Learning the value of ...

.....Money! How easy it is to forget the value of money when you have it - regularly. I have relearned the value of money by realizing what is needed versus wanted. It seems that it's easy to tell yourself that you 'need' things without even thinking it through. As the weeks of unemployment grow, the understanding of needing versus wanting becomes clearer.

Friday I was able to clip coupons, take advantage of store specials, and a coupon lured to bring customers in. I was able to get $100 of groceries for a mere $53! That would make anyone feel like they won.

.....Family! Family is probably the easiest to forget the value of, regardless how close your relationships are. They are the easiest to take advantage of their time, money, and kindness. I don't believe that any one intentionally would take advantage of their family, but I think it comes all too easy. Regardless of my situation in life whether it be good or bad, I know I can count on my family. They are hundreds of miles away, but are always there to listen and support me.

.....Friends! Friends are the best... they are there to celebrate when the news is good and they are there to lend an ear when the news is bad. Friends come in all shapes and sizes and no two are alike. So my philosophy is "Have plenty, you never know which shape you may need today". I have been so blessed with the friends in my life, that I would never want to lose them.

Being unemployed is tough on the mind. It makes you question yourself, your abilities, and your knowledge. It can get easy to fall into a trap of only thinking about you. My way to counteract these self indulging thoughts are to make sure I reach out to my friends and family regularly. Meet for coffee, tea, or a bite to eat.

.....Your Network! The network that each of us has spent a lifetime building is so important now. This is true probably more so now than ever. I heard a statistic that more than 60% of people landing jobs are through networking. Don't think that you have time to build your network later, now is the time. Continually build your friends and acquaintances - you never know when they may be the lead you are looking for.

.....Self Satisfaction! Learning the value of this is a work in progress. I have realized that my job did not fully satisfy me. My extended education did not fully satisfy me, nor has traveling or spending money. I have taken time to reflect on what it is in my life that brings total satisfaction. My relationship with God is the only thing that fully satisfies me. When my relationship is strong, then everything else in my life is satisfying.

.....Life! We often hear that life is short. But we listen and live in that manner? I constantly remind myself that little things don't matter in the big picture of life. I never want to have regrets and I want to be remembered by the good things I have done in my life. I have had the opportunity to volunteer and would like to continue donating my time to a good cause.

Insights

This is my first post... seems a little ironic the Blog is titled a Day in the Life, even though I officially lost my job 3 months ago. Since that day, so much has happened. It's a surreal feeling when it happens, but keeping my positive attitude and remembering all that I learned in life has allowed me to make it this far and feel great about the situation.

Looking back this was a true blessing that happened during a time in which we would all think 'not me, not now'. I have had the opportunity to focus on my studies and finish my MBA, took the time to find a new home for my family, search for a job, ramp up on my interview skills, network, and visit with friends and family. There have been several trials that have come along the way, but keeping an eye on the prize has kept me positive. That prize by the way- is knowing that in time I will be where I am supposed to be.

I have taken this time to reflect on how I want to live my life - how to be the best wife, mother, step-mother, daughter, sister, and friend. I focus on how to take the gifts God has given and turn that into something good. During this time I have even taken the opportnity to volunteer.

My advice to anyone that is in a jobless situation is to remember a few things:

• This is only temporary
• Focus on who you are and what you can do to help others
• Your friends & family are there for you - reach out
• Lastly... enjoy the break that you were given

Keep strong!