Trying to Find My Happy Place The Unemployment Line

Have you ever heard a sermon that you swore was written just for you? I know that people often feel such a connection to their pastors’ messages, and I’m no exception. I also had Bible study lessons that were so in tune with my state they gave me goosebumps.

I have come to the conclusion, however, that I must be getting loopy. Earlier this week, my husband and I watched “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,” and I definitely felt the “do what makes you happy” message was meant for my ears.

As Winnie the Pooh once said, “Think think think think think … ”

What makes me happy? I enjoy writing, in some ways, just for the fun of it and, in other ways, because I know it’s something I do well.

Perhaps even more, I love helping people. That statement is pretty vague, though. Maybe I should flesh it out a bit. I like providing direction and guidance, mentoring people, and being the one in the know, whether that means having immediate answers and input or just knowing where to go or whom to consult to come up with the right information.

I suppose I just defined a zillion positions. If I add writing to the mix, let’s see … I could write the next Dear Abby! Hmmm. Something to ponder.

Don’t ask how many years I’ve contemplated writing a book. Why haven’t I done it? Fear of failure, I suppose. I’ve endured more than a year of rejection in my job search. Surely the experience has helped me to toughen up.

Last Sunday, my pastor spoke about the love of money: a nice complementary message to the one in the movie. We have enough to live on. I’ve given up pedicures (well, OK, I had two in the past year). I don’t do any unnecessary shopping. My plan last spring to purchase a new-to-me vehicle was postponed indefinitely.

But, since losing my job, I’ve not been able to contribute anything toward my retirement savings, besides the fact that what I have saved has been shrinking in value. Also, we made double payments on our equity loan for the first six months, but then we had to cut back to only the required payment. That puts our balance close to $5,000 more than it should be according to our self-imposed pay-off plan.

My husband and I are looking at other potential cutbacks. My daughter decided to quit taking dance classes (unless she changes her mind). That saves us a bit. I know we can trim costs in our insurance coverage. And even though I’ve always been a bargain shopper, I’m sure I can do more to lower our food expenses.

Ugh! Writing about our money woes is really bumming me out. I need to get back to focusing on what makes me happy. Writing... helping people... think think think... Now all I need is someone to pay me to do those things.

by Cynthia Baxter