Happy New Year....Ten New Years Resolution Ideas for the Unemployed

Well, Happy New Year friends. Where does the time go? It feels like just yesterday  I was ringing in 2009.

I've been doing quite a bit of reflecting this year. I think this is a blessing that comes out of unemployment. When you are working, you are on track, and you don't have time to really sit and think about things like, "Where am I going? What are my flaws? Where can I improve? What do I really want to do with my life? But when your unemployed, not only do you have the time, I think you have to do this "work" to get yourself back on track.

In keeping with the theme of New Years resolutions, I decided to make some employment resolutions for 2010.  They may seem obvious, but I like the idea of having things to check off as accomplishments.

Here our my 10 New Years Resolutions for 2010.
1) Leave no stone unturned.
Networking is key to finding your next job.  I am going to do a better job of networking this year. I plan to attend 1-2 networking events a month.

2) Make getting out of the house a priority.
I always say that keeping moving is the most important key to keeping sane when unemployed.   I did a great job with this last year, but I have been slacking the last 2 months. I plan to get back to my list making ways and keep moving no matter what.

3) Stay on top of  health.
This year I plan to work harder on my fitness and diet. Starting the beginning of the year, I will do the Joy's Life Diet, go to the gym 3-5 days a week and get down to 180lbs.

4) Get to bed at a decent hour.
I've been going to bed at 3 and 4 am. This has got to stop. Its counterproductive and bad for my health. My resolution is to be sleeping by 1am.

5) Start beefing up the resume.
I have a great resume, but my experience is going to get real stale.  I will sign up for a class at NYU this spring.

6)  Get ready with my plan B
Unemployment is going to run out in April.  I plan to be working full time by then, but I need to start working on a plan B.  I think this will be consulting.  I have to get myself ready to do that. Networking will be part of this plan.

7) Volunteer and Give Back.
I may not have money, but I have time.  New York Cares is a great charity that I have worked with in the past. I think it is time that I use some of my time volunteering.  I will sign up at least 1 event a month.

8) Give myself a Break.
I love travel.  I know money is tight, but I can't keep denying myself.  I would like to go to California this year.  If things don't start heating up in the next few weeks, I am going to do it using my Frequent Flyer miles. 

9) Keep in Touch
This goes back to my networking resolution, but I need to reconnect with friends and former co-workers.  I have to start making coffee dates and making connections.  I will do 1-2 a month.

10)  STAY POSITIVE
This is my number one priority.  I will not let unemployment get me down!


Happy New Year Peeps.  We can do it.  We can do it!  Yes we CAN!