The Unemployment Chronicles Chapter 3: Running for Sanity

It's been about a month since I gave an update on my unemployment goings-on, unfortunately because there has not been much to update.

There has been a few leads here and there, resumes submitted for this and that, but no major bites. In that time, I attended a social event of HIMSS professionals (i.e. people that are in the healthcare industry that I've been associated with for the past six years in some form). I did meet some great people there, including a few who I've spoken to or connected via LinkedIn since the event. One position would have allowed me to branch my writing off into subject matters involving healthcare and consulting-related matters, but would have been part-time had the opportunity not fell apart. While there were no other positions at that organization available for hire, I will make sure to keep in touch with these folks, who were a joy to speak to both in person and on the phone.

Then last week, a friend recommended that I submit my resume for some positions at his organization. The best part of the organization? Their focus on sports data. I received an email back and was informed that the job would be part-time (32 hours/week) and would have no benefits. I'm still in touch with this guy, although it would be hard to take a job with no benefits. If it fits into my schedule, should I decide to go this route, I would look into one of my old jobs (covering sports at the high school level) once or twice a week - this is something I'm still thinking about.

I've also been offered the chance to write for a couple of people who have recently-launched sports-based websites. Like the other opportunity above, this is something I am thinking about - I'm thinking I will do something of this nature since I have still yet to launch a website of my own and would really like to spread my writing to more outlets.

My new running kicks. These, along w/some Chuck Taylors, will soon be part of my shoe rotation

All the while, one thing I have had to make sure to keep up with is my workout routine, specifically my running regimen. Fit Happens ended on July 1, so every bit of energy spent running around the neighborhood has been to maintain the healthier lifestyle that I created for myself in the prior six months (somewhat related to all of this - a nice surprise that Jen gave to me when we went out to dinner the evening I was officially unemployed included giving me a $100 gift card to Zappo's - so I just got myself a new pair of running shoes that I can't wait to break in). This, along with my girlfriend and great network of friends and family, has kept me sane during my unemployment. It's been a battle in itself cutting out unnecessary and/or costly expenses over the past month and a half like ordering delivery and drinking at bars, the latter which will be difficult to deter myself from doing should I be watching more football at random places this fall. So far this summer, I haven't really gone out much outside of Wednesdays after bowling - the drinking occasions with Jen and her co-workers have been quite sparse (or I'm just not aware of these occasions) considering that we've had some decent weather. Then again, we've started to get busy pretty much every weekend, so that helps with the bar cutback.

Wherever I end up work-wise, one thing I am going to have to adjust to better than I did the last time I got hired at a new job is maintaining the positive momentum of my healthier lifestyle. That means I will either have to do my runs in the morning or get in the habit of running after work (assuming I don't get a job at home like I had before). Or perhaps it will be better for me to join a gym, as the weather will be getting crappy in Chicago before you know it. Outside of the brief hot spell we had about a month or so ago, this has been great weather to run around my Logan Square/Bucktown neighborhood. Winters can be rather unpredictable, so an affordable gym might be what the fat loss doctor ordered.

Until next time, keep enjoying the summer. I hope to have more updates on some of these fronts soon. Also, expect some more football blogs coming up.

And remember, nobody cares about your fantasy football team.