So the first - and most obvious - approach for me was to start with money outflow. I've never been very frivolous with money, but there are always ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Every expense is now keenly felt, as if every check I write brings me one step closer to homelessness. So I've really buckled down - no more cleaning help, now I'm in charge of my own toilets. Reduced netflix and cable and cell phone (oh my!). I was already pretty frugal with running the heater and air conditioner, in fact I was once accused of living in a utility-free zone. I could claim that it was for the environment, but it was more so that I could afford the occasional trip to DSW. My new version of frivolous expense is the movie in the theatre or the delicious veggie delight sandwich at Subway. Yes, I'm living the high life.
But the real challenge is not in the fund spending, but in the fund raising. Should I take every role that comes my way? Should I jump on the first reasonable offer? Should I see if I can get some cardboard and scribble out a "will work for shoes" sign? Where do I value my worth and are there things that are just not "at my level?" (Crazy to think I have gotten to a place where I have a level, right?) At any rate, I haven't yet figured out the answers to these questions, but I do think that finding the sweet spot between bringing in the bucks and believing that I have a minimum worth and sticking to it is the holy grail of being unemployed.
Because let's face it, I happen to be one of the lucky ones with a large network of support. My cardboard sign days are hardly imminent and I, unlike many, have the luxury of taking some time to think about these challenging questions and finding the right answers for me. Because just like the folks at L'Oreal say, it's "because I'm worth it."
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wow, i was prepared for a much deeper bearing of the soul. i don't think you say anything here we don't all experience. are you feeling like you don't deserve to be picky about what job you take? cause you do! and yeah, there may come a day that you have to something for which you are over-qualified, because, let's face it, these are tough times. but you aren't there yet, sister.
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I do wish our State government would see things the same way...you can only cut spending so much, it is revenue that matters.
ReplyDeleteAs far as what job to take, I agree with what cindybee says. Amongst other reasons, if you just take the first job that comes along just because it is a paycheck, you might miss finding the right job. As long as i've known you, you have hardly been one to simply punch the clock and just do the job. It is personal to you. What you did was never just a job. The right gig is out there...it just might take some time.
I am certain that you will find the perfect job. You are too capable! But, from experience, I can tell you that sometimes there is a transitional job that pays okay and is a space holder until the right one comes along. And then, finally, that one job becomes the best one ever. Been there, done that! And you have great skills to offer!!
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