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FunEmployment

You were fired, laid off, terminated, contract ended, graduated, blah, blah, blah. Rather than feeling glum about unemployment, why not make it FUN! What are you doing to keep a smile on your face during these jobless times.

Network Leader: Emily Ma
Groups > FunEmployment
 
Ty Unglebower We tend to conflate making a living with hard work in this society, ignoring that many people who have great jobs were nothing more than lucky, and can be some of the laziest people out there. Equally true is that some of the hardest working people out there are unemployed for years, or at least underemployed. Shall we value the paychecks, or shall we value the sweat and blood people put into their lives? http://bit.ly/jvdyqt

51 weeks ago from FunEmployment, Washington D.C. and Creating a Life You Love1 more

Marc Shiman: I think we value people who succeed from their hard work. We don't value the lifetime high school janitor, we scorn the slacker. But you find me ...MoreI think we value people who succeed from their hard work. We don't value the lifetime high school janitor, we scorn the slacker. But you find me someone who persevered and made it big, and I'll find you a Hollywood script writer ready to make a deal.

Hard Work = doing stuff you don't want to do. Even putting in 80 hours at something you love seems like a vacation.

By the way, I don't know if you ever held an 8 hour a day job in which you put in 1 hour of work - it sucks. You go home exhausted, and just veg in front of the TV. Its horrible.
50 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: In my opinion, however, the lifetime high school janitor, assuming he works hard at that job, is entitled to as much respect from us as anyone ...MoreIn my opinion, however, the lifetime high school janitor, assuming he works hard at that job, is entitled to as much respect from us as anyone else who works hard at something.
50 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower Is it possible to be extreme in one's attempts to be moderate? I think so. I talk about this irony, and what you can do to avoid it, on my latest post. http://bit.ly/hHaRoT

58 weeks ago from Washington D.C., Creating a Life You Love, FunEmployment and Baltimore Brazen2 more

 
Ty Unglebower I'd like to talk to someone about some possible reorganizing of my websites and such. I am giving tentative consideration to polishing a few things up, but given that I know nothing about code and design, I'd need to bounce some basic concepts off of someone in the know. But it can't be a consultant by trade, because I don't want to pay to have conversations about this at such an early stage. It's just some questions. So I ask if any of you know of (or are) such people?

59 weeks ago from Freelancing, Creatively Inspired, FunEmployment and Washington D.C.2 more

JenG: Talk to Lindsey Donner. She's amazing.
59 weeks ago
 
Virginia Merritt In being funemployed, we are able to see parts of the employment process that could go unnoticed by the masses. One of these, for me, has been the lack of an "You're qualifications are excellent, BUT" email/call/communication. I blogged about it the other day: http://tinyurl.com/2ern9xd What are the things that "bug" you the most on the job search and how are you coping?

102 weeks ago from FunEmployment

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Virginia Merritt: For me, I understand that these companies are getting hundreds if not thousands of resumes and not able to respond to them all. But if I have an ...MoreFor me, I understand that these companies are getting hundreds if not thousands of resumes and not able to respond to them all. But if I have an interview and progress to step two out of three... don't you think you could at least email me a "sorry...".

I've been trying to get out of the job hunt myself. But I'm not confident enough in my writing since I just spent two years writing research papers (totally doesn't make sense but to me it does... I even find in blogs I sound boring because I am so use to using that tone). I'd love to open a cupcake shop/bus... but the money needed is ridiculous. But something will come. Until then, I just apply, blog, run, hit the beach (I live 3 blocks from the pacific), and repeat. :-)
102 weeks ago
Iris Aikins-Afful: First, I like the positive spin you put on it "fun employed" similar to a friend I once heard state that she was "gainfully unemployed". Anyway, I ...MoreFirst, I like the positive spin you put on it "fun employed" similar to a friend I once heard state that she was "gainfully unemployed". Anyway, I agree with @Ty Unglebower about job-seekers often times acting way more professionally than the hiring staff or supervisor(s) once you're working. It also puzzled me not long ago when I went on an interview, later found out that I didn't get it, & one of the people told me I wasn't qualified b/c I didn't have enough experience. Shouldn't they have already known that before I came in by looking at my resume? I don't know. I also agree that it is quite frustrating, the rigid, uncompromising requirements for jobs these days. Oh well, currently it certainly is an employer's market out there.
60 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower We have talked many times here about whether we should add potential employers to our Facebooks and other social media platforms, so that they may judge us personally. Similar is the concept of making everything public on your social media pages. (I do neither. It's none of their business as I have said before.) But how about wanted your PASSWORDS so strangers cannot only view your Facebook, but control it by logging into it?? I'd rather starve if it has come to this. http://goo.gl/XuFYJ

