“Recession: Make yourself useful and hand me a tissue.”

The last few months has been a complete roller coaster of “I love my life” and “Why me?” moments. After I was laid off I literally sat at home for about a month only interviewing for jobs that I would hate, but would pay the rent. Then my life got crazy.

Let’s break down my break down:

February: I was laid off and lost six pounds. Crying and America’s Next Top Model marathons ensue. 

March: My cat starts liking me. I interview for three receptionist jobs, no one hires me.

April: I interview with a Marketing company in Boise that offers me a job. I interview with a new client that offers me a freelance contract with steady work from my home office. Random tanning salon calls: I got the job. My OLD office calls and offers me my job BACK. I decide to take the job at home, and turn down all others. 

Present day: Gained three pounds back. Spent $400 on new office software and equipment for my new at-home gig. 

Then, yesterday threw me a curve ball. The marketing company that I interviewed with, and turned down, still wants me. WHA??!! And now they have offered to hire me on part-time as a contractor, without a non-compete agreement. 

So now I find myself in the situation that I originally wanted 3 months ago: Home business meets steady part-time income, just to be safe. I never thought that both of these jobs would be doing what I love. (Which is why I applied at the tanning salon.)

Moral of the story: I thought that getting laid off meant the end of my career for a few years (see earlier posts). I am absolutely sure that thinking positively is what got me into the comfortable place I am today. And, use your network!! Both of the jobs I have now were not advertised. They literally just fell into my lap. 

With that said, I, like the rest of the country right now, am still broke. So I think it is super important for everyone to start living like we are in a Recession. No more Netflix … sorry. No more fast food 3 times a week, even if you have a job. 

As for me: I will be at work with colleagues in the morning, and being my own boss at home in the afternoon. All the while, skimping on every cost possible. And now that I have started to work again, the cat seems a little agitated …

Like the “Keep Calm” posters above? Find them here: http://keepcalmposters.blogspot.com/