And man, did it hit home for me. Not because I'm pregnant (I'm not pregnant!), but because I feel the same way about unemployment. If I had a nickel for the number of times I have ranted at Inspector Climate because I'm so angry that someone has asked me some numbskull question and made me feel bad about myself...well, I'd have a lot of nickels.
Anyway, here is my little rant about things people say to me as an unemployed person
1. "So, have you found a job yet?"
Yeah, I did and I just didn't tell anyone because you know, why would I share that VITAL piece of news with people who care about me?
2. "Oh you were able to [cook a big dinner] [go to yoga 5 times a week] [research for a weekend away] [whatever the thing may be] because you have so much time on your hands because you're unemployed"
First of all, I went to yoga five times a week when I worked full time, thank you. Secondly, yes, I do have a lot of time on my hands and I spend it mostly sitting in front of my computer scrolling job sites, thinking up new ways to get employed, and analysing what skills I actually have. It is a gruelling lesson in self-doubt, but I appreciate you making me feel guilty for filling my time.
3. "How's the job hunt?"
Terrible. Awful. Painful.
Wow. So, it looks like I've got some anger. The truth is I hate it when people ask me any of these things, they just make me feel like I'm failure for not having landed that elusive job. I was also talking to one of my friends who is also unemployed in Australia and we decided that finding a job is a lot like dating. There are long conversations that I have with friends that are essentially "What does this communication mean with this job person" Is it a good sign? Will they call me again? What do you think they meant by that?
There are the rejection calls "You're great! Really, it's just you know we want some one who has more experience than you" (this is actually very reflective of my dating life where I was often discarded for being a prude).
When I first was told that my contract wasn't being renewed it was very much a "Look, it's not you...it's us" situation
You constantly have to make yourself look appealing. How can I stuff my
Anyway, the point is this. Be nice to your unemployed friends and don't ask them about the job search.
