Over the last year, layoffs have been getting closer and closer to home. My husband and I have watched his fellow employees go in two and threes. We have watched friends and family lose their jobs and through this recession we have felt blessed to be spared. But, in September I surprisingly found myself now unemployed.

Looking back, I found this was the only position that ended without my choosing. It was also the only position that I left without having something to go right into. Though 32 years old, I found myself in a brand new experience. The good news…. I felt very prepared.

I plan to share some of my experiences and opinions with you over the next couple of weeks. I hope that my story may be of help in some way. This week begins a series of 5 posts called “J.O.B.”

High5: Rules for Unemployment

I have often given advice to nannies who are unemployed to set up “rules” for themselves. The goal, to use time-off in a productive manner. I now found myself having to take my own advice. While I haven’t been unemployed before, I always took mental notes on what I would do. I think it is important to stay focused on your purpose during this season, and setting some ground rules may just be the way to do that. After all, my job was to “Get a Job” (sing shan-na-nahs here).

5. Get Up
As silly as it may seem this was a big one for me. My previous position required me to start work at 7:00 a.m. each morning. I handled it (with coffee), but will always remain a night person. I work well at night (in fact I’m writing this at 11:00 p.m.) and new that if not planned I would let my schedule drift later and later. Just as it was important for me to keep a regular sleep schedule and set my alarm  for work, I felt it that my process of finding a job, was just as important. I set my alarm each weekday for 8:00 a.m. and made sure I had at least 8 hours of sleep each night before.

4. Get Ready
Who doesn’t like to have a PJ day every so often? This can become a dangerous habit for the unemployed. I believe that when you start living this habit you can start to feel down on yourself. It is so important to stay positive during the process. Each day, get up, take a shower and start your day as you would for work or interview – wear make-up and stay away from a daily ponytail. Wear something that makes you feel pretty each day. Enjoy the chance to wear jewelry (with out fear of pulling), cute clothes (that won’t be spit up on) and even girlie shoes (not fit for the sand at the park).

3. Get Out

2. Get Active
It is a great idea to get moving each day. Go to the park, walk your neighborhood, or go to the gym (if this isn’t an extra expense). This is a great habit that you may have not been able to make time for. The endorphins released while exercising keeping your from getting mopey, but having positive feelings in this hard time. Take the time to do something active that you love or search for something new!

1. Get Focused
Time off for me turned into a blessing. I have never had the luxury of not working even for a short season. I was able to process through my feelings and grieve the loss of job I expected to be long-term. I had more time and quiet to reflect and pray and open myself up to be lead in new directions. Along with my job search and interview processes I accomplished projects that were on my to-do list for a year. The time allowed me to really make a wise decision without feeling stress. I have connected with friends that I sometimes seemed to busy for. I learned more about me in this last 6 weeks than I have in the last couple of years, and I know that without the time off, I would not have had the journey. I truly can say that this has been a blessing.

So, you are probably wondering if I have accepted a position? Yes. My situation did not work out exactly as I expected, but did work out for the best. I will be starting a new position on Monday, at my church, in an administration/project manager role. My degree is in Theology and previously worked in the ministry at a church before. This position is part-time and will allow me the opportunity to still work with the triplets as a part-time nanny. I believe that I have been given the best of both worlds. I am excited that I will be able to continue in the nanny world, but also have this new journey at my church. It was a decision that did not come lightly. Thanks to all my friends for your support and prayers!

Stay tuned next week for part #2!