Friday, February 27, 2009
Layoffs: Only the Beginning
I just read a fascinating article on MSNBC, about how a layoff can be an excellent time to travel *and* learn a new career. Some of the options included yoga, cooking, diving certifications, and more, in locations all around the world.
Of course, I've been talking and singing about this for some time. The title song of my current album, "Every Day's a Holiday," is about the last time I got laid off, nearly seven years ago now.
It was one of the best opportunities of my life. I got out of a job that I was becoming increasingly irritated with, got the free time I'd been complaining about not having, managed to get my first album recorded, and for the first time truly learned how to define myself by something other than what I was getting paid to do.
And when I *did* find a job, six months down the road, I had such a full life, with music and volunteering and social activity, that I had a bit of difficulty cramming it all back into the smaller time boxes that I had available. Plus I ended up with a better job, for a better company, for more money. :)
Yes, in times of economic hardship it's important to focus on survival issues first - food, shelter, safety. But once those are covered...enjoy the abundance of free time. You'll probably be complaining about not having enough of it later.
Of course, I've been talking and singing about this for some time. The title song of my current album, "Every Day's a Holiday," is about the last time I got laid off, nearly seven years ago now.
It was one of the best opportunities of my life. I got out of a job that I was becoming increasingly irritated with, got the free time I'd been complaining about not having, managed to get my first album recorded, and for the first time truly learned how to define myself by something other than what I was getting paid to do.
And when I *did* find a job, six months down the road, I had such a full life, with music and volunteering and social activity, that I had a bit of difficulty cramming it all back into the smaller time boxes that I had available. Plus I ended up with a better job, for a better company, for more money. :)
Yes, in times of economic hardship it's important to focus on survival issues first - food, shelter, safety. But once those are covered...enjoy the abundance of free time. You'll probably be complaining about not having enough of it later.
Labels: economy, Holidays, layoffs, MSNBC, music, Vacation
