The job market is more competitive than ever, but this takes it to an entirely new level. This is a story from last spring, when I found myself unemployed for the first time. It’s a positive way of looking at what could be a not-so-busy or so fun situation.
New Yorker Nick Goddard, an unemployed tech guy, brought fellow jobless New Yorkers (apparently there are plenty to choose from, to the tune of 400,000 people in the city) outside for a lovely day in Manhattan last March. The Unemployment Olympics drew dozens of participants for the Office Phone Toss (I’d sign up for that competition in a New York minute), Office Phone Pinata, and the Race to the Unemployment Office.
While it’s all in good humor, here are my thoughts about unemployment now that I have a little more perspective.
- It’s not “someone’s” fault. Yes, a person (maybe yourself) had to make a decision for you to make the change. I get it, it happens. But, like the organizer of the event, Mr. Goddard, take it as a GOOD change. We get so sticky-fingered about our employment that we forget to be thankful for the blessing of having work available to us to start with and having the opportunity for a change in scenery. Also, every job I have has been valuable for the next step in my career–so quit whining or like the gal who tossed the phone in this video, quit BLAMING (but she really is my favorite athlete!) You’re just going to be miserable and really, why not take advantage of this brief hiatus? Remember: all that can be shaken, WILL be shaken.
- The Race to the Unemployment Line--It really does look like that mob rushing the doors! I tried calling the Idaho Department of Labor on Monday at 11 a.m. (Idaho has about 1.5 million people as of July 2008, with about 350,000 in Ada County–so not crazy), and it took about two hours and five phone calls just for my call to connect. I was happy to talk to Summer though, she was very nice.
- Mr. Goddard had an idea, and he “went ahead and did it”. How fun is that?! The dude is smart, he had an idea and he did something. Instead of being bitter, he did something–wait for it–productive! Do it. I’m sure he has a job by now. In fact, the man had Newsweek, the New York Post, and the AP cover the day. Those aren’t just NY1 local television coverage–it’s national coverage!
- I Am Cool, Gary Ross! Being unemployed isn’t forever. So while I am working hard to find a job, cleaning my house, giving my time to people who need it at 2 p.m., or whatever–I’ll stay positive.
