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!
Showing posts with label Social Activies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social Activies. Show all posts
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Get Out There!
It started like any other day there. I put up my regular post on Facebook: "I will be at the remote office (Panera) Wed at 12ish. Stop by and have a coffee with me!" and updated my profile picture with the one on the left.
I've been doing this kind of stuff for 3 months, and while I get lots of comments, up until today, only one friend has come to visit me. Today, the planets aligned, and I had three guests. It was a Panera Party!
I was so excited! I couldn't wait to update my status on facebook as each guest arrived (their visits were actually staggered, I couldn't have scheduled it that way if I tried). It was great. I had nice conversations with each of my friends, and felt really lucky to get this extra time with them.
I know what you are thinking...big deal. But you know what? It was. It was a great day. I felt energized. And it all started with me doing one thing...getting out of the house.
Days like today don't happen every time I go out. My friends aren't always around to keep me company, but I find that 9 times out of 10, getting out of the house gets my mind going, my energy flowing and the ideas coming. My inspirations come from random conversations I had while out, things I have seen in my journies, or something that comes to my mind when I am out and about. In the past few weeks alone, I've come up with ideas for making money, a website for my friends business, and even topics for this blog.
When you are working, you get all this stimulation during your morning commute, coffee breaks and daily interactions with your coworkers. But when you are unemployed, you have to make your own day. Sometimes easier said than done.
Its VERY tempting to stay in the house in PJs, write cover letters, send out resumes and catch up on daytime tv EVERY DAY, especially these days when the job market slow, and your phone isn't ringing and the interviews aren't coming. Some days I don't even want to get out of bed. But that's not healthy. You and your mind deserve better than that.
So I say, send out your resumes and cover letters, but do that when you get up in the morning or before you go to bed at night. Seize the day, and get out there and smell the roses and have fun! You don't have to spend a fortune. Visit museums and parks, go for walks, ride your bike, visit a library, or go to the gym. Just get outside.
In honor of this topic, here are my Top 10 Quotes about Experiencing Life (AKA Get out There)
“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” --William Plomer
“You must not for one instant give up the effort to build new lives for yourselves. Creativity means to push open the heavy, groaning doorway to life. This is not an easy struggle. Indeed, it may be the most difficult task in the world, for opening” --Daisaku Ikeda
"Many people know so little about what is beyond their short range of experience. They look within themselves - and find nothing! Therefore they conclude that there is nothing outside themselves either." --Helen Keller
"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." --Earl Nightingale
"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today." --Dale Carnegie
". . . it's worth recognizing that there is no such thing as an overnight success. You will do well to cultivate the resources in yourself that bring you happiness outside of success or failure. The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive. At that time, we turn around and say, yes, this is obviously where I was going all along. It's a good idea to try to enjoy the scenery on the detours, because you'll probably take a few.” Bill Watterson
“Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.” --Henry Ford
"Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music-the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself." --Henry Miller
“Creativity is a lot like looking at the world through a kaleidoscope. You look at a set of elements, the same ones everyone else sees, but then reassemble those floating bits and pieces into an enticing new possibility." --Rosabeth Moss Kanter
“The life of the creative man is lead, directed and controlled by boredom. Avoiding boredom is one of our most important purposes.” --Susan Sontag
So go ahead, send out your resumes and then GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! Who knows...your next employment opportunity might be right outside your door!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Cost-Cutting Strategies for Staying Social While Unemployed
In this current economy, I think it is safe to say that my unemployment checks might be my only steady income for a while. I sincerely hope I am wrong about this, but I have to be realistic. I'm sending out resumes like mad and the calls are few and far in between.
I've got savings in the bank, but I know it won't last forever. I am planning for leaner, meaner days ahead. Its time to make some changes, and the one place I can make cuts is on my entertainment budget.
As I have mentioned previously, I am typically a saver not a spender, but when it comes to going out and being social that's my weakness. Recently, I took my 10 year old cousin to Great Adventure. We had a great time. He thanked me profusely for the trip, and at one point said, "I can't believe how much money you wasted on on me." I told him, "It wasn't wasted, we had a good time...this is what I worked for." and he looked at me and said, "But you are not working." And I said, " I know I am not working (now)...but this is what I worked for."
I didn't see this day at Great Adventure as wasting money at all(Granted, it was also early on in my unemployment). Yes, it was expensive, but I brought my Coke Can with the B1G1Free coupon, we ate our packed lunch in the parking lot, and I didn't spend any extra money on pictures, or trinkets in the park. And most important of all, I had this special time with my cousin. That, to me, was priceless.
In my working days, that's exactly how I would view every moment out with friends and family. Sometimes I would look at a $60-$100 credit card receipt from the night out and say, "Wow, that was expensive." But I would chalk it up to the fact that I had a good time with my friends, and plus, I am frugal with my money else where, so I can afford this luxury.
