Rebel Yell

I've never considered myself a rebel. I was the obedient teacher's pet, the one who did everything right. There was an inner rebel inside, wanting to get out but I fought it. Alcohol helped keep me numb.

It wasn't until my FUNemployment that I started to give the finger to convention. I'd done everything right: studied hard, went to a great college, got a job at the world's biggest ad agency and kept climbing the ladder. The only problem was that I was miserable. Doing everything right didn't feel right.

When I was laid off, it was expected that I'd jump right back into the job market. And believe me, I tried. The universe had other plans for me.

In my FUNemployment, I did a lot of fun things. I got healthy. Most of all, I found my inner voice. I decided that I was going to make the most of the opportunity and step out of my box. I look at writing and completing a book as a major accomplishment. Many people told me I was crazy, inquired about when I'd get a "real" job. Well, I've got one again and I couldn't hate it more.

Once again, I've caved to convention. I regressed after having found my true voice. I quieted my rebel yell and it's dying to get out. It doesn't help that I'm by far the most dynamic personality in a staid, conservative company that have been debating the merits of launching a Facebook page for 18 months. It would drive a lot of people insane. It makes my want to really unleash my inner Che Guevera.

Hey Che, let my writing do my yelling, all the way to my Amazon bank.

Occupied

You may have heard your parents wax poetically about protesting and lament that our generation just doesn't get it. Maybe we had nothing to be angry enough about. Until now.

Our country has the worst economy that I've lived through and I think I could say the same for my parents. Unemployment is holding steady at 9.1% and is estimated to be as high as 16% if you include the 99 weekers who no longer have benefits at their disposal. While Occupy Wall Street isn't specifically protesting unemployment, our banking system failures and bad decisions led us straight into this down economy and current unemployment crisis.

As I exit the Bank of America building for my lunch break at my new job, I've seen the protesters marching and camping out at City Hall in downtown LA. I know that they look at me like a financial services douchebag, but my heart belongs with them. Instead of expensed steak dinners and Obama soliciting campaign donations, job creation should be the biggest priority.

I enjoyed my FUNemployment and made the most of the experience. I strongly believe that it was the opportunity that I needed to rediscover my love of writing. I share my tips and tools for how to not only survive but thrive in unemployment. While I plot my writing career whenever I have a free moment between my 6 hours of daily meetings, I know there are lots out there that are dying to get back to work. Their minds are occupied daily with thoughts of that next job. Let's hope they get their chance sooner rather than later.

Beware Saying "Extra" Really Fast

While attending a loud gathering for volunteers of an organization that facilitates arts and crafts programs in local children's hospitals, I was regaling my FUNemployment tales. One item that I listed drew great interest.

Me: I learned to surf, wrote a book, took up photography and, oh yeah! I was an extra in a movie.

Him: You were in an x-rated movie?

Me: Yeah, I was an extra in a movie.

Him: Seriously?

Me: Yeah. I mean only the back of my head was on camera and it was tedious but I got an imdb profile out of it.

Him: Wow, I've never met anyone in porn.

Me: WHAT?! Who said anything about porn?

Him: You said you were in an x-rated movie.

Me: I was an EXTRA in a movie. As in I was in the background. Everyone was clothed. Nothing illicit, except for the acting. This event is for kids!?!

Him: I know. I've gotta get my mind out of the gutter.

Me: Yup.

The Hallmark of Critical Mass

I've been blogging about FUNemployment since January 2010 and published my eBook in May 2011. I'm sorry to say that people are still living in unemployment and more are joining the ranks every month. Unemployment is not a blip on the screen.

What's really makes me certain? Hallmark has created a line of cards for the unemployed. You know that when a major company not known for its agility creates a new category, it's because it's a great idea (patting myself on the back) but it's also necessary.

So, if you've been laid off, check your mail. You may just get the "Things I don't know" card whose interior says, "Bad things happen to good people." Indeed.

You can check out the Hallmark selection here:
http://www.hallmark.com/Browse/Index?n=&ctx=ContentSearchProfile&pg=1&rpp=&sort=&k=job%20loss&npath=&availableLocation=