Funemployment: Week 1

Last week I joined the ranks of the unemployed.  In January, the company I worked for informed me that they were “restructuring” my department and I would be out of work by the end of March.  My initial reaction:  bruised ego, but RELIEF!

I hadn't enjoyed my job for six months to a year.  I’d had teary moments on the way to and from work, worked crazy hours, and felt little appreciation or acknowledgement from the people within my department (outside my department, yes).  So, I bought out all my stock options (which could be significant in six months when I can consider selling them off), updated my resume, started networking, and had a few interviews. 

My last day was last week.  I went in on my last day and sent my last weekly update, turned in my keys and ID, and sent my goodbye email.  The ladies took me to lunch, and I didn't go back when we were done (with my boss’s blessing).

Now it is time continue the job search, network, and spend my time productively—and also have fun.  Funemployment!

On my first day, I slept late (aka, 8 am), read a little, then went off to volunteer for a project listed on Chicago Cares.  Most volunteer events are weekends and evenings, so it was surprising to find something for a Tuesday afternoon.  It was also working on a mosaic for a city park; finding artistic volunteer events is really, really rare.  Since the project was in part of the city I haven’t been to before (Cermak and Halstead), I not only learned something new, I got to see an up-and-coming artsy loft in an industrial area.

Wednesday was a lazier day—slept late, went to gym, and just relaxed.  I realized that day that it had been over a year since I’d had a week off work, so I decided I was entitled to a lazy day.  I’m also binge watching Bones via Netflix since I hadn’t watched it from the beginning of the series.  J

Thursday. Well, shoot.  I don’t remember what I did in the morning.  I did get a call from a recruiter, so scheduled an appointment for Friday.  I really only remember meeting a friend for dinner.  A margarita, some really good meat, and an ice cream with churros dessert (yes, a fab dessert that doesn't have chocolate—who knew?).

Friday was interesting in that my recent employer went “public”.  (Yes, that one.)  I want that stock price to hold for six months, until I am allowed to consider selling!  I checked in when it went live at 830 am, then left to meet the recruiter.  Stopped at Trader Joes on the way back, then ran a quick errand to Target. Then checked the stock price again.  Texted one or two work friends to see if it was as crazy there as I thought it would be—yes, it was.  Now I need to set thoughts of that aside until November 4^th. J   The recruiter was a typical experience: meet the recruiter, talk a bit, and don’t expect to hear from them.  Maybe this one will be different, but it was mainly for a temp-to-hire job that pays notably lower than what my recent salary :~

Throughout the week I’d checked the job boards and saved all the jobs that looked interesting or that I believe I am qualified to do, but I didn't actually apply until the weekend (this is my routine, unless a job looks like it is absolutely PERFECT, then I only wait a day to get my thoughts together). 

On Saturday we had our annual condo cleanup day—cleaning trash out of the alley, the yard, sweeping deck, etc.  While it is annoying to do, we all feel better about the place once it is done.  Litter breeds, and so do clean yards.  Once one lot cleans up, the ones around it tend to do the same.   

I’m also making a list of free things to do in the city: museums, tours, events, and sights to see.  While I am taking my job search seriously, I want to take advantage of this time and do things I haven’t been able to do because I was working.  Putting the “fun” in “funemployment”!