Today I am unemployed. I realize if I want to stay social with my friends, some things will have to change. I never want to be the person who asks to split a bill so I can pay for exactly what I ate, or have my friends pay for me out of pity. So, I am going to have to cut where I can and I'm going to have to get a little creative.
Getting creative requires a little planning ahead. I think it also requires that your friends are flexible, but most likely, they know you are in crappy situation, and will appreciate your finding ways to maintain the quality time with them.
Here are my 10 Strategies for Staying Social when Unemployed.
(AKA - Ways to cut your entertainment expenses and still have fun.)
1) A friend wants to go out for drinks after work...
- Suggest a bar that has good happy hour deals; and/or
- Order one drink, and switch to water.
2) A friend wants to go out to the movies...
- Suggest a weekend matinee; and/or
- Get coupons for discounted tickets; and/or
- Bring your snacks to the theater. or
- Suggest a movie night at your house.
3) A friend wants to do a Spa Day for massages and facials...
- Go to the spa but only get one treatment; or
- Go to the spa, but only get a manicure; or
- Suggest a manicure and/or pedicure in a local salon; and only get one treatment.
4) A friend wants to meet up for lunch...
- Suggest an inexpensive place that has decent lunch specials. or
- Suggest you grab lunches ahead of time, and meet up at the park. or
- Ask if you could meet up for coffee instead.
5) A friend wants to meet up for dinner...
- Suggest an inexpensive place; or
- Suggest they come over your place for drinks and BBQ and tell them to bring their favorite dessert; or
- Ask if you could meet up for coffee/dessert instead.
6)A friend wants to go out to a club...
- Try to get in before the cover charge; and/or
- Offer to drive so you can't drink (too much). and/or
- Order the drink specials; and/or
- Drink water.
7) A friend wants to go away on vacation...(this is a tough one)
- Suggest a less expensive destination and/or shorter stay; and/or
- Suggest inviting other people along to help defray costs; or
- Suggest a day trip instead.
8) A friend wants to go to a casino...
- Go with a small amount of money and limit your spending to that amount; and/or
- Watch your friend gambling. Be his/her lucky charm; and/or
- Gamble a little at a time, and then go for walks around the casino.
9) A friend invites you to his/her beach house for the weekend...
- Suggest going for just the day instead of staying over. and/or
- Drink at the house before going out to the clubs;
10) A friend wants to go shopping...
- Make a pact with yourself that you don't buy anything you don't need, no matter what the price; and/or
- Be your friend's "personal shopper," and help them find what they are looking for. and/or
- Look at the trip as an opportunity for exercises...the more stores you walk in and out of, the more calories you burn.
Well, those our my strategies for having fun with friends on a very tight budget. What are your ideas?
I've got savings in the bank, but I know it won't last forever. I am planning for leaner, meaner days ahead. Its time to make some changes, and the one place I can make cuts is on my entertainment budget.
As I have mentioned previously, I am typically a saver not a spender, but when it comes to going out and being social that's my weakness. Recently, I took my 10 year old cousin to Great Adventure. We had a great time. He thanked me profusely for the trip, and at one point said, "I can't believe how much money you wasted on on me." I told him, "It wasn't wasted, we had a good time...this is what I worked for." and he looked at me and said, "But you are not working." And I said, " I know I am not working (now)...but this is what I worked for."
I didn't see this day at Great Adventure as wasting money at all(Granted, it was also early on in my unemployment). Yes, it was expensive, but I brought my Coke Can with the B1G1Free coupon, we ate our packed lunch in the parking lot, and I didn't spend any extra money on pictures, or trinkets in the park. And most important of all, I had this special time with my cousin. That, to me, was priceless.
In my working days, that's exactly how I would view every moment out with friends and family. Sometimes I would look at a $60-$100 credit card receipt from the night out and say, "Wow, that was expensive." But I would chalk it up to the fact that I had a good time with my friends, and plus, I am frugal with my money else where, so I can afford this luxury.
Today I am unemployed. I realize if I want to stay social with my friends, some things will have to change. I never want to be the person who asks to split a bill so I can pay for exactly what I ate, or have my friends pay for me out of pity. So, I am going to have to cut where I can and I'm going to have to get a little creative.
Getting creative requires a little planning ahead. I think it also requires that your friends are flexible, but most likely, they know you are in crappy situation, and will appreciate your finding ways to maintain the quality time with them.
Here are my 10 Strategies for Staying Social when Unemployed.
(AKA - Ways to cut your entertainment expenses and still have fun.)
1) A friend wants to go out for drinks after work...
