Can Unemployment Be the Healthiest Time of Your Life?

I agree with many of the points in this compassionate article. Of course, no list of techniques can be cookie-cutter perfect for everyone who gets the ax through no fault of his or her own. Employees who are "let go" due to misconduct or to striking, for example, may not receive any unemployment benefits--or, depending on their state, will not receive any for some period of time. Such a person unemployed would be a ball of nerves too large even for a cat's amusement. However, a person unemployed through "no fault of [his or her] own" can take a mental breather between those on-line job hunting sessions. ... Amid pre-Thanksgiving madness at the market, I chatted with a formerly unemployed man, who said that while he appreciated having more time to himself, he was unable to find suitable work in his field. As for moi? I'm creatively surviving my "time off" by journaling, cooking, napping, meditating. No more stress-inducing java with a dollop of office politics ... ahhh ... the serenity.

Although I work from home, the whole thing is completely different from working in an office. I have a flexible schedule as well as less time overall towards work. I've learned so much more about myself being in this situation as well as enjoying an new culture (European) I really look forward to going back to work and bringing my new skills of life to the table. I wish everyone could take a year sabbatical and refresh their eyes towards work. Then of course I wish everyone was in their desired career field. Perhaps this was my mid-life crisis on my own terms?

It's a great time to be thankful for more time to explore opportunities you always wanted to pursue but didn't have time to pursue. There's lots of stuff you can do for free if you just look for it. And no matter how dire your financial situation, everyone needs to take a break from their new occupation - finding a new job! Go hiking, learn to belly dance, try out improvisational comedy! Who know who you'll meet or new interests you will develop. I'm creating a mid-life Life and I am grateful for the opportunity! My hiking pictures on facebook are freaking out all my friends and colleagues who know the professional me - what a hoot!