The Gift of Unemployment

"The secret recipe for luck is one part preparation and one part opportunity."

One can attend the University of Hard Knocks many times, as I have, without ever obtaining the degree that they were intended to receive. While some go through hard times and learn the first time around, this is not the case for many. As the children of Israel in the history books, I have circled the same mountain many times before learning that I need to point northward and march on. People are always looking for that big break to reach a level of success; and while one must wait for the right timing it is also true that being successful requires much preparation before ever coming across those once in a lifetime opportunities.

In the next few paragraphs we will discover together some keys to "real luck" and what you can do until you find it. Remember, life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain. The old adage is true that you must, "Dig the well before you are thirsty." Abe Lincoln also said, "Good things come to those who wait.... But only the things left by those who hustle."

Loss can be real tough. We all know that. Whatever kind of loss it may be, most people spend a great deal of time grieving over it. Whether it's the loss of love, a job, loved ones, or property, the attachment we had to these things often sends us reeling; and why shouldn't it? However, one thing that is usually overlooked is the gift that it brings us... time. Time is a commodity that we are all hoping to obtain more of. In fact, it's more valuable than money. Although we can never produce more time than is allotted to us, we can redeem the time that we are given.

Have you recently found yourself laid off or otherwise unemployed? Being unemployed probably gives us more time than any of the other losses we may experience. The question is, what are you doing with all of the free time? Are you sleeping in late? Are you spending your days watching the television? When one is first laid off, it is okay to take a little vacay if you have the resources. The rest of that time, however, should be spent trying to better yourself. Prepare for your future interviews. Go to the local mission and find a self-help book about your industry or expertise. Think of a way that you can stand out from the other candidates.

I will share with you my personal story. Not too long ago, I was laid off from what I would consider to be a dream job. For the first couple of weeks, I spent my time at the beach and visiting friends. After working long hours since I was in high school without ever having a break, excluding the occasional vacation, I thought that being laid-off might not be so bad. However, after a few weeks of not landing anything, I remembered that it was not only the opportunity that I need... I also needed to be in preparation! I sought out every opportunity that I possibly could to become more prepared and landed on some fantastic truths that will stay with me for life.

During this process, I also began finding ways to keep "working." Not everyone is like me but I actually enjoy working and needed that to continue to feel human. I started doing more work around the house. I found places to volunteer. I started a blog and also began posting on other sites that accept contributions from writers. None of this paid at first but I didn't do it for money. In the end it paid off in other ways. Through doing work around the house I was staying active and actually lost a few pounds. Through volunteering I gained some valuable work experience that I never had before. Through blogging I had to stay abreast about what I was blogging which happened to be my professional field.

All of these things that I have mentioned as ideas are a product of my own reality so do not take them as literal suggestions. What this article is meant to do is to inspire you to think of ways that you can prepare during your off times. Whatever sort of change or "loss" that you may be going through, think about what you can do to make turn it into an opportunity. Get up from the couch right now and throw those McDonalds bags away. Vacuum the rug and dust those shelves because I am sure they need it. Get inspired and find something to do with your hands. Turn your loss into a gift and redeem the time!