- Suggest a bar that has good happy hour deals; and/or
- Order one drink, and switch to water.
2) A friend wants to go out to the movies...
- Suggest a weekend matinee; and/or
- Get coupons for discounted tickets; and/or
- Bring your snacks to the theater. or
- Suggest a movie night at your house.
3) A friend wants to do a Spa Day for massages and facials...
- Go to the spa but only get one treatment; or
- Go to the spa, but only get a manicure; or
- Suggest a manicure and/or pedicure in a local salon; and only get one treatment.
4) A friend wants to meet up for lunch...
- Suggest an inexpensive place that has decent lunch specials. or
- Suggest you grab lunches ahead of time, and meet up at the park. or
- Ask if you could meet up for coffee instead.
5) A friend wants to meet up for dinner...
- Suggest an inexpensive place; or
- Suggest they come over your place for drinks and BBQ and tell them to bring their favorite dessert; or
- Ask if you could meet up for coffee/dessert instead.
6)A friend wants to go out to a club...
- Try to get in before the cover charge; and/or
- Offer to drive so you can't drink (too much). and/or
- Order the drink specials; and/or
- Drink water.
7) A friend wants to go away on vacation...(this is a tough one)
- Suggest a less expensive destination and/or shorter stay; and/or
- Suggest inviting other people along to help defray costs; or
- Suggest a day trip instead.
8) A friend wants to go to a casino...
- Go with a small amount of money and limit your spending to that amount; and/or
- Watch your friend gambling. Be his/her lucky charm; and/or
- Gamble a little at a time, and then go for walks around the casino.
9) A friend invites you to his/her beach house for the weekend...
- Suggest going for just the day instead of staying over. and/or
- Drink at the house before going out to the clubs;
10) A friend wants to go shopping...
- Make a pact with yourself that you don't buy anything you don't need, no matter what the price; and/or
- Be your friend's "personal shopper," and help them find what they are looking for. and/or
- Look at the trip as an opportunity for exercises...the more stores you walk in and out of, the more calories you burn.
Well, those our my strategies for having fun with friends on a very tight budget. What are your ideas?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Top 10 movies about unemployment
Live imitates art...and history repeats itself. Its Sunday, and I have been watching movies on demand on my Netflix account. I thought it would be fun to make a list of movies that share the theme of unemployment.
Top 10 Movies about Unemployment (in no particular order)
1) MR. MOM (1983)
Michael Keaton plays a family man downsized from his position. He's forced to deal with being a stay at home dad, while his wife enters the workforce. I loved Keaton in this movie and it was the first movie I thought of when I came up with this list (probably why I listed it first)..
2) OFFICE SPACE (1999)
This comedy is the story of software company workers who hate their job and are futher aggrevated to when they are forced to meet with consultants and justify their work or risk downsizing. We've all worked for this kind of employer. You can't help but laugh.
3) ROGER & ME (1989)
This documentary is by one of my favorite directors, Michael Moore. Moore tells the story of city of Flint Michigan and how it was devastated economically when General Motors CEO Roger Smith's closed several of its auto plants. Over 30,000 people lost their jobs. If you thought it couldn't happen to you...think again.
4) IN GOOD COMPANY(2000)
Dennis Quaid plays a seasoned advertisement sales executive. His world is turned around as a corporate takeover places him under an niave excutive who is half his age. This drama really shows how experience can be seriously undervalued.
5) TRADING PLACES (1983)
In this comedy two snobbish heads of a successful commodities brokerage firm set up a social experiement. They bet against eachother on whether or not two men of different socio-economic backgrounds can find success when their social status is unknowingly traded. They ruin a successful man’s life, allow a poor man to take his place, and observe the results. Yes it is a comedy and at that a very good movie...but sometimes I wonder how far the big guys pulling the rug out from under you really streches from reality.
6) FUN WITH DICK AND JANE (1977, 2005)
This movie orignally starred Jane Fonda and George Segal and updated with Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni. Dick and Jane are living the good life. Dick just got a promotion, and Jane quit her job. Then Dick loses his job. The couple starts robbing banks and decide it's time to steal back what the CEO had stolen from them. Revenge on the big guy...cute.
7)RENAISSANCE MAN (1994)
This movie starring Danny Devito DeVito as Bill Rago. He loses his job as an advertising man. He reluctantly takes a job as a civilian instructor at the local Army base. He struggles gaining the respect and interest of his eight semi literate charges, but finally finds success with Shakespeare. I'm enjoying my summers off...teaching is looking better every day.
