by Thu Nguyen

Created on: August 13, 2010

Everyone frowns upon unemployment but as much as we hate to admit it, the comparisons of the up and downsides can be described through the song ‘Gives You Hell’ by the All-American Rejects. Let’s walk through some of the points which give those who are employed hell but makes the unemployed smile as we discover the upside of unemployment.

 ...I wake up every evening with a big smile on my face

There’s no job to run to. No clock to punch in. You’re basically free to lay in bed until the children needs breakfast or your spouse wants you up. You can stay in your pajamas and walk in your warm slippers all day with uncombed hair and a nice warm robe or even go bare. Who cares. You’re at home. The worst that can happen is you don’t get up at all. Don’t worry. We understand. You just lost your job. Sleep in a little bit more. When you feel better, get up, hop in the bath for a wash and smile.

And where’s that shiny car? And did it ever get your far?

No sound of the car horns and no pollution in the air - ah, that’s what the doctor calls dreams. Only on your pillow will you find that all the noise you’ve been used to rushing through in traffic jams and honking the car horn disappears. The best part is you’re saving money on gas. As the prices are rising up you’re actually saving more. Without going anywhere and no job commitment to be at, the car stays in the garage. The only mobile transportation you got at the moment is your feet and you’re going to lay it over the comfy couch as you watch television.

Yeah, where did it all go wrong? But the list goes on and on

With less things to do and more time on your hands, you might want to pick up that book or play that video game which you’ve been meaning to finish. The tasks which you’re normally subjected to are now just sitting on the fence. You can do them when you want. There’s no rush. Besides, if you have unemployment benefits which you probably do, taking out the time to educate yourself on a career change might be a smart move. Tear up that old list and build a new one.

You can take back your memories, they’re no good to me

You may miss what you’ve lost but in this period which you’re in transit right now, it’s good to look on the bright side after you’ve sleep it off and brought back a little inner peace to yourself. Then accept that a change will come and let the memories just be that, memories. It won’t do you good now to remember it. It’s time to create new memories.

And you’re the fool, I’m just as well, hope it gives you hell

Surely, you will give everyone hell during your stint with being unemployed. However, the best part is you’ll enjoy it. You’ll start being creative and do things which you wouldn’t imagine yourself attempting. Perhaps even be passionately angry about a cause you’ll undertake. Overall, if this is the part where you must let it all out, do so. The fool now is a wise man or woman later. The upside is unemployment has it’s moments too and you should certainly embrace it while you can.

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