When I first get laid off from a seasonal job, it is pretty easy for me to start collecting unemployment. The State has no problems giving unemployment benefits for somebody in my position. They require me to apply for two jobs a week, and put my resume on the State’s employment services website. This is really easy to do, and there is always the slim chance that an employer will call with a good job. During these times, I take great care to use this valuable time accordingly.
Something should be said for fulfilling goals and dreams outside of work. In my job field, I am laid off for months at a time. There are a few avenues you can head down from here. One, find an unfulfilling menial job and take a step back on your resume. Two, do nothing and sit around not saving any money or doing anything worth while. Three collect unemployment and go on a road trip. Most of the time I opt for the last option. To me, there are times when not having a job is a blessing.
I have just spent the last couple week’s rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park in southern California, and Red Rocks National Conservation Area outside of Las Vegas, NV. A lot of my goals include some foolish activities such as climbing. Thanks to libraries and wireless internet connections, I can apply for jobs, and check in with the unemployment office while on the road. I can even do a touch tone dialing option to file for my weekly unemployment bank deposit. I have done this while hiking towards cliff faces.
Last week while walking toward the cliff faces west of Las Vegas, I was cornered by a job offer and accepted. I will be moving to Colorado next month for another 6 month job. I urge everyone out there who is out of work to focus on non-work related goals. You are only (whatever your age is) once.