What I've learned since being unemployed

I've been unemployed (i.e. no money given to me in exchange for services) for three weeks. It's interesting and humbling to be on the "other side" of employment. Here are a few things that I've learned since being unemployed:

1. I like working on a PC. This is my TOP, #1 learning. I love my home laptop, but I cannot type on it without the cursor getting in the way, making my letters jump all around the screen. This makes everything take twice as long, and because I am a huge fan of efficiency, it is driving me crazy. Laptops are nice and convenient, but I'm a PC kind of girl.


2. I like working in an office. I feed off the energy in an office environment. I work straight and hard at home without taking much needed breaks. My back hurts because I do not have a great office chair (you know, the stained one that is the right height and worn in just the way that I like it). My wrist hurts from not having my mouse. I use the TV as background noise because I need noise. My dog pees in the house or barks the minute that I am on the phone because I am not paying attention to her. I eat Kitkats because they are in the fridge and I have little self-control around chocolate. I miss the conveniences of the office, like a printer and fax.


3. Unemployment stinks. It is too easy to apply (online or on the phone), so everyone does it, which puts a financial and service burden on the entire system. There is little to no information given to the unemployed worker and you have to wait on the phone for hours to try to talk to a live person. You can't go back to claim unemployment for days that you thought that you were going to be paid, but were not paid (if you can, I can't figure out how to do it). Your online account is updated, but you are not notified via email for several days, which may cause you to miss a deadline. There is no way to explain your situation or ask questions online, like Chat or email. You have no idea when or if money will be coming when you sign up. Even if it's normally 6-8 weeks, it would be nice to know for planning purposes.


4. Optional benefits vendors are calling me, the employee, at home looking for money. Even though I paid the optional benefits via payroll deduction, they want their money. If they have my checking or credit card account info, they are going to take their money after giving me sufficient notice. I'm leaning toward Kris Dunn's no optional benefits stance after this experience.


5. I like to work. I like the routines and personal satisfaction of working. I'm not made to be a stay at home mom and need satisfying projects while I am at home. Shredding my 2009 documents just isn't cutting it.

I start my new job on Monday with a new learning experience under my belt that will make me a better HR pro. I have much more compassion and empathy for those who are in transition. I've got along week ahead of me, but I can't wait to get back to work!