Whats the best thing about being unemployed to you?

falko89

We'd like to think there's nothing but I believe there has to be some positives from being unemployed, For me its all about getting away from the politics, that really did do my head in day in day out, for some work wasn't about working, the main focus was playing the politics game and work second, not all companies are like this, my last job was the only I can recall like this but if you end up in a firm that rewards back stabbing and yes men it really can be miserable. So I am glad to be free from this.

What's the best thing to you?

Sambucus_Nigra

I had 3 and a half months without regular paid employment 2 years ago - and although obviously not having money coming in was a problem - I loved it. I went to the allotment every day [through snow as well, on these days just for a wander] and was looking forward to a good growing year when bam - I got a job.

ktothema

I used to hate not having a job for longer than a few days, which often happened when I was temping. But then I got the bullying boss from hell (a few years ago). After 2 years of her, and the subsequent low self esteem and fear at making even a minor mistake or being late due to public transport etc etc... I've really enjoyed not working, not having the pressure, the better health, the lesser worry, some freedom to book a drs appointment if necessary, etc. I've been able to reassess and gain some confidence back.

I'm ready to go back to work now though!

fannyadams

ktothema - same here.
I'm enjoying the peace of knowing that I'm FREE of the bullying and backstabbing from my last place (AND that company policy means they can't 'get me back' by giving me a rubbish reference), and that my redundancy money will pay off our mortgage...

I'm looking forward to having a patchwork lifestyle like Pippilongstocking's, just got to do the maths to see if it's feesible.

jfh7gwa

ktothema wrote: »

some freedom to book a drs appointment if necessary, etc.

I have to admit, when I was a SAHM for a couple of years (not really through choice, really) this was one of the things that was a big slap in the face once i went back to work - i'd forgotten how lovely it is to be able to take the kids for a Dr's appointment and not have the extra stress of booking a half day holiday a month in advance for it at work OR just ask for it as parental leave (say) at the last minute and then have to deal with my supervisor's looks, or to go to the hairdresser or to see the dentist etc, and other stuff like that.

Basically being available to arrange normal things inside of working hours that nowadays just get crammed in alongside work and the commute.

I suppose flexibility of my own time is the thing I miss. i enjoy working, but being unable to find a suitable job so that the finances/hours work did come with the odd, small advantages that it's easy to overlook i guess! Grass is always greener, and all that

londoner1998

I never thought I would say this, but I am loving not having to go into the office every day. I love the fact that, even thought I have a fairly planned routine every day (I spend what would be a 9-5 looking for work and filling in application forms), I have flexibility.

The best outcome for me personally has been that I now have an established yoga practice every day. Every single day! Wake up, have a coffee and a chat with my husband before he goes to work, check my emails and then practice. This gives me the discipline to carry on looking for work without getting disheartened or bored (athough there are moments). Adn I feel so much healthier and happier in general
The rest of the day is free for me to look for work and do bits and pieces in the house. I can also arrange to meet for a coffee with a friend from my last job at the drop of a hat: my flat is 7 minutes away from where I used to work. When my husband is doing freelancing work and pops in for lunch, we lunch together. and I love it.
So even though it is a bit stressful not knowing what is round the corner, my health and well-being has increased ten-fold since I left. I think it has been a blessing.

scooby088

I would have to say best thing about being unemployed is having time to do things or to be free to do whatever you want, no one constantly breathing down your neck.

jamespir

i found it boring

wellused

When the weather bucks up a bit so I can get outside and do thing a bit more I'll let you know, on the negative side I hate having to watch every penny as when I was working money wasn't so much an issue. I did think that I would be able to cope with not having a regular wage coming in but it is taking a bit of getting used to after having one for the last 43 years.

Horace

I can choose to do what I want during the day although most of my time is taken up with job searches and applications. I also have time for my voluntary job as a secretary of a local club so get to take minutes at meetings (evenings) which I can type up during the day at my own leisure.

I can do my washing and go shopping if I feel like it instead of having to cram everything in after work when the shops are busier and I am stressed out.

Notmyrealname

falko89 wrote: »

We'd like to think there's nothing but I believe there has to be some positives from being unemployed, For me its all about getting away from the politics, that really did do my head in day in day out, for some work wasn't about working, the main focus was playing the politics game and work second, not all companies are like this, my last job was the only I can recall like this but if you end up in a firm that rewards back stabbing and yes men it really can be miserable. So I am glad to be free from this.

Thats why I loved driving lorries. Once you were out of the yard, you were your own boss with nobody to have to listen to.