All that grief from the job and the burdens I carried for them was now someone else’s problem. If you watch Mad Men, that scene when Peggy Olsen (played by Elizabeth Moss) walked out with sunglasses on and carrying a cardboard box while smoking a cigarette with zero Effs to give – that’s how I felt!

I had spent the last 18 years working full time non-stop (at 3 different places), never having a chance to enjoy the city I inhabited. During that time I went to grad school while working full time. It was almost 2 decades of go-go-go. I ate terribly at my desk for years,I had deferred medical and dental appointments, and compartmentalized everything I did for myself and everyone in my life into the few free hours I had outside of work.

Summer was starting up and I embraced the chance to make it the summer of me! I could finally be those people who take midday yoga and Soulcycle classes, the ones who enjoy languid midday lunches and late afternoon naps. I cycled around town, took dips at the public pool in the middle of the afternoon and got to focus on me for once.

The timing worked out well because we’ve been planning a major out of country move for the past year and a half. My spouse’s job started this September and I was planning to join him in 2019. Until getting fired, I didn’t have the time to focus on the moving details or a new job search, my focus on those matters wasn’t there. Now it seemed like everything happened for a reason!

And now we’ve made the move together and resettled to Canada. Our house hunting /relocation prospect trips over the summer led me to a full time job. We’re on to our new lives, in a new home, new country, and new jobs.

Long story short: things will work out. Take this moment to take in and nurture the blessings you do have: your family, your health, your self, your talents. Any job, no matter how awesome, takes away the most precious gift out there – the present of your presence! Treat yourself to take this time to focus on YOU, including doing the things you enjoy. The fondest memories during my *funemployment* were the most simple, priceless moments, some of which I didn’t do much at all. It felt awesome and I had zero guilt about it!

It’s SUCH a hard journey. But we just keep pushing through because we are STRONG and also it’s really the only option! Keep working hard, and keep taking care of yourself.

It’s great that you’ve discovered so many tips and tricks for a budget-friendly family!

Thank you!!

I’m sorry in a tough spot, but you’ll absolutely find the right path for you! It’s weird to balance the emotional processing with the practical problem solving when you’re unemployed, but it just makes us stronger in the end.

Thank you so much for your words of support! It’s not an unusual journey by any means, but it’s certainly not an easy one. I’m always happy to hear people’s success stories – they keep me on a positive path!

Just one day in my unemployment I felt sort of lost. I kept thinking well school in January is definitely out and that vacation in March … that’s not happening.

After reading your post I realized that I can move passed this and I will figure it out no matter how long the process. I have a great support system and determination! Thank you!

My partner went through a very similar experience to yours and searched 4-6 months each time. I’d like to add that friends and loved ones feel for you and would like to help; they see the heart ache, stress, and anguish, you experience and want to be supportive (even if we can only hug you and make tea…)
I think the most helpful thing I could do for my partner while he was searching was to take care of him mentally. After 9pm I took away his computer and took him to a park LOL

So a big shout out to you, from a small corner of the internet!! You can do it!!

I’m sorry you’re in a tricky spot, but I’m so glad my story resonated with you! It sounds like you’re approaching your challenging chapter in exactly the right way. The decisions you make today don’t have to be forever! And it seems like more and more there are fun opportunities to add in a “side hustle” if you’re not looking for a full-time professional path.

😂😂😂

Thank you for your kind words!!