This is my first full week of unemployment! As revealed in a previous post, two weeks ago, my company decided to massively reduce their staff to maintain a cash runway. I was one of the lucky ones; I got an extra week of employment when the news was announced. Many of my colleagues were less lucky; the day news was announced was also their last day.
Not having to wake up for anyone in the mornings has been (un)surprisingly easy to get used to. I went from waking up a 7:30 to Ian dragging me up close to 9. And it’s only been a few days!
The big question I’ve been asked by friends and family is what in the world I’m going to do. I was lucky to get some severance, and I have health insurance through my company for the rest of the month. My plan is to take my time finding a job so that my next role is the right fit (I was only at this company for two months before they let me go).
What Have I Done So Far?
The company’s announcement came while I was on a week-long vacation in London. I’ve always found the idea of getting fired while on vacation unrealistic. Well, it’s now my reality. Due to the timing of my vacation, I had only two days left of employment when I came back. Those days were spent transitioning reports and figuring out my severance package. Oh, and I also caught a nasty cold while in London, so there was that.
My first few days of unemployment? Recovering from my cold, mostly. I also got more active on LinkedIn, started talking to recruiters, and generally seeing what opportunities were available. Thanks to my emergency fund, my side hustle, and generally low expenses, I’ve calculated that I can comfortably survive, jobless, through Christmas. Uncomfortably? Definitely longer, but I need to factor in my multiple upcoming trips before I know just how long I can really last.
The first day I got back from vacation, I transferred $1,500 to my Roth IRA in Wealthfront, which was what I needed to max out my contribution for 2018. Although I could have used the money to live longer without a job, I knew that I would be far more likely to spend it on something unnecessary and that future me would appreciate the investment.
Work Hard, Play Harder
I’m also trying to have a little fun. This is the first true break in work I’ve had in four years, and I’d like to make the most of it.
Disclaimer: For some of the links below, if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
I joined a group of girls to visit Storm King, an outdoor sculpture park an hour north of the city. Of course we had mini photoshoots, and of course, I got a little goofy.
In retrospect, I have no idea why I decided to be a duck
…I like eggs?
Despite living in NYC now for two years, it was my first visit to Storm King. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be going out and doing things, rather than staying at home and binge-watching Netflix. (If I’m being honest with myself, there will definitely be some of the latter as well.)
Unemployment is no joke. While it’s very much a serious situation, I’m trying to keep things light. Over a year ago, I was gifted a tin of Jane Austen temporary tattoos. I’ve used three out of 22 so far this week, and it’s been a blast. Whenever I put on a new one, it goes up on my Instagram story, so be sure to follow me if you want in on the action.
Seriously, these are amazing
What Do I Miss?
Obviously, the money. For two months, I was making a lovely six-figure salary. As much as I tried to fight it, there was some lifestyle creep. I hadn’t been cooking at home for a while, and meal prepping was all but non-existent. It can be hard to readjust to a smaller lifestyle, but I don’t have a choice in the matter.
In addition, losing my income right before the holidays is unfortunate. I do my Christmas shopping all year round, but typically ramp up around October (aka now). Although unemployment is the perfect excuse, I love giving gifts and still plan on doing so. Budgeting for that is going to be annoying.
In a small way, I also do miss work itself. My job was stressful and mentally exhausting, but it was challenging and stimulating. I miss having a regular schedule (I’m lazy otherwise), and I especially miss the feeling of productivity that came with work.
What’s Next?
Later this month, I’m going to Cancun on side hustle work. Ian and I get a fully-funded 4-day trip, and we’re quite looking forward to it. While I will be working most of the time, the close proximity to a beach will be impossible to resist.
The holiday season is approaching! Other than the side hustle trip, I’m attending a wedding, an engagement party, and making trips down south to visit family. It’s a busy time, and not having to request days off is a blessing. I’m also looking at other work opportunities that are unrelated to my field. Things that involve writing or maybe expanding my side hustle further.
Fingers crossed I don’t hit any unexpected bumps that prevent me from being covered until January, and that I’ll have an awesome new job lined up and ready to go then!
Comments
I was laid off in 2001 as well as in 2010. In 2001, it motivated me to finish my degree. In 2010, it inspired me to switch careers from marketing to hr. Looking back, I wish that I enjoyed the time off more than I did. Everything will work out. Plus, you live in NYC. There are unlimited job opportunities there. Try to make the most of it.
That’s the plan! I’ve signed up for various networking events and free training classes to keep me engaged while I look for a new job. I’m also trying to stay open to new opportunities – I can’t predict if something exciting will take me in a completely new career direction!
I hope you enjoy reading those books and applying those tattoos! A little relaxation time is good for you (since you have the funds to finance it), so I think it’s smart to take your time and not race around trying to find the first job you can get.
Yes, my thoughts exactly on the job race.
The tattoos have been such a highlight so far – each application leaves me in a fit of giggles 😀
It’s so awesome that you’re taking some time to have fun with your new freedom. I think too often we go catapulting from one opportunity to the next, without really taking the time to think it through. You know you have a plan for getting back into full-time employment, taking some time to really find something you know you’ll be happy with will only serve you better in the long run. I’ll be cheering on your fun time from the sidelines!
Thanks, Britt! The last time I was in this situation, I had just graduated and was antsy to work; this time I want to properly enjoy my time off, while casually interviewing. This is significantly less stressful now than it was then. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts… some days I wish I could get laid off but other days I’m very thankful.
Just gotta keep saving just in case!
What do you think of Sapiens? Easily top 10 of all time for me for non fiction
Sapiens is great! I haven’t finished it yet; it’s way more dense than the books I’m used to reading. But it’s so fascinating, and it’s dispelling many things I thought I knew about the human race! I’m definitely recommending it to all my bookworm friends.
That’s cool you got a severance package after only being there a short time. And nice job for having the ability of time to consider your next move. Best to you scoring your next job. And I am envious of the travel in your side hustle.
Thanks, Jane 🙂
I’m aware that I was extremely lucky to get severance; I knew I would have at least two weeks when I signed on – it somewhat hedged the risk of me taking the job in the first place, but finding out that I would get 4 weeks instead was a huge relief.
I’m sorry to hear about the job loss, Jane. My boss was let go 2 weeks ago, and I feel like the future of our group is unknown at this point. Layoffs at the end of the year are real, and they stink. I’m sure you will find something soon. Hang in there!
Thanks, Ms. FAF!
I’m not too worried yet – as soon as January rolls around, I’ll really be ramping up my job search. If I still don’t have anything lined up in February, that’s when I’ll really start to get nervous.