Back in January I found myself suddenly unemployed with seemingly nothing to do beyond job searches and moping about the house. It was enough to drive a person mad! Did I want to continue doing GIS? Well that's indeed what I'm most qualified to do, but the job market for GIS professionals in Seattle is sluggish at best with the current economy.
Well over two months later I've found the silver lining. My stress levels are significantly lower, and I have plenty of time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, not to mention hobbies galore. I regularly knit, have gotten back into quilting and genealogy, and enjoy reading and spending time with my dogs. Though I am obligated to continue with my job search, it's half-hearted. I love being a housewife. I love not being stressed, and I am happier for it. I'm considering going back to school to pursue my MLIS (Masters in Library Information Science) and hope pursue a career in a library or as a genealogist.
Next week I will be in training for a temporary Crew Leader for the U.S. Census Bureau. If I successfully complete the training, I'll have a temporary (6-8 week) term working in my general neighborhood training and supervising census takers (aka enumerators). At the very least I will get some management experience, and will prolong my unemployment benefits until I find something else. Though we'll see what the future holds. I can be very patient as long as I have my hobbies and family around me!
