I got laid off today, and it wasn't a surprise. The amount of product coming into the plant was dwindling and because we send that stuff back out after processing it we were sending out less and less. It was only a matter of time.
Now let it be said that I'm no slacker. I've worked more or less steadily since I was 16 years old and that was so long ago that not working is something that don't sit right with me much, I get antsy and want to get back out into the mix. There's something healthy about that but times being what they are, I can't do that and neither can you.
Sure, I could look for a job and see if I could get myself into a more 'essential' position but A. I got a job waiting for me when they call me back and B. It's time for a break. I haven't had more than two days in a row off for seven months and when you get into a rut like that other things get pushed into the 'I'll pick that up again someday” background.
Well, someday is today. I'm going to have plenty of time, the managers said we'd be down at least a month but I think it'll be longer. I'm going to apply for unemployment in a day or so and be one of the millions of others who have created the greatest mass unemployment spike in US history, a statistic I'm not proud to share 'cuz I ain't the layabout kind, but brah this is due to a government mandate!
I can’t work. Didja ever think we'd see times when people were forced to stay home? Not since 'The War', which was before I was.
Let me state that this isn't the first time I've been sidelined. I've been unemployed before, many, many times. Only collected checks once though, and I thought then that that was the greatest thing but I was in my early 20's and it hadn't sunk in yet that mo' money (the kind you get from holding a job) was an even better thing to have, all the time, whenever you could get it. Hell, I was collectin' $84 bucks a week or something ridiculous like that which kept me in beer and pizza money. What more could a young buck need? Since then I have come to understand that you need a whole lot more dough than that to cover your car insurance, car repair, mortgage/rent, utilities, cell phone data plan, Hulu subscription, food purchases, etc,. etc.
I've also come to understand that when times get tough fuggetabout travel or going outside the casa for entertainment. That's where the money drains quickly because those items are known as luxuries. It's about survival for a lot of people now so here's some advice you're probably going to get- "Hunker down and get used to it!" "Deal wit it!" "Buck up!" (and other such gruff). Take it from a veteran- you won't be getting a lot of sympathy for your plight, especially from the well-to-do.
“Brrrr! Harsh, bro!”
Pablo Guerrero- Unsplash.com
I'm an old pro at surviving, however. I won't take getting dissed like dat personally. Unemployment is going to be a breeze for me but for people used to livin' large and Keepin' Up Appearances..... ....it's gonna be Ouch City, man. Lots of appetites gonna get curtailed.
But to the affected, afflicted, and affronted, take solace in that you won't be too alone.
The whole world has been put on hold so whereas unemployment used to be about some poor schmucks here and there now there's going to be lots of company. I feel for all the people who are wondering what is going to happen next and how they're gonna make it 'cuz I've been there, man. Oh have I been there! Here's some of what I have learned from those experiences:
Take it day by day. Don't freak out, don't start daydreaming too far into the future.
Stay positive. Keep your mind right and don't allow your self esteem to drop. People can start feeling sorry for themselves (I did) when life ain't going their way. Say positive affirmations. Watch 'Rocky', if necessary.
Keep physically active. Watch your food and vice intake. Maintain balance in all things- That's what the 100 year olds say has kept them around!
"Keep a schedule" is what a guy that spent a year in space (Scott Kelly) said about dealing with isolation. That way you have things to do. It's vital. Establish a routine. Force yourself to exercise, if necessary. Don't backslide because you don't have a boss ordering you around anymore. You’ve got to be the boss.
Socialize to the extent that it is safe to do, and there are lots of ways you can do that now. This keeps you out of getting too much in your head. "I'm ok, you're ok", capiche? Talk story with others. Expose yourself to positive media.
There are other tips and tricks, 'Life Hacks' they call 'em these days. Here's one I have painfully learned, one I fervently believe to be the most important one, over and over and over:
Enjoy Your Time Off because sooner or later you'll be called back to work, or you're going to get hired at another job. Soon as that happens it's always "Whoosh!". All that precious free time vanishes and you're back at it!!!
Hope this helps!