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Wonderfully Awful: Why Be Unemployed When You Can Be FUNemployed!
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a blogumn by Robin Rosenzweig
A couple months ago, I decided to join all the cool kids and rid myself of my job. Well, it wasn’t so much that I decided to do it as my employer decided for me, but that’s not important. The point is that, like so very many people I know and tons of people I don’t know, I am currently unemployed.
At first, I was bummed out about it. It’s always difficult to lose a job and have to figure out how to proceed into an incredibly daunting job search, especially with the economy and job market being as bleak as they are. But then, I realized that there was another way to look at my situation. Instead of being sad about being unemployed, I could turn my frown upside down due to the fact that I am now FUNemployed!
I’m not sure which of my friends coined the term FUNemployed, but it has become part of the lexicon amongst my fellow jobless pals. I think the idea was created for several reasons. First of all, adding the word “FUN” to anything makes it better…period. And also, being unemployed opens up a world of possibilities that don’t otherwise exist for those who are living the 9 to 5 life.
What does it mean to be FUNemployed? For starters, I can run errands or take care of my personal to-do list at any time of the day. But that’s not really the fun part. Being FUNemployed means I can get together with my other FUNemployed pals for an afternoon roller skate. Or we can spend some time by the pool. Or I can take a nap whenever I want (and boy, oh boy do I love a good nap).
Living in Los Angeles adds additional unique opportunities for the FUNemployed. One of the first things I did as a FUNemployed person was participate in a video game testing session. I can’t say much more about it as I’m sworn to secrecy, but suffice to say, I spent three hours one afternoon having a blast playing a video game that was right up my alley. I also spent another afternoon auditioning for a game show, and doing terribly, I might add. But it was still a strange, fun experience. And if I am lucky enough to remain FUNemployed into early June, I will be running off to Sin City to enjoy a free stay at the Bellagio, thanks to a combination of my sister’s gambling habits and an economically-suffering Vegas travel industry.
Now, FUNemployment can be, well, fun…but it’s not all glitz and glamour. Well, it really isn’t glitz and glamour at all considering that my only income is from Unemployment Insurance and odd jobs. And that can only last for so long. So I do have to go through the tedium of looking for work, sending off resumes, and interviewing for jobs when the few and far between calls come in. But this makes the concept of FUNemployment more important than ever. When looking for work in a job market with a lot more empty shelves than ever, it’s not just helpful to keep spirits up…it’s essential.
So for those who find themselves in the daunting position of being suddenly without a job, my best advice is to remember than you are more than merely unemployed…you are FUNemployed! So have a good time while you have all the time in the world at your disposal.
(And, of course, if anyone has any promising job leads, do send them my way. What? I’m FUNemployed…but I ain’t crazy! Girl’s gotta eat!)
I'll be joining you at the end of this week… inspiration to live by :)
I'll be joining you at the end of this week… inspiration to live by :)
The naps are what you'll miss most when you're employed again. But I love the idea of making the most out of your unemployment. I wish I had thought of that during my two stints of unemployment out here — though I did join the then-brand-new Derby Dolls during the first one, so that was fun… Actually I'm curious to know how many women have joined the Derby Dolls while unemployed. I think m/b quite a few…
personally i'm past the napping stage of funemployment. i never ever thought i'd get sick of napping, but i guess i did. i've found other things to fill my time, so much so that funemployment has begun to feel like a job. sigh.
The naps are what you'll miss most when you're employed again. But I love the idea of making the most out of your unemployment. I wish I had thought of that during my two stints of unemployment out here — though I did join the then-brand-new Derby Dolls during the first one, so that was fun… Actually I'm curious to know how many women have joined the Derby Dolls while unemployed. I think m/b quite a few…
personally i'm past the napping stage of funemployment. i never ever thought i'd get sick of napping, but i guess i did. i've found other things to fill my time, so much so that funemployment has begun to feel like a job. sigh.
I don't know how many women joined the Derby Dolls while unemployed, but I do know there are a number of FUNemployed Derby Dolls at the moment. We FUNemployed Dolls have even taken to calling our afternoon naps "nap drills." Named after a drill I always wanted to run while leading a derby practice but still haven't yet figured out how, we use these nap drills to keep ourselves in prime FUNemployment shape!
I may just run a nap drill right now…
This employed Derby Doll is very jealous of all the nap drills you get to take.
I don't know how many women joined the Derby Dolls while unemployed, but I do know there are a number of FUNemployed Derby Dolls at the moment. We FUNemployed Dolls have even taken to calling our afternoon naps "nap drills." Named after a drill I always wanted to run while leading a derby practice but still haven't yet figured out how, we use these nap drills to keep ourselves in prime FUNemployment shape!
I may just run a nap drill right now…
This employed Derby Doll is very jealous of all the nap drills you get to take.
see, i think americans should have 2 hour lunches for siestas.
see, i think americans should have 2 hour lunches for siestas.
I LOVE being FUNemployed! I can go to the stores and they aren't crowded and I have taken up new hobbies that are keeping me busy. I have finally broken down and I am going to try to get some temp work, but being 6 months pregnant pretty much rules out most companies wanting to hire me. I'm gonna enjoy my time off while it lasts!
I LOVE being FUNemployed! I can go to the stores and they aren't crowded and I have taken up new hobbies that are keeping me busy. I have finally broken down and I am going to try to get some temp work, but being 6 months pregnant pretty much rules out most companies wanting to hire me. I'm gonna enjoy my time off while it lasts!