Time Grows Wings

Excuse my lull in activity as it would seem that I have not posted anything here in quite some time. I will do my best to make up for that deficiency in the coming days.

I have, through no fault of my own, now joined the ranks of millions in this country who are unemployed (somewhere around 10%  I believe). While it is an uneasy feeling knowing that I am no longer secure in my financial position, I do feel that it is an enlightenment of sorts. A wake up call to the illusion that anything is ever secure in the first place. After all, we are just fleeting moments in time and it is what we accomplish in that time that matters most.

For all intensive purposes I intend to accomplish a lot in this downtime that has been allotted to me. Of course finances will be tighter than usual and that will limit me in some ways but I can rest assured, for the time being, knowing I can make ends meet without starving or losing the roof over my head.

The government has enacted programs and aide to many people in my position through stimulus packages so if there ever was a good time to lose one's job, now would be the time. I have lots of options on the table that I will utilize the best I can and school is no exception. Not an easy decision to make especially at 42 years of age but if I want to better my chances at obtaining a well paying job in the future it is the route I must take. Luckily I have the full support of my wife in any decision I make. As far as feeling guilty about taking handouts from the government, no such feeling exists. The dues that I have paid while employed (taxes) where withheld from my weekly earnings to serve this very purpose, so I have no problem in receiving that which I gave.

I do not believe in the old saying "do not mix business with pleasure". Life is a gift that should be enjoyed so I do not feel the need to wither it away working at a job that is not at least somewhat enjoyable.After all, doesn't life have enough mundane and depressing events attached to it? Why not make the best of things that are in your control? As a result in my belief, I will search for employment in a market that will work for me mentally as much as I work for it physically. 50/50 seems like a fair approach.

While I don't expect everyone to follow suite, people have to do what they deem important, I do hope that some who read this may be inspired to move forward in life and not let misfortune get the best of them. You don't have to be a martyr to the cause but you do have the right to happiness. I will post updates of my progress periodically between my rantings.