Tips for the Unemployed: My Happy List

To follow up my PART 1 Career Update, I've come up with a list to encouraged any one who may unemployed. 
Please do not lose hope! Unemployment is temporary.

These are some things that helped me remain happy while unemployed:

-Do something you've always wanted to do, but never had the time before.

-Get out of bed every morning...and then make it. Making your bed always makes life seem a little more put together.

-Wear your favorite outfits. Keep yourself looking cute/sharp. You'll feel more confident. Don't let yourself go.

-Make a positive change. Get a cute haircut. Stop a bad habit.

-Stay positive. Laugh. Know that unemployment is temporary.

-Be spontaneous.

-Keep yourself in a routine, if possible.

-Talk with friends and family who will encourage you.

-Organize your closets. Clean out your car. Do those chores you never seemed to have time for before.

-Pick up a new hobby. It doesn't have to be an expensive one. Just something you can

-Dream BIG. Write down your dreams/desires and then figure out how to implement them.

-Write down your goals. Career and life goals.
-Don't beat yourself up. Yes, make sure to spend a significant time searching for jobs and contacting future employers, but don't cry if you don't reach a goal of job searching 35 hours a week (yeah, I tried that and crashed).
-Trust God. No explanation needed.

I hope this lists encourages someone. I know we don't go through events like this without a reason. Being unemployed twice made me stronger, more confident and more grateful. Please email me if you need someone to talk to about unemployment. {piggybankdating @ gmail dot com}

A Huge Update: PART 1

Here it is...THE BIG JOB UPDATE!

I try not to post much about my personal life on this blog, since I would prefer to focus on frugal date deals and tips. But, I thought I should catch everyone up on what's been going on in my life over the past year.

Work Life: Remember this post in Jan. '10 when I told you I had been laid off due to the economy? The last week of December, I found a temp job that turned into a full time job by March thanks to very the caring staff at a non profit organization. I worked there until the end of September, when I was laid off again (once again because of the economy). Instead of getting worried and down on myself like the previous unemployment time, I embraced my time off. 

Although I didn't announce it, I was unemployed for a month and a half (Oct. '10) before deciding to take one of the jobs I was offered. During that month of unemployment----I dreamed. And, I dreamed big! I spent hours brain-storming, thinking about what I wanted in life and implementing some of those desires. I checked off all the things on my never-ending "to-do" list. I took spontaneous shopping trips (out-of-town). I focused on family and friends. I started an Etsy shop with my mom selling vintage items. I ate LOTS of ice cream. And, I worked out all the time...losing almost 10 pounds. Best of all, I continued to learn to be alone all day (I'm an extravert!) and remain happy (more on that in PART 2).

Then I got bored. I had done most of the things I wanted to do. I desired purpose, a more stable routine, a job. And, that's when doors opened. Second interviews happened. Phone calls were answered. I had multiple options.

God is faithful. 

I'm now working full time in marketing again! My focus is on web marketing and content, and I'm learning so much at once. It's a challenge I'm not taking lightly.

Thank you for being faithful readers. Thank you for being interested in the deals and tips I post for you! I hope you are enjoying saving money and enjoying many frugal dates! Thanks for trusting a single girl writing a dating blog...more on that in PART 2!

Have a wonderful Saturday!