One employed, one to go

After a mere three and a half weeks unemployed, David got a 2-month contract at an agency in Georgetown. Yesterday was his first day. So, I’m alone in the house again. It feels very quiet. David and I didn’t get to spend much time together when he was off. We’ve been interviewing, networking, doing chores. Already, I miss him, though. It was nice having someone to talk with in-between it all.

If anything, having David home made me realize just how much “work” is involved in being unemployed. I’ve fallen into a rhythm — a very vigorous one. There’s the work of finding work: writing resumes and cover letters, completing sample projects, networking. Then there’s the work I’ve created for myself: writing articles for Love Your Layoff, Women Grow Business and Recessionwire ; working on the memoir ; exercising. Finally, there are the activities I try to fit in while time is flexible: week at the beach (pre-planned & paid for); week with my grandparents, parents and sister ; visits to Roosevelt Island , thrift shopping escapades, and lunches & teas with old and new friends.

As I get closer to landing a job, there’s a part of me that will miss this “job” I’ve created for myself. No doubt about it, I’ve been loving it. But, I’m also excited to enter the next phase in my life, whatever that might be. I look forward to the new colleagues I’ll meet, the new places to explore, the new projects to tackle, the new routines to master. I look forward to the stability. It will be here before I know it. I’ve completed quite a bit of work-to-get-work this week and now the only thing left to do is follow up, wait and see. As for today, though, I’m going to relax while I can and enjoy my “time off.”