Did You Realize that You Use More Toilet Paper when You Are Unemployed?

It is true. It took me about one month to undercover that fact. I became distressed when I saw that ole Charmin 12 roll package would need a supplement to get through until the first of the month. There is nothing I hate more than to run out of toilet paper.

Having retired from career one in 2002, I have encountered seasons of unemployment as a result of being underemployed and (barely) over fifty. I have worked at least four call centers within a thirty-mile radius of my home coping with the seasonal demands and layoffs. Since 2002, I have finished my undergrad degree and started grad school only to become sidelined with minor health problems. (Denial and depression can be a real monster raging through your body's vital systems)

So really, what are some of the upsides of being unemployed?

1. Exercise - Weather permitting, I have used my down time to begin walking again. Especially to the bus stop. Since money for gas and car maintenance is at a minimum, I have rediscovered the value of mass transit. There's nothing like exchanging pleasantries on your favorite shuttle from 5 to 6 pm most work days.
2. Home Cooking - As most of America struggles with fast food and Trans fat, you have the opportunity of creating a healthier you! Following the merchant ads, clipping coupons and meal planning can reduce your cost of living as well as trim your waist line. Better yet-plant a small vegetable garden. The price of a small box of Miracle Gro All Purpose Plant Food is still less than $5. And you'll be surprised how much you can produce.
3. Rekindling old relationships - According to the Columbus Dispatch, condom sales are up. In a recent interview with VP Brian Frank of Undercover Condoms, his company has experienced steady growth in a world economy of layoffs and bankruptcies. Seems "sex can be a cheap form of exercise." (Wow-I forgot about that)
4. Spring Cleaning - Toss out old books, CDs, furniture, clothing into a basket for your favorite donation stop. Or sell your unused items. Furniture can be sold on a community bulletin board, Craigslist.com or your own yard or moving sale. Books, CDs and clothing can be resold for pocket change. Look at this way when you get set out for mortgage or rent default there will be less to box up.
5. Become Spiritually linked - This item is at the bottom of many people's "Things to Do" list and the first vocation to be vacated when the ideal job comes through. But broken promises are a dime a dozen to the unemployed, right? and turnabout is fair play even with the Almighty.
6. Widen your social circles with unemployment clubs and support groups - Remember, you are not the only one affected by this recession. Find friendship and support in a peer group designed for your former economic level.

The best piece of advice I can really suggest is to embrace your unemployment experience. In the past seven years, I have gotten so much further with a positive attitude than as a disgruntle recluse. When possible I have taken whatever work available so I can use someone else's toilet paper for a few hours out of one day. (It has worked-this month, I am holding steady with my Charmin 12 pack)

As a result I have found others facing the same barriers I am experiencing. However, earning a small paycheck provides me an improved sense of self-worth as I continue to seek out better job opportunities.

I remain confident that some day soon purpose and employment will realign again. And I am open to new possibilities because I know each new job position saves me the cost of toilet paper.

Gray, Kathy Lynn. "Economic Downturn Hasn't Hurt Condom Sales."Columbus Dispatch.

14 March 2009 www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/03/14/condo.html