Unemployment Downunder

Posted Fri, 06/03/2011 - 17:57 by JimmK

Just found this site. Pretty cool idea Chuck. I'm in New Zealand, but we have a lot of the same unemployment issues that you have in US. In my city Christchurch, we have just had a couple of devastating earthquakes. The February 22 quake pretty much leveled the whole CBD.
Pics here: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/02/christchurch_earthquake.html.
It's still closed to all but demolition crews. So all those businesses are closed and all their employees are out of work.
Well,I find myself unemployed again. I was just made redundant 4 days ago. I had the job for 20 months.
Prior to that, I had been unemployed for 4 months with 'depression and pining for how things used to be' thrown in. This time it's different. I made an effort to save money while I was employed, just in case I lost my job again. Geez, I'm so pleased I did. My wife is working, so money is not a real issue this time around.
The issue for me is the lack of human interaction and the feeling of belonging you get from employment. I never realised how important this stuff was until unemployment hit me.
So it's not just money we all need. It's this other stuff which I think has an even more powerfull effect on your well being.

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chuck's picture

Profoundly correct

by chuck - 06/03/2011 - 18:56

The issue for me is the lack of human interaction and the feeling of belonging you get from employment. I never realised how important this stuff was until unemployment hit me.

I can so totally relate. It's also the sense of accomplishment you get from a job well done.

The thing is, you don't need a job. A job is just a means of getting these other things -- money, routine, social interaction, a sense of purpose, etc.

Understanding what one really wants and needs is so critical.

Thanks for sharing, and I hope they get that mess cleaned up soon.

When life hands you sh*t, make fertilizer.

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