64 weeks ago from Washington D.C., Resume Feedback, Entry-Level Young Professionals, Professional Writers and Editors and FunEmployment3 more

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Ty Unglebower: I am glad to see so many people are opposed to this sort of invasion. For while I don't agree that I need to let my Facebook profile and such be ...MoreI am glad to see so many people are opposed to this sort of invasion. For while I don't agree that I need to let my Facebook profile and such be totally public, in order to make it easier for prospective employers to snoop, I can at least concede that if that is your thing, there is a legitimate, alternative argument to it. But giving up passwords, and essentially handing over your online platform to a total stranger, trusting their intention will only be the purest?? No job is worth that.
64 weeks ago
Benjamin Paul Schuman: Goodness. I'd just assume ignorance on the employer's part and tell them that I don't have a Facebook page. If they're crazy enough to believe ...MoreGoodness. I'd just assume ignorance on the employer's part and tell them that I don't have a Facebook page. If they're crazy enough to believe that violating your account is OK, they'd probably be crazy enough to believe I didn't have a Facebook profile.
64 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ty Unglebower In the last few days, I have heard more than one person use "Life's not fair," as an argument. as in, the total presentation they made in defense of their opinion on something consisted of those three words. And you know what? I'm sick of it. It's not enough. A lot of crap out there needs to be fixed, and it is time to put up or shut up. And saying that "life's not fair" does neither. You can tell I am fired up about this. Read more on my latest blog post. http://bit.ly/dbY6OI

87 weeks ago from Washington D.C., Baltimore Brazen, Creating a Life You Love and FunEmployment2 more

Jeremy Tadman: Ahh yes. The motto for those who have given up, or just can't be bothered to try and justify why they're being a jackass. Life isn't fair because ...MoreAhh yes. The motto for those who have given up, or just can't be bothered to try and justify why they're being a jackass. Life isn't fair because people like this make it thus.
87 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower I am in the earliest stages of starting my own local community theatre company. (Mostly on paper for now.) A very minimalist vision, but having a small but workable space to perform would certainly be a good start. Aside from the ubiquitous networking advice, does anyone have any ideas of how I might go about securing a regular venue at minimal or low cost for such an endeavor? (Doesn't have to be a theatre, but it does need to lend it self to simple productions.)

90 weeks ago from Arts Marketing, FunEmployment, Creatively Inspired, Creating a Life You Love and Washington D.C.3 more

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Ty Unglebower: Thanks Jen. Wheels are turning...
88 weeks ago
Kim Luu: Ty,

Check with local senior centers. They tend to have very nice facilities that can be rented for cheap. Libraries have rooms that can be used ...MoreTy,

Check with local senior centers. They tend to have very nice facilities that can be rented for cheap. Libraries have rooms that can be used by non profits.

The park. It's free and you have nature. Shakespeare by the sea has been an ongoing successful theatre project in California for years.
88 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ty Unglebower If you follow me on Twitter, you know that last night I took part in my first ever fantasy football draft. Pretty wild stuff! In fact, this foray into fantasy football has got me to thinking about more than points. As it turns out, much of my approach to fantasy football has reflected the ways I approach any new adventure or experience life offers to me. I didn't expect it to reveal such things, but there you have it. I blog about this concept today. http://bit.ly/abooVD

89 weeks ago from FunEmployment, Creating a Life You Love, Washington D.C. and Baltimore Brazen2 more

 
Ty Unglebower The vast majority of scholars believe that a Stratfordian named "William Shakespeare" actually wrote the plays attributed to him. They have a reasonable counter to each argument that doubters have thrown together against the man. But the more interesting issue is why so many people choose to doubt the authorship at all. Could the persistent doubt reveal something about how we as a society expect greatness to appear? I blog on this today. http://bit.ly/bhuJwJ

89 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, Creatively Inspired, Creative Writing, Washington D.C. and FunEmployment3 more

