Almost a month...

Almost a month of freedom from a steady job. I thought I would have lots of free time, but there are so many things to do related to being unemployed....I had to register and figure out the unemployment website....keeping track of jobs I have applied for....setting up my office to include getting business cards, setting up and learning how to use a new email tool and tasks and calendars...still haven't figured out a good expense reporting application. Let me know if you have a cool one.

Then there are the appointments. I had to convert my life insurance....call the company to find out about the possibilities and find out that they want $1000/mo for term insurance...guess they don't want my business. That leads to phone tag with my current insurance agent to find out what is available. Then there are the financial planners...they want lots of info...so I assemble the info and wait for their advice. Oh yes, and don't forget the attorney who reviewed the severance package and has several worthy suggestions. Another time to Cleveland to the Fidelity folks to talk about 401ks and IRAs...whew...I am getting a crash course in being my own personal HR representative. This is a great learning experience. Now that I have precious little money, everyone wants a piece of what is left...did I also mention the PrimeAmerica folks? 

The one blessing has been the ability to spend more time with my family and friends. I got to help my parents pack up their camper for the winter. My brother does so much for them. I am grateful for his constant attention to them and now I have the time to step up and assist. I am working at calling her at least every other day, just to check in.

I have three options on the table....
1. Continue my dissertation research on the causes of persistence...need affiliated with a University to do this.
2. Start my own business - Cyberbullying
3. Get a job with a company. One thing I know for sure is that I do not want to work for a 'for profit' organization again. There is way too much scrambling over each other to get to the top...I'm not that hungry...I am more interested in the outcome of the work...what does the company accomplish...how does it impact the world...who will benefit from the work. Once an idealist, always an idealist...somethings never change.

What a difference a day makes....

On my last post, I was extolling the virtues of working in public relations....now I am unemployed...the details are pretty standard...'corporate efficiencies' and 'elimination of your position'...but the outcome is the same...no longer doing the work I loved.

So, this is the beginning of a new journey...not sure if it is early retirement or a opportunity to start a new business...still examining options but the day after the announcement, I felt "FEARLESS and FREE".  I am not afraid and now I have many options that were not available before...
1. The sand is quickly running through the hourglass for my parents...so the time to take advantage of each grain is a blessing.
2. The opportunity to examine the important work I want to do....a. continue my research into what makes humans 'persistent'. and b. maybe starting a business...
3. Freedom to re-invest in old friendships and find new ones
4. Plan a party.
5. Investigate Cyberbullying
and 6.7.and 8 that I haven't even thought about yet....

Think I will use this space to talk about the early retirement journey...I think this is a very FREEING opportuntiy....can't wait to get started....a new beginning.

Serving the community has become a passion....I love my job as a Public Relations Director for Time Warner Cable. This past weekend, we were the major sponsor of the Akron Marathon sponsored by Time Warner Cable and I got to stand at the finish line as the runners crossed the finish line...what dedication these folks have.