I'm well into my third year of unemployment. Unlike many, it was my choice. Well, not three years of it, but the initial decision to leave my job was all mine. I've been homeschooling the kids while my wife stepped up full-time as a speech therapist. Men tend to find their self-worth and identity in their jobs; I'm no exception, so there are times not working a "real job" just plain sucks. But I've discovered blessings by being out of the work force for awhile.
1. I spend a lot of time with the kids. Yes, there are times I wish I were somewhere else, but it has been great to spend more time with my kids than just about every other man I know. In about 7 years we will be empty nesters; life comes at you fast and I'm grateful for my time with them.
2. My work isn't tied to a dollar amount. Our culture is really wrapped up in putting a monetary value on one's performance. Believe me when I tell you living contrary to that mindset is a struggle; I find that my self- esteem takes a huge hit when I see the financial or social success of others. But really, do the salaries of Tiger Woods, Johnny Depp and Peyton Manning reflect the ultimate value of what they do?
3. Quiet and rest. People take a week off here and there, but three years? I am schooling the kids and maintaining the household, not laying around drinking beer (at least not every day). But it is very different than 40+ hours at a job. Without the time and effort a job consumes, there is a lot chances for my inner world to bubble up to the surface. Much of it stinks. But by coming to terms with it, I know myself better and have found peace with a lot of things I've struggled with over the years. So quiet and rest are not as pleasant as they sound at first; some days it seems like torture. But it really is a gift which has allowed me to change, hopefully for the better.
There are more, but these are huge for me. Thank's God, for this season of life.
