I’m Really Bad at This
Turns out, I’m terrible at being unemployed. The last time I didn’t have a job was 2008 - and so many people were out of work, there was always someone to hang out with. So, I gave myself a job—or five, actually.
Every day, I clock in for these tasks:
Look at job postings – LinkedIn and Indeed have basically become my morning coffee. I scan for the right fit, try not to spiral into imposter syndrome, and occasionally convince myself that, yes, I am qualified to be VP of Baseball Marketing.
Be more helpful around the house – Dishes, laundry, errand runs… you know, the glamorous stuff. I’ve discovered that vacuuming is weirdly satisfying, and trying to fold a fitted sheet kind of feels like leveling up.
Move my body – I walk, I sweat, I occasionally swear at the elliptical. Just trying to keep the brain fog at bay and stay somewhere between “motivated” and “mildly sore.”
Do something creative - Whether it’s writing, drawing, or showing my kids how to make the perfect slice of pizza (complete with a non-floppy integrity that would make Portnoy swoon) while doing pearler bead project with my kids, I try to do something to keep my creative brain moving.
Work to be a better dad and partner – This one’s big. I’m using the extra time to really show up. That means everything from therapy sessions to listening to the Rise and Dad podcast, to just being more present. And yes, sometimes that means getting schooled in Fortnite by an 8-year-old or Mario Kart by a 6-year-old.
It’s not exactly a paycheck, but this self-assigned routine is helping me stay grounded. Progress isn’t always a title or a paycheck—it’s showing up, every day, with purpose.