Employed, Unemployed, Self Employed (Whatever) – Diary of an Employable Blogaholic

Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the moment. Especially when you are caught up in the realities of unemployment and unemployment benefits.

Apart from the actual reality that unemployment benefit makes up a small percentage of what the UK government pays out as part of welfare benefit, the stereotype of being unemployed can be a painful experience and the amount of cash you get is in reality a pretty painful experience too.

I was classified as ‘unemployed’ for about 6 months and in that time I felt the effects of the stereotype in all its’ force; be it the poor service at the jobcentre, the stereotyping of the unemployed on Question Time or the lack of actual jobs that I as an unemployed person could apply for.

However, the point that I am trying to make, is that although that 6 month period seemed an age, in reality 6 months, a year, or even longer, out of a total career lifespan of perhaps 45 years is relatively short.

I left unemployment to become ‘self employed’ (and if you are interested in self employment check out Startacus – the Self Start Society) and as far as the Government are concerned I am probably a success on their statistics.

Going from employed, to unemployed, to self employed is not an easy journey, but within 18 months I have had all three experiences and am richer for it.

12 years ago I wanted to work in TV production, 11 years ago I became a trainee Recruitment Consultant, 10 years ago I was promoted, 8 years ago I opened my own recruitment branch (for the same company), about 4 years ago I wanted to write a film script (and never did), 3 years ago I considered going back to University to do a Masters, and now about 11 years on I am writing this article for TheEmployable.

The thing is (and the point that I think I am trying to make) is that your career can really just come and go in a blink of an eye. 10 years ago, still seems like yesterday – ( a cliche I know!)

As I write this post over the Christmas period, the real reality is that your overall happiness should be your career aim. Yes, I appreciate that money, wages and bills all have to be given and paid, but try to remember during all those moments of career unhappiness, job loss, redundancy, trouble at work, or 6 months of unemployment and stereotyping, that ten years from now, you and I will probably be sitting somewhere entirely different, and each with a completely different career story to tell.

One last thing – if you do make a New Year’s Resolution, perhaps just try to keep it basic this year; Have a Happy New Year.