tourist

It's been two years and about a month since I have been unemployed.  But for the record most of that time I was in grad school, while I was in shock when I was laid off (along with 900 of my co-workers) I did not think too much of it until the last couple months.  Now that school is done and student loans payments are due the thought of not having a job is a bit scary, especially when my 3rd extension for unemployment ran out.

I have been applying to almost everything under the sun and I am either over qualified, under qualified or somehow do not fit what they are looking for 100%.  I am really lucky that my parents can help me during this really tough economic time.  In the meantime, in between sending out resumes, going to interviews, and doing research I am enjoying just being a tourist in LA.  I have had a chance to travel a bit, and the last time I travelled abroad I realized that I really just wanted to really see more of the U.S.   My Aussie friend actually said the same thing a couple of years ago, and I thought why would he want to stay in Australia and travel when he has the opportunity to travel to these wonderful places throughout the world.  Once I tired of the travel and jet lag and realized that I live in a country that has so many beautiful places - the Grand Canyon, Hawaii, West Coast, etc - I better understood my friend's decision. 

Now that I have no income I've narrowed my sights to Southern California and parts of Northern California.  Even within LA there are places I have yet to visit or revisit.  Growing up my parents would take my brother and me to the Observatory at least once a month.  It is such a beautiful place.  Today I decided to drive up and read in their cafe.  The day was clear and you could see the mountains, downtown, the ocean, Catalina Island, and even the planes taking off at LAX. 

It is very liberating to have time on your hands when many other people are running around with little time due to work.  I am really enjoying this down time, and reconnecting with myself.  When I was working and in school I did not have much time to do much of anything except work and study.  I am reacquainting myself with myself.  I am reading a lot  - fiction, nonfiction, self help, business, etc.  In the past I always associated myself with my career and not having that luxury now is helping me to identify me as a person independent of my work.  I have a gazillion interests and I am actually really good at many things so I am very excited about having this down time to prepare for whatever comes next.