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Jamie Nacht Farrell: It reminds me of any of the conspiracy theories that people buy into because they have nothing better to do with their time. If people are so ...MoreIt reminds me of any of the conspiracy theories that people buy into because they have nothing better to do with their time. If people are so interested in Shakespeare and his writings, take the time to learn more about the meanings behind the plays, the sentence structures, etc. who cares who wrote them? They're all dead anyways.
89 weeks ago
Elizabeth Marling: No way, much easier to undermine the author's credibility by publishing a book containing some revolutionary new discovery. That way you can ride ...MoreNo way, much easier to undermine the author's credibility by publishing a book containing some revolutionary new discovery. That way you can ride on Will's coat tails and not have to understand what all those weird sentences mean. Lit class is tough!
89 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower Laryssa Wirstiuk posts the final installment of my AuGuest Extravaganza today. (My only guest poster not on Brazen!) She talks about how important it is to not only be interesting during a conversation, but allowing other people a chance to prove to you that THEY are interesting too. She doesn't like fighting for the chance to speak in a conversation, and neither do I. http://bit.ly/dymI40

90 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors, FunEmployment, Networking Tips, Creating a Life You Love and Washington D.C.3 more

 
TOP IDEA: Ty Unglebower People learn life and career lessons from many places. Just look at all the blogs out there, or even just the Featured Posts here on Brazen, and you will see how often somebody writes about "What I Learned From X". But I think there is even more to it than that, for all such posts. I blog about it at Too XYZ today. http://bit.ly/bcl2Zv

91 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, Creatively Inspired, Washington D.C. and FunEmployment2 more

 
Ty Unglebower Today, Mehnaz Thawer posts as part of AuGuest over at my blog, Too XYZ. In her post, she discusses the importance of being, if not transparent, at least being "opaque", so that we can reap the benefits of taking both responsibility and credit for what we do and who we are in life. (Spoken like a true introvert that like me, sometimes enjoys being invisible.) http://bit.ly/bDvyya

92 weeks ago from FunEmployment, Creating a Life You Love, Entry-Level Young Professionals, Washington D.C. and Professional Writers and Editors3 more

Jamie Nacht Farrell: Interesting as I'm on the other end of the spectrum, or at least I used to be. I was always in the spotlight, had to be the center of attention, ...MoreInteresting as I'm on the other end of the spectrum, or at least I used to be. I was always in the spotlight, had to be the center of attention, etc. What I found is that being on the other end isn't good either; not only are your mistakes highlighted, but similar to introverts, we not only hide in our work - we run away from being "alone". I actually did learn to be a bit more introspective / introverted and I did so by forcing myself to be alone...all day, from 8 am - 6 pm, 5 days / week. It was tough at first and still is at times, but I've learned to do things FOR ME as opposed to doing them to 'get attention'.

I wish people did not have to be categorized as introverts and extroverts; does anyone ever here someone say, "i'm balanced" - wouldn't that be the goal?
92 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower Depending on how you define it, "change" may be inevitable, or then again, perhaps it is not. But in either case, is talking about it, or expecting it, or forcing people to fall in love with it also inevitable? Does having an "everything changes" mindset actually decrease our ability to establish lasting legacies of some kind? I discuss my thoughts on the subject change in my latest blog post. http://bit.ly/d45cHL

92 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, Washington D.C., Baltimore Brazen, FunEmployment and Entry-Level Young Professionals3 more

 
Ty Unglebower I am proud to announce the second AuGuest post over at Too XYZ! Jen Gresham talks about how often we fail to consider everything we need to consider when deciding upon a career. What does she advise? Read the post. http://bit.ly/d8qhRj

93 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors, Entry-Level Young Professionals, FunEmployment, Washington D.C. and Baltimore Brazen3 more

JenG: Thanks for the opportunity, Ty. It's an honor to be part of your AuGuest feature (and it's so clever too!).
93 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: Glad to have you. If you ever need a guest post, let me know.
93 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ty Unglebower Is it really the nobler position to refuse help every time you can do something on your own? Might there not be some advantage in allowing those who want to help you with something the chance to do so, even though you could, in the end, make it on your own? Do we do ourselves and our friends that love us a disservice be being so stingy with opening the door to assistance? I think perhaps, yes. I blog on this very topic today. http://bit.ly/c8Gx3C

93 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, Washington D.C., Baltimore Brazen and FunEmployment2 more

 
Ty Unglebower My latest blog post was inspired by me finding one of my old mix tapes. (Yes, a literal tape.) Listening to it brought back memories of a time in my life where excitement and potential were almost automatic parts of the bargain. But sense we can start over any time we want, is there any reason why we can't experience such feelings at ANY time? http://bit.ly/b53Uij

94 weeks ago from Baltimore Brazen, Washington D.C., FunEmployment, Entry-Level Young Professionals and Creating a Life You Love3 more

