Geek-Cube: Unemployment Boredom

As I’m sure many of you, my lovely readers, know, I am presently not working. I’m still “employed,” but on my 60 day WARN Act notice, meaning that my office has to pay me regular salary for sixty days from receiving the notice, even if they don’t want me to come into work, until I’m laid off next month. Sweet! Of course, it’s almost the same as being unemployed in the fact that I have gone from full days worth of things to do to almost having too much free time. Seriously, how many of our number would spend the time playing the MMO of choice or watching old sci-fi on Netflix? Well, there are other ways to spend the time that might just prove beneficial in the long run.

 
Work on Your Résumé/CV
This should fall in the category of “duh”, but it should still be said. Standards for résumés are not what they were even five years ago. I was always told that the one-page résumé is what hiring managers are looking for, but as of late, they’re looking for something that showcases a little more of the person being hired, not just what they’ve done. There’s fantastic templates and help online, so there’s no reason not to take an afternoon, look over what makes you awesome, and put it into words on paper. Make sure you know your audience, though. A potential designer would have a much different approach than a potential banker, and by all means, do not use fancy resume paper, unless your definition of fancy is using a high-grade matte printer paper.  This piece of paper is going to be the first impression your future employer will have of you, so make it count!

 
Exercise

Better exercise than an MMO!

The first thing that happened to me after I stopped working and sat on my rear end far too much was putting on a little weight. I understand it’s a fairly common thing, especially if you’re a little depressed over losing a job or just really bored and are snacking because the food is there. It doesn’t matter how you do it, just get out and do something! Invest in WiiFit if you have a Wii, or join a gym. Colleges usually offer exercise classes that are typically 1 unit courses. Go find an arcade that has Dance Dance Revolution and get your arrow-stomp on! With all the hot and pretty days we’ve had here in Sacramento lately, I’ve taken to swimming three times a week and going on nature trail walks in the shade. Some folks like Frisbee-Golf or other unique sports. There’s a whole world out there for you to explore now that you’re not tied to your cubicle.

 
Hobbies and Projects are Great!
This is where the tech-geek can find tons of things to do, from building computers out of leftover parts or work on little projects. My husband is a pinball geek, so he took advantage of his unemployment to make sure they were all in good repair. His other big hobby is RC cars, so he’s also been working on them, and then taking advantage of his sizable NERF gun collection to wage war on his friends. I’ve been putting time and energy into Orange Lounge Radio and Comic NSanity since podcasting is one of my favorite activities. I do also play Star Trek Online in the time I set aside as “off time”, but I make it a point to limit my time to certain days and times each week. Just find something that interest you and run with it! If one of your activities also leads to some side money, then that’s even better.

 
Go Back to School
Right now, there are lots of programs to help people learn a new vocation to make themselves more attractive to a potential employer. I’m personally taking advantage of my time away from working to finish my degree in Graphic Design. I love feeling productive in the classes I’m taking, and treat my homework as though I’m working from home and it’s part of my job. This is also a great opportunity for people to explore their interests and see if it’s something they might be cut out for. Great cook at home? Try taking culinary courses and see if you can make a living of it. Like to draw? Take art classes! Junior colleges are especially wonderful for exploring new paths as units are typically half what you pay for a University and tend to be a little more focused on the students. Don’t go thinking that you’re too old, by the way. One of my classmates last Spring Semester was sixty!

There they are, some examples of things one can do to keep busy when work has dried up. A few things I didn’t mention were traveling and going to concerts, but those typically cost a bit more money, and I’m taking unemployment pay into account. At any rate, there are many other things a focused person can do to stay busy, and we geeks seem to have our own ways of stimulating the mind to pursue. Good luck, all of you!

Geek-Cube is a weekly column about integrating your geek life with your work environment.

About Jamie

Jamie DeVriend is a multi-format geek. She loves video games new and old, pinball, Marvel comics, Asian Ball-Jointed Dolls, obscure things, Doctor Who, Supernatural, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. An Alabama native, she now lives with her equally geeky husband and sizeable cat, and goes to college while doing occasional freelance design work.

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