The Upside to being Unemployed
Unemployment instantly gives rise to negative feelings, either on the part of the person saying it or for the person listening to it. Associated more with detrimental scenarios, the lack of employment is often a proactive choice, where a person is lazy enough to want a government-funded life. However, unemployment is not just for deadbeat workers who would rather do nothing - in the recession, everyone is suffering. Across all walks of life, competition for employment vacancies is fierce - from the established workforce facing redundancy to the students entering the world of business for the first time. By approaching the unemployment situation with an optimistic frame of mind, there is an upside that can be found.
While employed, a large portion of an employee's week would be consumed by work, even when out of the office. The daily commute can be a tiresome event that will inevitably cause boredom and impatience, proving to be a source of irritation that will instantly worsen any person's mood. After a long day at work, followed by an even more demanding journey home, the last thing you'll want to think about in the evening is what else you can do - beyond the essentials. When unemployed, however, the options are completely different. With plenty of free time, the only limitation is the imagination and inspiration for what can be done.
Many people take up the hobby that has only existed - so far - as a dream: it might be a childhood desire that has never faded or it might be a recent brainwave. Often, these "it will happen one day" opportunities would probably never have progressed further than its potential if not for the person suddenly facing unemployment. Unemployment may never be a concern again for a person who chooses the path of self-employment. A dream without any large financial outset can often be closer than a person might think - get out there and make it happen! When unemployed, all the time in the world will be available to make plans and network with local businesses.
For those people who reach out for an opportunity to grab it with both hands, unemployment will be a wonderful opportunity for spending the free time on making something happen. Write out a top ten list of books that should be read and make it a mission to read them. Volunteer at a local animal rescue center, where extra help is always welcomed for a multitude of tasks - hands on time with the animals or working in the office. In a local community, many places will always be on the lookout for a good volunteer - charity shops, museums, church groups, etc. Don't see unemployment as a cause for suffering - see it as a challenge, a short-term stumbling block that can be overcome to find a long-term asset.
The unemployment statistics might never have been higher but - with the right attitude - the benefits achieved during this time have never been greater. Instead of hiding from the world in shame and wasting the time unemployment offers, face the world head on with the pride of someone who knows what there is to gain from life and seeing the personal reward that is available to those who put their time towards a good cause where it will be appreciated. The next employer will be more impressed by someone who did something worthwhile with their time.