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Becky Benishek: @Ty, and that really was a great post!
93 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: Thanks to you both for your compliments. But Jamie I have no idea why you cannot comment...several others have been able to do so. Maybe it IS ...MoreThanks to you both for your compliments. But Jamie I have no idea why you cannot comment...several others have been able to do so. Maybe it IS your computer. Do keep trying. Or you could always leave you comment here if needs be.
93 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower An actor at any level must read scripts, many scripts of many different era and genres, as often as he can. Doing so keeps various sections of the actor's mind sharp, and improves his craft. I discuss this further on my latest column at showbizradio.com. Read it here! http://bit.ly/d7vYJx

96 weeks ago from FunEmployment, Creatively Inspired, Professional Writers and Editors and Nonprofiteers2 more

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Christopher Olson: I've done very little acting, but I am the current president of the community theatre in my area. This puts me in the position of having to take ...MoreI've done very little acting, but I am the current president of the community theatre in my area. This puts me in the position of having to take on quite a few roles, including season planning, so I find that I continually read random scripts looking for ways to adapt them for our community. Unfortunately, coming from a rural farming community, there is very little diversity, so that causes some restrictions. Yes, even though River Falls, WI is a college town, it is still a farming community with little diversity. Still, I find that I'm becoming a little better at understanding motives and character development as I continue to branch out my knowledge of plays.
96 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: Jamille...absolutely. I don't read as many as I should, but like I said, can we ever read as many as we should? Glad to hear you use this piece of ...MoreJamille...absolutely. I don't read as many as I should, but like I said, can we ever read as many as we should? Glad to hear you use this piece of advice.

--Christopher, I too live in a less than diversified area. It sounds like mine is somewhat more diverse than yours, but not as much as I would like it to be. But good for you for continuing to, as you say "branch out" you knowledge of plays. That will always help you.

And perhaps with that knowledge you can find creative ways to bring a bit more diversity to your stage...or to educate the less than diverse surroundings about diversity.
96 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ty Unglebower We all have a "Friendshipfolio". A collection of friends with different traits, connections, and origins. People into which we invest our time and energies. Our love. But like a stock portfolio, we must remember to keep this friendshipfolio diversified. We must have more than one or two social circles, in order to keep a perspective on things. I advocate for such here. http://bit.ly/d5lN5i

96 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, FunEmployment, Creatively Inspired and Washington D.C.2 more

 
Ty Unglebower Sometimes it's the little symbolic moves we make that start us on a course towards large shifts in perceptions. One of mine is leaving my wallet on the table when I take a walk in the evening. And what exactly does this symbolize? Read on, my Brazen Buddies. Read on! http://bit.ly/ctepCM

96 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, FunEmployment, Washington D.C. and Baltimore Brazen2 more

 
Ty Unglebower I grow weary of people trying to institute some sort of universal metric by which the efforts and success of people everywhere can be measured, regardless of personal circumstances. (Usually based on tangible productivity.) Should we consider the individual's traits and personality when we judge how hard working or how lazy they are being? I certainly think so, and I blog about that topic here. http://bit.ly/bDWYaq

97 weeks ago from Washington D.C., Baltimore Brazen, Creating a Life You Love, Creatively Inspired and FunEmployment3 more

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Elle: I think one has to take into account the environment as well as the end goal.In your example, the mom doesn't know, doesnt understand, doesn't ...MoreI think one has to take into account the environment as well as the end goal.In your example, the mom doesn't know, doesnt understand, doesn't particularly care about the idea of analytics or linking or networking from social media. She does, however, care about updating her blog with posts even though she has other things taking her time/things she could be doing.

If having an updated blog was her end goal, then she accomplished it. She wouldn't (at least, I'd think she wouldn't) care about what the professional guru thought of her and her blog. Though I assume both blog, the guru's end goal of networking, creating a name and following online is different than the mom's goal of reflecting on her morning thoughts. What I've gathered from your example is that the mom is open to sharing her thoughts with the world...If people read what she has written, great. If that don't, they don't (and I believe if the mom later decides she wants to make a push towards gaining readers, there are resources and opportunities dedicated to that). In my opinion, the options to do so, if that is the desired end goal, are there.
97 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: To an extent that is true, Elle, yes. But the main point is that we ought to reward hard work, and that what is easy for some will be hard work ...MoreTo an extent that is true, Elle, yes. But the main point is that we ought to reward hard work, and that what is easy for some will be hard work for others. We need to acknowledge the simple fact that some people sweat over things we take in a stride, but it is that sweating...that labor intensive effort to do some things, that we should use to determine someone's worth.

Or, we really shouldn't be quick to declare someone lazy because they aren't spending their time how we would spend it in their shoes.