8)THE PURSUIT OF HAPPIYNESS (2006)
This is a great movie starring Will Smith, which is based on the true story of Christopher Gardner. The movie takes place in San Fransciso in 1981. As Gardner struggles to support his family, his wife leaves him, he loses his house, his bank account, and credit cards. He is forced to live on the streets with his son. He sees a man driving a sports car and asks him what he does for a living. The man tells him he is a stock broker. Gardner puts this career in his sights and jumps through incredible hoops to make it happen. If this isn't the perfect story about making your own way...I don't know what is.
9) THE FULL MONTY (1997)
This movie is the story of six unemployed men in the dead industrial city of Sheffield. They form a male striptease act to take matters into their own hands and make some money for their families. Sometimes you have to swallow your pride...hopefully I'll find something before it gets to this point.
10) ERIN BROCKOVICH (2000)
This movie (also based on a true story) features Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich(Julia Roberts). Brockovich is a single mom, very rough around the edges. She takes a job as a legal assistant in a California law firm for low wages. She ends up uncovering and working on a large-scale case against PG&E representing the victims of chromium contaminaton. Brockovich found her calling in this seemingly "inconsequential job." God has a plan for all of us.
Well, that's my top 10. At first I was thinking this type of list was going to be depressing, but in the end they all have great morals to them. And everyone rises from the ashes. And what could be so bad about that?
Love to hear your movie suggestions!
Top 10 Movies about Unemployment (in no particular order)
1) MR. MOM (1983)
Michael Keaton plays a family man downsized from his position. He's forced to deal with being a stay at home dad, while his wife enters the workforce. I loved Keaton in this movie and it was the first movie I thought of when I came up with this list (probably why I listed it first)..
2) OFFICE SPACE (1999)
This comedy is the story of software company workers who hate their job and are futher aggrevated to when they are forced to meet with consultants and justify their work or risk downsizing. We've all worked for this kind of employer. You can't help but laugh.
3) ROGER & ME (1989)
This documentary is by one of my favorite directors, Michael Moore. Moore tells the story of city of Flint Michigan and how it was devastated economically when General Motors CEO Roger Smith's closed several of its auto plants. Over 30,000 people lost their jobs. If you thought it couldn't happen to you...think again.
4) IN GOOD COMPANY(2000)
Dennis Quaid plays a seasoned advertisement sales executive. His world is turned around as a corporate takeover places him under an niave excutive who is half his age. This drama really shows how experience can be seriously undervalued.
5) TRADING PLACES (1983)
In this comedy two snobbish heads of a successful commodities brokerage firm set up a social experiement. They bet against eachother on whether or not two men of different socio-economic backgrounds can find success when their social status is unknowingly traded. They ruin a successful man’s life, allow a poor man to take his place, and observe the results. Yes it is a comedy and at that a very good movie...but sometimes I wonder how far the big guys pulling the rug out from under you really streches from reality.
6) FUN WITH DICK AND JANE (1977, 2005)
This movie orignally starred Jane Fonda and George Segal and updated with Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni. Dick and Jane are living the good life. Dick just got a promotion, and Jane quit her job. Then Dick loses his job. The couple starts robbing banks and decide it's time to steal back what the CEO had stolen from them. Revenge on the big guy...cute.
7)RENAISSANCE MAN (1994)
This movie starring Danny Devito DeVito as Bill Rago. He loses his job as an advertising man. He reluctantly takes a job as a civilian instructor at the local Army base. He struggles gaining the respect and interest of his eight semi literate charges, but finally finds success with Shakespeare. I'm enjoying my summers off...teaching is looking better every day.
8)THE PURSUIT OF HAPPIYNESS (2006)
This is a great movie starring Will Smith, which is based on the true story of Christopher Gardner. The movie takes place in San Fransciso in 1981. As Gardner struggles to support his family, his wife leaves him, he loses his house, his bank account, and credit cards. He is forced to live on the streets with his son. He sees a man driving a sports car and asks him what he does for a living. The man tells him he is a stock broker. Gardner puts this career in his sights and jumps through incredible hoops to make it happen. If this isn't the perfect story about making your own way...I don't know what is.
9) THE FULL MONTY (1997)
This movie is the story of six unemployed men in the dead industrial city of Sheffield. They form a male striptease act to take matters into their own hands and make some money for their families. Sometimes you have to swallow your pride...hopefully I'll find something before it gets to this point.
10) ERIN BROCKOVICH (2000)
This movie (also based on a true story) features Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich(Julia Roberts). Brockovich is a single mom, very rough around the edges. She takes a job as a legal assistant in a California law firm for low wages. She ends up uncovering and working on a large-scale case against PG&E representing the victims of chromium contaminaton. Brockovich found her calling in this seemingly "inconsequential job." God has a plan for all of us.
Well, that's my top 10. At first I was thinking this type of list was going to be depressing, but in the end they all have great morals to them. And everyone rises from the ashes. And what could be so bad about that?
Love to hear your movie suggestions!
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