I was officially unemployed for 8 weeks. Sent in my new hire paperwork two days ago.
We planned for this trip for a year and had the funds for it, but there were several reasons why I started looking for a job so early. First, I’m a tax accountant and I was worried about missing a tax season. There were not many tax law changes this year (just wait until next year!), but it is always better not to skip a season to keep the skills up. Second, I was worried about trying to find a job off-season. Most CPA firms need extra help during tax season and the off-season is light. Much easier to find a job during the busy time. I’m trying to decide if the third reason is depressing or enlightening. I guess it depends on how you look at it. I was unemployed for 8 weeks, but for some reason I felt off. I was feeling useless and unproductive. Deep down I felt an obligation, not to anyone else or to any thing, but to myself. If I am not working, then who am I? Is it ingrained in me to work? I guess that it the depressing part, I hope I don’t have to work to have an identity.
Before we left, Jason and I were discussing what we wanted to get out of this trip. I wanted to “find myself”. Jason has found his passion in photography and I wanted to find that for me. I had visions of me sitting somewhere and having an epiphany of the “perfect” thing for me. I guess that could still happen, but maybe I found it? As soon as I found out I had the job (even a little before that), I was online looking at videos of the software (they use different software) and researching GA taxes (they are based on GA). Who does that? I was excited about it. Excited to get back into taxes. Not that I got out of it after only 8 weeks, but it seemed like longer because of work I was doing at my previous job. But this is different. I am doing it on my terms. I am NOT putting my email on my phone, I am working my own schedule and I am NOT responsible for staff or clients! It is the job I wanted. I hope it is as great as I think it will be! In any event, I still plan to meander and work a light schedule so for now I’m happy with my decision. Only time will tell, but it’s worth a shot and it doesn’t hurt to bring in little money!
I can understand how you feel. Hoping this fulfills your desire to be productive and yet gives you the time you deserve to enjoy your adventure. Sending a hug from home.
Thanks Liz! I appreciate it!
I understand completely. When I retired the one thing I didn’t take into account was the role my job had in my life. When I was working, I just thought of it as work. Oops. Good luck in finding your direction.
Thanks Don! You are exactly right!