FUNemployment: The subtle art of being unemployed and living in the moment
Being unemployed for months (running to a year), may seem like the toughest phase for a professional who has dedicated many years of their life to working, moving up the career ladder and making a nice living off it. Well, that is my story…
In a world where the pursuit of career success often defines our lives, the concept of FUNemployment offers a refreshing perspective. It provides a counter notion that unemployment is solely a state of lack, disappointment, or failure, and instead invites us to see it as a period of liberation, a breath of fresh air, more like the 100% life of “work-life balance”, an opportunity to break free from traditional employment even amidst uncertainty. Imagine waking up to a day without having to jump on strategic meetings, intense deadlines, pressure from management and daring colleagues. In the season (szn) of FUNemployment, each day is a blank book, waiting to be filled with penned down experiences, thoughts and ideas. It’s a time to reconnect with oneself, rediscover passions, conduct self evaluation, learn, relearn & unlearn, explore new interests without the constraints of 9-5 routine.
FUNemployment is about shifting our mindset from one of fear and scarcity, to one of abundance and positivity. Instead of viewing being out of job as a setback, we see it as an opportunity for personal development and self discovery. It’s a chance to pause, turn down the noise, reflect and realign our priorities with what truly brings joy and fulfillment to us. In this szn, we learn to embrace the art of living in the moment, we savor the simple pleasures of life – think about trying out new recipes, binge watching your favorite shows, tapping into your creative skills, the laughter of friends and beauty of nature.
Of course FUNemployment isn’t without challenges, especially financial, mental and physical breakdowns. It’s like you save for rainy days and it starts raining immediately non-stop. It requires resilience, faith, adaptability and willingness to embrace uncertainty, which may involve financial sacrifices and difficult decisions. But in the end, the rewards outweigh the risks and this can also happen if you find ways to invest in yourself, whether it’s traveling to far off-destinations, volunteering for a cause you believe in, joining a community, starting passion projects, and attending networking events (virtual or physical).
In conclusion, let’s die down the stigma and embrace FUNemployment as more than just being in between jobs. Let’s see it as an opportunity for growth, self discovery and ticking things off our bucket list. Afterall, the most meaningful moments in life happen when we least expect them – when we’re fully present, open to new possibilities and ready to embrace the journey wherever good it may lead us.