Mae...I am glad the example touched you. It is one I made up to make my point, but as you have proven, it is a very realistic scenario.
97 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower With thanks to Lindsey Donner for inviting me to write it, I am proud to announce that a piece I wrote for igrad.com is now live. In it I speak of how, on many college campuses, students are shielded from, instead of being encouraged to grow up and enter adulthood. I argue that maturity can still be reached while on campus, but the nature of college life works against that goal. (As opposed to being a part of it, as many claim it is.) Read it here. http://bit.ly/d3no7e

97 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors, Baltimore Brazen, Nonprofiteers, Helicopter Parents and FunEmployment3 more

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Natalie_Akers: The nature of college does work against that goal! It makes the "real world" a much bigger kick when you get out!
97 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: Exactly, Natalie! And while I don't expect any college to spoon feed everything to everyone, I sincerely feel there are rather obvious and simple ...MoreExactly, Natalie! And while I don't expect any college to spoon feed everything to everyone, I sincerely feel there are rather obvious and simple changes that could and should take place in the way students live on campus that would help make that kick far less painful.
97 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower Don't force yourself to do anything. (Even though that is popular advice, especially to less gregarious people.) But in the end it does not good. Instead, look into yourself and ask why you think you need forced into something. You will get more out of doing so than out of forcing yourself. http://bit.ly/b7Eyfi

98 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, FunEmployment, Washington D.C. and Baltimore Brazen2 more

 
Virginia Merritt Totally took a summer break from the internet/social media and it felt GLORIOUS. Back on topic: Tomorrow I have an interview for a Marketing Coordinator position. Since most of my interviewers have comments on my "maturity" (I'm 27...)or "over qualifications" (Yes, I have a M.A., but I was also out of the "game" for two years and have a year of funemployment under my belt... I'm great at DVRing The Price is Right), I am trying to look simply qualified. How do you tone down your awesomeness?

99 weeks ago from FunEmployment

Ty Unglebower: I personally wouldn't tone it down, but rather use it to show how you can be of the best service to them. I think we should always be proud of ...MoreI personally wouldn't tone it down, but rather use it to show how you can be of the best service to them. I think we should always be proud of what we did.
99 weeks ago
Nicole: Interesting that 27 is "mature." I would definitely try and gauge what they are looking for in an ideal candidate and discuss how your strengths ...MoreInteresting that 27 is "mature." I would definitely try and gauge what they are looking for in an ideal candidate and discuss how your strengths and backgound match. Stay awesome and best wishes!
99 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ty Unglebower Free and inexpensive options get a bad reputation in society, because the assumption is that dedication and quality are in direct proportion to the money invested. This to me is bogus, and I blog about it here. http://bit.ly/9un3zT What do you think of these "monetary metrics"?

99 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, Washington D.C., Baltimore Brazen and FunEmployment2 more

Jeffrey Alexander: This is especially true in education. A local university, which I won't name, actually managed to attract undergrad applicants with higher test ...MoreThis is especially true in education. A local university, which I won't name, actually managed to attract undergrad applicants with higher test scores and GPAs simply by raising its tuition to be equal to an Ivy League school. Applicants associated price with quality and started applying there, even though the actual ranking of the university did not change very much.
99 weeks ago
ekolmus: Right on, Ty. If I'd written that post, I might have been a little nicer about it, and focused on the psychological aspect of over-valuing ...MoreRight on, Ty. If I'd written that post, I might have been a little nicer about it, and focused on the psychological aspect of over-valuing expensive things rather than calling people names. :) Based on the psychological studies that have been done that consistently show that people value more the things that they pay more for (the Parable of the Pearl in reverse?), I'd say we as humans run up against a neurological brick wall when we prepare to make a big purchase; a combination of perceived pressure to conform and an unwillingness to accept loss (both biologically-wired cognitive biases) convince a lot of people to make bad decisions.

Anyone who values critical thinking should ask themselves "am I valuing this because I paid a lot for it, or am I paying a lot for this because I value it?" when considering a large purchase like a house, or a car, or a college degree.
99 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower It is 6 months until Christmas Day. AND Christmas Day was 6 months AGO. Wild, huh? So symmetrical! It also inspired my most recent blog post over at TOO XYZ, wherein I talk about the importance of bringing holidays with us whatever time of year it is, wherever we are. Do you do this? Read how I do so here: http://bit.ly/cdr5ex

99 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, Creatively Inspired, FunEmployment, Washington D.C. and Baltimore Brazen3 more

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