The weekend is nearing and time flies by this week when I am unemployed.
Went to meet someone for my book project. Also met up with a counselling centre to discuss about some training tie-up.
I also detected that the MRT trains seem to be roomier this period. Perhaps the retrenchment has really took its toil and many are now staying at home?
Just this week alone, I knew of at least threef riends who are out of work. Two were retrenched and one has resigned.
Many who are working also told me that it is difficult working in the office as there is the stress of having little to do and more importantly thers is always this threat that they may be the next to go as the economy is really quiet.
I told them that it is better to work under such stress than having no work at all.
Many also tighten up their belt and go for simpler lifestyle such as eating in foodcourt rather than restaurant.
I also advised them to go for free things such as walking in the park or strolling along the beach. There is also time now for the unemployed to seriously slow down and smell the roses along the way.
In his book “Peaks and Valleys” Dr Spencer Johnson advised people during the down time to build up resilience and prepare for the up time. He wrote that many people who went through a hard eriod during the down time will appreciate more of the upswing when it comes. There will be less people who will feel proud about hteir achievement when they are doing well as they have being humble during the down period.
I somehow share his sentiments here.
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Being unemployed for 7 months in 2003 really made me look at life very differently. Had enjoyed a nice transport allowance, bought new car. Then when it hit, reluctantly sold the car. since then, car doesn’t matter to me except as privileged transport tool. u just learn to live simply and be contented.
Sometimes, it’s good to have time to reflect on what one truly wants in life.
Of course, one should spend that much time thinking. Go out and do something!