Unemployment - Three weeks

Thoughts after three weeks of being unemployed:

I am still getting my full pay with accrued vacation so the financial realities of unemployment haven't kicked in although I am fully aware that they will and I have scaled back on what is not necessary.

When we moved to Kitsap I continued working on "the Eastside" and made the insane communte for 3 1/2 years.  I was able to get a very sweet "retirement" deal so when it was time to leave I had a a very comfortable cushion and there was no rush to find new employment.  When I did I took a 75% pay cut so I have cut back on expenses before but this will be much harder.

Next to the financial cut, the weekly reporting is a bit frustrating.  You must make three contacts a week.  Basically apply for three jobs that you would be willing to take if they were offered to you.  Finding three jobs is almost impossible and the search for these takes away from real job preparation; resume update, networking, considering and researching self-employment opportunities.  But, these are the rules and the unemployment is needed so I will follow the rules.

I was dissapointed, when I took the class on job training opportunities, to find out that IF I am deemed by some computer to most likely NOT find a job before my benefits run out, then I will receive a letter qualifying me to take the Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP).  I was told I could apply without the letter but my chances are null.  I'll probably apply - why not?

On the positive side I am loving the free time.  Not wasted time but time to take care of things and take care of myself.  I am walking more, eating less.  Working in the yard is a joy and not a job.  I am starting to go through drawers and closets and planning to put some things on Ebay, or at least get them to Goodwill.  I want to declutter my house and my mind.  I gave myself a facial this morning.

Perhaps if I could have kept my job to something near regular hours time to take care of myself wouldn't come as such a surprise.  I used to get on the computer at 7AM and pretty much work, or have work on my mind all day and into the evening.  I read the paper for work.  I surfed the internet for work.  I did social networking for work.  I loved it, but I am enjoying the opportunity to be selfish and do these things for myself.  I thought I kept things in balance but I didn't.  I didn't totally let go of work at any time - I lived it and I am still somewhat engaged, but recovering.

I don't know what is ahead.  If I had it to do over would I have made the same decision?  Yes, without question - I had to.  Ask me again in a few months.