The Enlightened Unemployed
By Melanie Joy Douglas, Monster.ca 
There is a new breed of unemployed Canadians. As life and work become more and more complicated—demanding careers, hectic commutes, stressful schedules—it’s not surprising that people who have been laid-off from work are increasingly looking at their temporary unemployed status as a welcome interruption – an enjoyable one, in fact, and in large part, an overdue wake-up call.
Of course, not many have an immediate epiphany; most are caught up in the anguish of losing their livelihood. However, in time, out of the devastation of a lay-off often comes a healthier, happier, and more whole person: the enlightened unemployed.
A recent survey of 16,000 Canadians, conducted by Right Management, discovered that despite a much more upbeat job market in 2005, laid-off employees took the same amount of time to re-enter the job market as they did in 2004. That is, while the job opportunities were abundant, those laid-off chose not to jump right back into work again.
After getting over the shock of losing their jobs, the enlightened unemployed take time for themselves and their lives – especially the aspects of their lives they have neglected. They take stock and replenish, spending time with their families and abandoned hobbies, and reacquainting themselves with their value system. They carefully examine opportunities and make thoughtful and deliberate choices. There’s no rushing into another job just because it’s there. They don’t want to make the same mistakes again.
Often, they take a couple of months to determine their job search options. They completely re-evaluate not only their career of choice, but also their entire field. Some may go back to school or change industries entirely.
But how do they do it financially? Some receive generous buyouts and severances. Others rely temporarily on EI and their savings. Still others re-mortgage their houses, take out loans, or lines of credit in order to make ends meet during this important time of reflection.
The realization is this: reassessing their lives and their careers is not time wasted; it is very productive.
When they do eventually find a job, it will be one that accommodates more work-life balance and matches their new career goals, which could mean a different career or a new field entirely. Not uncommonly, people also start up their own businesses during this time.
Sonia Wilson and Karin Jahnke-Haslam, two very different women at different stages of their lives, found themselves in a very similar situation – unemployed, but enlightened. Here, they share their experiences, lessons learned, and how being laid-off changed their lives.
Next Page: Sonia Wilson: A Better Fit