What unemployment has taught me

I've been without a full-time position for almost a year. I've learned a bit about myself in that time:

I don't mind being a stay-at-home mom. My daughter has become my life. I love reading to her, even if she wants to read the same book a dozen times in a row. I love teaching her new things. I love playing with her. I love to listen to her learn how to talk. I love cuddling with her before naptime. She has kept me grounded. And I thank her for that.

Freelancing is not for me. I'll do it because I have to keep my resume current, but I really am not a fan of freelancing. I need an office setting to keep me focused. And with the little one home, I've got a small window in which to work. And because I am at home, I always seem to have some sort of chore I need to do: laundry, dishes, dinner, grocery shopping, cleaning, etc. Plus, I would recommend if you want to freelance while on unemployment, try to find some sort of under-the-table gig. Apparently you can't freelance while on unemployment. I got caught because I reported my wages (like you are supposed to). I will be losing unemployment.

My last full-time job did not prepare me for new media. I actually already knew this one. I desperately tried to get them to let me take on new responsibilities that included social media. They didn't agree that the communications department was where those things should be handled(!). And now I believe it is hurting me. Even though I know social media, because it wasn't part of my responsibilities at my last job, no one wants to take a chance on me.

Day care cost a lot of money. We haven't had to pay for day care since I was laid off. And we learned that even though on unemployment I was making less than half what I was making at my last job, we were doing just fine. But now we know what the minimum amount of money I have to make, as long as we don't have to pay for day care. Lucky my mom is retired.

So those are a few things. I'm heading back to work now. I got a full-time job in retail. It's good, and it's bad. I'll be making a little more than I did on unemployment, but I'll be working some evenings and weekends. I'm working, but it's not in my field. I'll continue to look for a job in communications. I'll take on freelance gigs here and there. I'll keep keepin'on.

A note on reaching me.

Why do hiring managers insist on calling cell phones? I list my home phone number as my primary number for a reason. I don't get very good cell phone service in my house, and I don't carry my cell phone with me around the house. So I don't always hear when it rings. And I'm at home at least 80 percent or more of my waking day. And when I'm at home, I tend not to check my cell. Not on purpose. It just slips my mind to check it.

So, if you want to reach me, e-mail is best. But if you want to actually talk to me, try my home phone first. If I don't answer, leave a message then try the cell. Chances are I'm at home but changing a diaper or making a meal or doing some chore. I can hear that phone ring. We have phones upstairs and downstairs. I will check the caller ID. I will check the answering machine. I'll call you right back. If I'm not at home, then my cell is then on me, and I'll answer.