By JENNIFER A. SLATER
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
I was laid off from my job a few months ago and, although money has been tight, this time off has given me unexpected gifts. Carefully doling out my meager savings, rising to “power seller” status on eBay, and learning the definition of “deferred payments” have all contributed to my survival while I continue to send out mass e-mails of my résumé. But it dawned on me as I was raking leaves the other day that I have enjoyed some of the most mundane activities since I found myself on the outside of the rat race.
If you’re currently unemployed, don’t despair — set aside a certain amount of time for scouring the want ads, making phone calls and doing your share of worrying — but then take a break from it. You are defined by more than your role as provider or by your occupation for that matter — there’s so much more. Don’t waste this opportunity.
What are some things you’ve always wanted to do but never had time for? Think of things you could accomplish that would make your life easier when you do go back to work. Here are some ideas:
1. I cleaned my house! And I’m not talking just hitting the big spots — I mean really cleaned! It’s amazing what can accumulate over the years when you’re squeezing household chores between work, laundry, dinner and sleep. I’m not saying my house looks like a model home now — I still need a heads up if you’re stopping by — but with three kids and two big dogs, I’d say the place looks pretty darn nice!
2. Tackle projects. Like anyone else I have a Honey-Do list. The only problem is, I’m the only Honey in the house, so between acting as breadwinner, cook, chauffeur and chief bug killer, things didn’t always get checked off that list. Until now! So far I have stripped wallpaper, organized drawers, cabinets and closets, built an awesome doghouse, and refinished all my kitchen cabinets to go with the new paint job. I even cleaned out and painted my garage and hung pegboard so I have a place for all my tools other than the floor. No wonder my house stays so clean now!
3. Spend time with your kids. This one is right at the top of my list. I actually went on a field trip with one of my children without worrying about using up a precious vacation day. When my daughter had a weeklong art project in addition to having to read a novel, I read “Dracula” out loud to her every night while she worked on her art. We play video games, lie around and read, take walks, watch movies — why didn’t I do this before? Oh yeah, I was always working.
4. I’ve become incredibly frugal. I actually take time now to read the ads for sales and cut out coupons and then plan every week’s meals accordingly. What a concept! I honestly cannot believe the amount of money I’ve saved. I’ve even traded coffeecakes, lasagna and other home-baked goodies for trunkloads of firewood with a guy at church who cuts down trees for a living — really made a difference on my heating bill. Be creative! And barter, barter, barter!
5. I learned how to cook again. Shortly after I was laid off from my job, my son came home to this mouth-watering aroma wafting through the house and asked, “Wow, what’s for dinner?” When I told him pot roast, he looked around the kitchen and asked where I hid the crock pot. It dawned on me that my kids had never had pot roast with brown crusty potatoes baked in an oven all afternoon. They loved it! It became my mission to pore through my cookbooks and spoil my children with home-cooked meals that I had never had the time or energy to prepare. Do you like to cook or wish you were a better cook? Now’s the time to take it to the next level.
6. I have become a master at Sudoku! Pathetic, you say? I think not. Who will be laughing when the government offers me a job as a secret-code-breaker. Never thought of that, did you?
7. I finished my book. Have you ever wanted to write a book? This has been one of the most personally rewarding gifts I have received during this drought. After years of trying to complete a book I was writing to help encourage, organize and motivate other single parents, I finally finished it and have even launched my own Web site. Now this could be something that defines you! It feels amazing — you need to try it!
How sad that some of our best dreams are rarely at the top of our priority list as we fly through the self-inflicted routine of our lives. And as one of my favorite authors says, “Everyone is an expert at something.” What are you an expert at? What would you do if you had all the time you needed (which, uh, you do right now) and you knew you couldn’t fail? Go for it!
Write a book or a manual, start your own business, work as a dishwasher in exchange for free food at restaurants across the country as you experience places you’ve never had the opportunity to see while you were stuck in a nine-to-five job (unless you have a family at home, then absolutely do not do that last one). All I’m saying is, while you’re unemployed, sitting home being discouraged is not the only option.
During this time among the unemployed, I have truly come to appreciate so many things in my life and been able to take advantage of opportunities I’ve not had the time or energy to enjoy. We all have so many gifts, open your eyes and start seeing them! And get started while you’ve got the time!
• Jennifer Slater, a resident of Acworth, is founder of theSingleParent.org, an organization devoted to enriching the lives and self-esteem of women and single parents.
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