As I'm no longer funemployed (at the moment)...

I'm putting this project on hold for now.

In the meantime I'll be over at "www.trustthefedora.com" staying busy!

TF

San Diego Comicon 2010

I've been covering Comicon for Geek Girl on the Street, and I gotta say it has been a blast so far.

Already we have interviewed Kari Byron, from Mythbusters, and Kate is wrapping up the transcription of our interview with Charlene Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels which are the basis for the HBO hit series True Blood.  As much as I was looking forward to meeting Kari btw, I have to say, Charlene was a true delight.  I can't remember the last time I met someone so charming.

We still have another day and a half to cover, but I'll keep you posted.

Please take a look at a few of the articles my photos were used for this year!

via www.geekgirlonthestreet.com
Geek of the Week: Kari Byron

via http://www.bryanreesman.com/blog/2010/07/23/geek-girls-invade-comic-con/
Geek Girls Invade Comicon

Tip 3: Renegotiate your insurance rate.

Tip 3: Renegotiate your rates

I just saved 40% on my car insurance.

There wasn't any haggling, or begging, and it's so easy you can do it online in 5 minutes. Well you can if you use esurance, but I imagine most of the big insurance companies have similar functionality on their website.

It's not even like you need to get rid of your coverage. I didn't touch my liability or uninsured driver insurance.  In my case, the big change was to get rid of my collision insurance.  It's VERY expensive, and not something that I feel is a real risk vector (as opposed to being hit by an uninsured driver). You will of course need to measure the coverage you need based on your driving situation.  I do recommend taking the time to go online and look at your coverage, and be sure you understand exactly what you are paying for. Who knows, you might be able to save some real money.

-Funemployed Ray

(Photo courtesy of Steve Rhodes)

Funemployed Tip 2: Make appointments for yourself

Funemployed Tip 2: Make appointments for yourself

Want to get in the habit of have positive things to do with your time while Funemployed? Set appointments!

When you were working, you had a schedule. You'd wake up at the same time, get ready for work, head in, take lunch... the loss of routine is a big factor in feeling like you don't have anything to DO. Spend some time and actually make appointments to do the things you know you 'should' be doing. Put them in your phone, or calendar application. Treat them as if they were as important as a work meeting, because they are!

Go to the Library, hit the used book store, write another blog post. Your time is valuable even if you aren't working, so make sure you make the time to get the important stuff done.

(Photo courtesy of Keso)

Funemployed Tip 1: STAY POSITIVE!

Funemployed Tip 1: STAY POSITIVE!

It's easy to fall into a slump when you are Funemployed, but it can be very hard to get out of a slump. It's much more beneficial if you never fell into it in the first place.  I wish there was some magic trick I could tell you to keep a positive mental attitude. 

I had such a trick I'd be a rich author and motivational speaker.  All I can tell you is be aware of your own state of mind. If you find yourself falling into a slump, take a break.  Read a book, go for a walk, or play with your pet. 

If you are in a funk, it will show in all aspects of your life.  You can end up sabotaging yourself which isn't going to do anyone any good.

So find out what you need to do to keep your mental batteries charged, but do it and STAY POSITIVE!

P.S. This fat monster is my cat Spartacus.

Funemployment HQ

As I mentioned earlier, I've learned that I need to make sure I get out of the apartment for a few hours every day.  The transition from 40+ hours a week in the office (not to mention the two hours a day in the car) to one where the whole day is wide open can be rather jarring.

I found my local Starbucks to be the idea home away from home, or 'Funemployment HQ'.  Comfortable chairs, decent music, and free wi-fi make it really easy to sit down for a few hours and get some 'work' done.  Work of course being spend some time on Craigslist, send off cover letters to the 3 positions I feel would be a good fit, do some social product development over at Quirky, and sit down to write a blog post or two for readers such as you.

The change of context is a great way to stay positive, and who knows you might even make a new friend!

(Photo courtesy of Epzibah)

A little about Funemployed Ray

Let me tell you a little about myself. I am a 34 year old Bay Area native who until about a month ago was gainfully employed by my dream company. As is so often the case, I had to wake up (via layoff) and deal with being out of work for the first time in my adult life. I actually have a different blog focusing on that aspect of my life if you are interested.

Anyhoo I quickly a few things during my first 30 days without employment.

1. I might be out of work for a LONG time.
2. I can't spend all of my time at home.
3. I need more productive ways to spend my time.

I might be out of work for a LONG time.

This, for obvious reasons the most jarring one.  This is the first tough job market I've ever been in, and quite frankly I wasn't prepared to be out of work for an extended period. Coming to grips with that realization quickly lead to the next two points.

I can't spend all of my time at home.

I don't think people really realize how much time they spend away from home on a daily basis. Work isn't just the thing you do to pay the bills, it's also where you spend most of your time during the week.  It would be nice if I could spend a good chunk of my day somewhere other then the place I sleep.

Yesterday I found myself taking an excursion to Starbucks just to sit down and read for a few hours, and write a blog draft. Sure I can do both at at home, and normally do, but I just had to get out!

  

I need MORE productive ways to spend my time.

 When  you first lose your job, and the shock wears off, it's easy to fall into a pattern when it feels like you are on vacation. You sleep in, indulge in your hobbies (for me, video games) and spend more time with your pets/loved ones.  All of this is well and good,  but eventually you start to get stir crazy.

I spend a few hours every day online in various places looking for work... and then I have the rest of the day...  This is one of the biggest single reason I started this blog, (and a few others that aren't ready to see the light of day yet).  I have plenty of books to read, articles to write, photos to edit, cover letters to compose, and deep thoughts to contemplate. I just need to find other places to get some of these things done.

I've started keeping lists of positive time sinks, which included 'Start a blog or two', 'Lose more weight', 'Cook more of your own food' and 'Finally promote some shows'.

What you are reading is my first, concrete effort to put my time where my mouth is!

-Funemployed Ray