Leah McCann Smith | Writer & Editor

Unemployment can be a totally foreign concept—until it happens to you.

For me, it was two weeks ago today that I got my notice (a short-term contract that was supposed to go permanent), and it’s taken me these two long weeks to write about it.

This isn’t the first time it’s happened, actually. Back in 2015, an ad agency I was working for faced the same “financial constraints” (i.e., loss of client), much to my frustration, as I’d just left a stellar job only a few months prior to go work for these chumps.

But what you do after a setback says a lot about your character, and I knew this time around I wasn’t going to let myself curl up in a ball and simply wish it all away. Because it happened. And when shit happens, we need to move on.

It’s a big pill to swallow, but I’m holding myself accountable. I’m taking control and mapping out next steps—day by day, week by week. While many of these thoughts will remain private, I’m writing down (and posting) a collection of things I’ve done since that day. So if anything like this ever happens to you, reach out to me. I can help you get through it.

Day One

Today, I let myself just…relax. I took a bath. I cleaned the apartment. I listened to some new records. While home alone, I watched some TV that I wouldn’t subject poor Brian to on an average weeknight while we’re both at home. I took the day to take my sweet pup on two hour-long walks. It was wonderful.

Day Two

On day two, I reached out to my network. Thankfully, being in my home state of North Carolina, I have people here that are willing to go to bat for me. I am absolutely thrilled to say one of these catch-ups led to a freelance opportunity in June. Hallelujah.

Day Three

The third big thing I did this week, something I’d never done before, is apply for unemployment. Though it could work out where I won’t need unemployment support by the time my application processes (I could have another job in the next few months, if things go well), I learned that it doesn’t hurt to apply.

Other things I did this week that made me happy:

1. Took a walk with Zoey every day.
2. Had lunch with my mom twice.
3. Went to a DAR ceremony with my ma. (She presented a medal to a cadet who had just entered the army as Second Lieutenant.)
4. Clipped coupons. I’m a store-brand girl anyways, and I’ve never had any shame in using coups, but this week I became more conscious of my grocery bill.
5. Went to a soccer game. I can’t even tell you the last time I’d been to a soccer game.

I’m calling month one of funemployment “the breakup.” Because a breakup goes both ways—while my last job left me, I realize, mentally, I’d already left it too. My first experience with unemployment was . . . let’s just say . . . rough. But I don’t think this one will take me long to get over. Here’s to a healthier, brighter future.