Recessionista Rises!

Written by Adaire Hahn | 29 March 2009
Posted in Money Matters

Unemployment is no longer a 90's Slacker's Dream. It really sucks to be laid off. My kids have listened to my bitching and moaning and crying in fetal position surrounded by the remnants of my dream career for so long this week, I think their ear canals have a beaten path worn straight to their brains and have shown increasing interest in doing much more outdoor activities, while my 3 year old has started collecting travel brochures to exotic places. My Dream Board did not include destinations like "Downsizeville: Population you and a million like you" or "Travel to the Land of "Outsource-topia" Maybe those little kittens I cut and pasted hanging from tree limbs with "Hang in There baby" was an Evil Omen!!!!

I was in Direct Sales with my favorite company in the whole world and Monday over 7,000 of my sisters and I got the "One finger salute" via a very impersonal email and a coupon for 10 percent off to visit their retail stores. Now, I am surrounded with enough Body Butter to keep moisturized for the next Ice Age and three Raptures. Call me if you are running low. I've got ya covered!

So what's a Recessionista like me, who just got laid off and will see her condo foreclosed in a month to do??? Well, after coming out of a self induced Shame Spiral that would make a Whirling Dervish dizzy, I turn to my favorite Philosopher and Spiritual Advisor, who tells us "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose" I love Dr. Seuss!

Number One: Reach Out. Tell people what you're going through. You don't have to divulge every detail, but letting friends and family in on your situation might jog their memories to someone who needs the very skills you possess. Also, if you reach out to help others in a volunteer position, you may just network with your future boss. Giving of yourself shows initiative, and is Karmically speaking always a plus.

Number Two: Think outside the box. If you have been downsized by a corporation, would you be able to create a job or business for yourself with the skills you have acquired on a smaller scale? If you are in Sales, could you find a small local person with a great product you would love to help them grow? Do you have knowledge about growing someone's business using Green Energy or can save a person a step, like offering a service people are needing right now?  

Number Three: Trade a Favor. Maybe you can swap childcare for a room to rent with a friend or another family. When the going gets tough, we need to get tender (hearted). We need to look out for one another. That opportunity you find for a friend, might bring your Wheel of Fortuna riding right back to the top again!!! Love to all you Recessionistas and Recessionistos out there! We are going to be okay if we learn to stick together.

Adaire's New Dreamboard has no kittens on it, and includes "Air Guitar Groupie" on her resume.