Livin Laid Off!: Benefits of Living Laid Off

Look, I know what your thinking? "What are you talking about benefits to being laid-off?" In the heavy flog of disbelief and misery of being laid off, its hard to see through all that mess. Trust me I was right there with you. As soon as I got home after being laid off, I was revising my resume and searching for jobs on-line. My mind was racing with (A) Oooh mmmyyy gooossshhhh, I don't have a job. (B) I have bills to pay. (C) Let me take a serious look at that severance package again. (D) I need to get a job asap! (E) There goes my vacation trip to Puerto Rico. So, perhaps not everyone is thinking those exact same things, but you get the overall jest, right?. So, take a moment to breathe and check out these benefits to being laid off -

1. This is a vacation. Sure, this is an involuntary vacation, but a vacation nonetheless. So...put on some sandals, drink a cool beverage and play some music. However, make sure your laptop or newspaper is close by because on this vaca, you will need to look for a job!

2. Get that body into shape! Working out while maintaining a full time job is tough. Throw some other variables and excuses into the mix and working out becomes a dream deferred. When your laid off, you have some extra, why not put that time into becoming healthier? Start using that gym membership you pay monthly but never go, workout at the park, blow the dust off your fitness videos or checkout the free workout videos on the cable menu (Fios - select Sports & Fitness, Comcast and Cablevision Channel 1 or Menu, select Sports & Fitness). Trust me, your body will thank you!

3. Grocery bill maybe sliced in half but so can your weight! As the grocery list $$ gets reduced, so can your weight. Even though processed foods may last longer than fresh foods, they are not really good for you. During this time be "Food Conscious". By vegetables and fruits in season, look for sales, hit up the farmer's market, shop the perimeter of the grocery store and use coupons.

4. Give back to the community. When was the last time you did something for the community? If it takes you more than 30 seconds to remember, it's been a while. This is the perfect time to start getting involved and build your network at the same (you never know who will meet). Join your local college alumni chapter or volunteer with a community service organization. You spirit will truly be lifted and you wil be helping others.

5. Try something new! So, you always wanted to run a marathon or take a Zumba class or maybe even write a book? Well, you got the time, so use it! Let's face it, when you're working a 9 to 5, you become one dimensional and a creature of routine. Go against a grain! Reawaken your soul, bring happiness and laughter into your life again. Start out by making a list of all the "Something News" and check off a few each month. If you get bold, do something new each week! Post it on your fridge or bathroom mirror. Also, even the smallest change can make the biggest impact in your life such as cooking with music or going outside to read the newspaper or magazine.

6. Update or Make a Budget! Spending money without a calculated budget is scary! Take a moment to write down (or type up) your monthly expenses, current unemployment wages, total severance package and balances in your savings and checking accounts. This may seem scary at first, but you MUST have a solid idea of current financial situation and not spending money you don't have.

6. Go back to school or obtain a professional license. Now none of this is free but this is a great time to start thinking about furthering your education no matter the level and obtaining licenses for career advancement. Yes, these study classes aren't free either but the library is though! The same books sold at the bookstore are sometimes at your local library, so check them out. Also, use free online study tutorials and starting googling to find which ones best fit your goals!

7. Build your network. A good friend of mine Gerard, told me about a professional networking website called http://www.linkedin.com/. It's an excellent resource for so many reasons, here's a few:

- Allows you to create a professional profile to showcase your work experience and accomplishments.

- Explore job opportunities (a break from monster and hotjobs). Companies have profiles on linkedin.com and human resources post jobs directly to the site.
- Stay connected with friends and colleagues.
- Join professional groups which allows you to interact with experts.
- Colleagues (past or present) can write recommendations about you. Now, that's a quick reference check from an HR perspective, right!

I think somebody should be in the PR department for linkedin.com! (Me)