tuesdays?

Well, it's a rocky start to my unemployment. Although I have nailed down a couple freelance gigs and set up an informal interview for a prospective job lead, it seems like the afternoon stretches out in front of me.

I guess I'll go paint my fingernails.

Day One

This is the first official day of my laid-offdom.

Technically I am on "administrative leave" and will still see a paycheck for a bit, thanks to a 1980s federal law that requires employers to give two months notice before closing a plant. But today was the first work day that I didn't have to get up to go to work.

Yes, it's not even 8 a.m. and I am up, but I blame my eager and consistent dog for that. Or maybe it hasn't really sunk in yet.

I actually have a long list of things to do today, but really these are things that could be done any day this week. I am trying to stay busy. Stay busy and stay positive.

So commence the Sara Betterment Phase, longer title Sara Personal and Professional Better Phase. SBP entails me building my professional skills (Final Cut, Web design, freelancing) and nurturing some personal areas (running again, taking up another hobby such as knitting or more yoga). During this SBP, whether it lasts two weeks or six months (good heavens I don't know if I can handle six months), I will focus on doing things that make me feel good about myself and ultimately make me a better person.

SBP starts, as I am now, by drinking a cup of coffee and writing.