Pros & Cons Of Unemployment

I’ve been unemployed for a week now, and it’s definitely been a weird time. I’ve already discovered some pretty great and terrible things about the whole thing. Today I’m going to break down the pros and cons of unemployment.

Pro: No alarm

I absolutely love not having to ever set an alarm and being able to just wake up naturally. While I have a rough daily routine, I do love being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want. I definitely don’t miss getting up at 6:30 a.m. every week day. Con: No spending money

While the free time is great, it’s also a real Catch-22 because I can’t really do much. I wish I could use this time to travel, but without much income, it’s not a possibility. The best I can do is visit family nearby or watch countless movies that it make me feel like I’m somewhere else.

Pro: No bra, no pants, no problem

Another great thing about being unemployed is not having to get ready every day. I don’t have to wear make up, a bra or real pants. It’s all super comfy all the time.

Con: No good conversation starters

I’m not like super fun to be around right now, especially when people ask me how the job search it going. I wish people would ask me, literally, anything else. It’s that thing where when you’re only casually acquaintances with someone you have three go-to topics: school, dating/kids or job. Since I have none of the above, people don’t know what to talk to me about. Here’s a free conversation starter: "What are you watching on Netflix?" Because I definitely have an answer for that one. Pro: More time for hobbies

Since I’ve been unemployed, I’ve had more time for doing stuff I love. This includes, writing, reading, watching Netflix and playing Stardew Valley. It’s great to have more chances to do these things and they provide the perfect distraction when I need a break from job hunting.

Con: More time to feel like a failure

All this free time also means being in my head too much. It’s hard not to feel like I’m a total failure. I keep thinking maybe I should have majored in something else in college or applied for twice as many jobs this year, or a million other maybes. Just like everyone else, I have bad moments where it’s all that consumes my brain, but I’m glad that's all they are, moments.

My new motto (and favorite show) is “one day at a time.” It’s gonna be weird for a while, but I got this, and if you’re going through a wonky time in life, you do too!