So, you were laid off. Let Go. Released. Downsized. Cut loose. Anyway you say it, it means the same thing. You are out of a job. And, you join the millions across America who are unemployed as well.

Maybe you were given some notice, a nice farewell party and a generous severance package. Maybe, you were surprised on a Friday with a pink slip and an empty box (or a paper bag) to pack up your things. Or, perhaps you just discovered that your key no longer worked in your office door lock.

Now what??!!

Well, of course, you look for another job. You get your resume together, you dust off your interview suit, you join all the Social Networking sites and you start surfing Monster, Careerbuilder and wheresmynextjob.com with the intention of finding a new job FAST!

But, what happens when you don’t get hired the week after you just got fired???

What do you do with all this new-found time?

Well, while you're searching for your next job, here's some ideas, reminders, random thoughts etc. from someone who's discovering there is life after her layoff.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

No One Calling? Have Some Food!



When feeling stressed out, uptight and rejected, thank goodness we can turn to comfort food to lift our spirits and make us feel happy, safe and secure again…if only for a little while. Ah…comfort food. Just the name metaphorically provides that warm bear hug that we all need when feeling a little low. Now, I must state the obvious….food will not permanently solve your money troubles or find you a job. It does not take the place of what “you’re really hungry for”. However, a slice of warm cinnamon toast can momentarily make you forget why you have no job offers yet.
So, what to eat? Well, answers will vary. Remember, the unemployed need to be financially cautious, so an expensive meal at a 5 star restaurant is not an option. Instead, think back to your childhood… what foods made you feel happy? Here’s a partial list of mine:

1. Macaroni and Cheese. My mother makes the best cheesy, crispy Mac-n-cheese ever! Other options: most supermarkets make really tasty, ready-made versions. Koo Koo Roo, El Pollo Loco and other fast food places offer very affordable sides of this cheesy dish! And, don’t forget Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the box that costs next to nothing! Remember???

2. Cupcakes – I blame my friend, Laura, for reacquainting me with these delicious treats. Thankfully, their recent popularity has spawned dozens of cupcake shops all across the country! At around $2.50 – $3.50 each, they are a relatively inexpensive way to recall a fond childhood birthday memory. Red Velvet? Vanilla? Chocolate? Everyone has a favorite! Those who are watching their weight can opt for the mini versions…but be careful! It’s hard to only eat one!

3. A slice of pie – whether it’s a la mode or with a dollop of whipped cream…anyway you slice it (get it?) it’s delicious! It’s fun to bake a pie, and it takes your mind off your troubles. if you don't want to bake it from scratch, you can’t beat Marie Callenders$6.99 for a Whole Pie” deal!

4. A Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. Smooth or Creamy. Whole wheat bread or sourdough. Toasted or with the crusts cut off. Grape or strawberry jam. It’s all good.

















5. Summer Fruit. If carbs and fatty foods are off-limits and you’re watching your sugar intake, a really good piece of fruit will work in a pinch! A cold, crisp apple or a juicy, sweet peach…even a chilled slice of watermelon could trigger some nice memories of summertime’s past.

Spaghetti, chicken soup, mashed potatoes, grilled cheese, chocolate-chip cookies, meatloaf, chocolate pudding (well, anything chocolate), ice-cream, Jell-O…well, you get the point. Whether they’re home-made or “already-made”, organic or processed, fresh or frozen…nothing eases the pain of resume rejection like some comfort food!
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