I've been having such a blast this week. Who said unemployment isn't rewarding? Well, I can make a joke about it or be horrifically upset. But truly, I'm confident that any period of unemployment is likely to be just temporary and if its not, I'll adjust. You know, being so close to the Silicon Valley area, being riffed (i.e., RIF - reductions in force) sometimes seems like a regular way of life for many people. It can be a little scary to have the unknown staring you in the face when you don't expect it. Fortunately, I had some warning my latest contract was slowing, and I had a chance to prepare...so for me...a little time off from work is nothing I feel like complaining about.
In fact, I have to admit...the life of a lowly technical writer is anything but glamorous and exciting, so I can think of some pretty great reasons to relish having some extra time off right before the holidays. Mostly, its getting a chance to think about the things that are important. Like being OK with myself and using the time to do what I love best -- being creative.
I'm sure that many other part-time Etsy shop owners can relate. For those of us who work or go to school, there sometimes seems to not be enough time in a day to run down that long list of things we'd like to be able to do to improve our shops and independent businesses. Whether its taking new photos, writing better descriptions, or just other types of Etsy fun -- like chatting on the forums and the mad-dash nabbing of treasuries. Well, I have plenty of time these days and I'm taking advantage of it by working extra hard.
Since I recently turned 40, the idea of being unemployed for a spell isn't as scary as it used to be. I was riffed off once before in my very early twenties and have also voluntarily left a position or two because they weren't the happiest place for me to be. And perhaps I'm being a little naieve, but I've always found that whether its a forced or voluntary change your facing, you often end up in a better place than you were. In fact, sometimes change can liberate you from something otherwise quite stagnating.
Yes, there are practical fears (how am I going to survive on less?). There may be more immediate worries (how will I get all my bills paid?) and even some really irrational one (Alas, poor me, I shall never find happiness or employment again!). But that's when getting real with yourself plays a big part. For anyone going through a similar change, there are many benefits of grieving a loss and then leaning into the change gracefully.
Learning to live on a little less is one lesson I imposed on myself several years ago. I voluntarily cut my income in half by one day having my last straw and just quitting a job that was making me miserable. The events leaving up to that change were more jarring than the actual what-happened-after, but the result to my life was amazing. I learned to bake instead of running to the bakery next door, I discovered I could be a gourmet without having to tip a waiter. I also learned that no matter what your income -- Happiness is not material things, its a choice that you can wake up and sometimes have to consciously choose to feel daily.
I read somewhere recently that once your basic needs are met, everything else may be nice to have, but will not make you happy. I really agree with that statement. I wish I could find out who said it and pass that sentiment on to unemployed people who complain about job loss, but are not in situations that are terribly desperate.
Anyway, now I'm rambling. But having time alone during the day is wonderful. It's also given me lots of time to have a good time going crazy with creating in my studio and improving my shop the way I've always wanted to. Here's a look at two new pieces I uploaded to my shop this week:
I've also had the opportunity to restyle a number of my item photos. I trying new backgrounds and can't believe what a difference it makes.
Anyway, with the holidays coming...don't let the stress and pressure of the season get you down. And when you hear on the news about job losses or fear an impending doom of unemployment of your own...remember that no challenge is too great.
Happy Thursday!
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