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Not Afraid To Use It
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I don’t know much about global economics. Actually, I don’t know much about much, to be honest. I know a little bit about the genetics of maize and the U.S. Civil War and 20th century Southern literature, but none of those things pay the rent these days.
I’m off track already. Australia seems to have been relatively insulated against the economic tribulations that have been causing wailing and rending of garments in the U.S. and Europe. Things have seemed to tick along nicely here – certainly the housing market is robust enough to keep the prices high. Dammit. But it would be short-sighted to assume that we’re immune. There have been solemn warnings from politicians and the media about potential rising unemployment and underemployment. The main headline of this weekend’s Financial Review – perhaps the only decent newspaper in Australia – was “Get Ready For The Four Day Week”, a story describing the recent trend of employers asking their workers to voluntarily reduce their hours as a cost saving measure.
And this morning, my company asked me to take some of my accumulated leave in order to cut costs during a particularly dry spell. Times are tough in our industry and I’ve noticed that things have been slowing down. Late last week, I heard that the people in the lab had been asked to take annual leave and this morning it hit the office.
I don’t know how to feel about all of this. On the bright side, I could use a break. I’m burnt out on the corporate climate of this particular organization. I’ve been neglecting my teaching job and have a half dozen lectures that don’t seem to be writing themselves. Boy Z is starting a new day care this week and it will be good to limit the amount of time he’s in there. I’ll have some extra time with the boy. And hell, it’s a little time off from one of my two jobs. I’m hardly headed to the Salvos’ door.
I’ve found that for me it’s best to focus on the bright side.
Because spending too much time on the not-so-bright side is unhealthy. Leads to thoughts of destruction and apocalypse. Looking at the dark side, I knew this was too good to last – getting paid for two jobs while working the hours of one. I knew I didn’t deserve a break like that. Peering into the clouds, I can begin to panic about what happens at the end of my contract with the University. On the dark side, this is the first step onto the slippery slope of penury for A Free Family. On the dark side, this is the beginning of the collapse of the Australian economy.
So, I guess what I need to do is let it go. Keep my face turned toward that bright Antipodean sun and enjoy the time. The time to get caught up on my lectures, the time to leisurely stroll the internet (we’re online at home again) and the time to spend with my son. Most of all, the time to spend with my son.
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The godfathers of the alt-country music, Uncle Tupelo, put out too few records. “No Depression” is probably their finest. Buy it at 
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Thank god you’re in a country with a safety net, however thin.
headbang8s last blog post..Photo Friday: Circular
Yep. Time with the kid(s) is cool. But, for me, there is the lingering stress of looking for a job. It’s hard to laugh and joke when the bills are starting to pile up.
But laugh I will. It’s all I have . . .
tysdaddys last blog post..Why So Serious?
When my husband lost his job and I became underemployed as the spa slowed down we frequently reminded ourselves of a few things. We love our home and stuff but have and could be happy with far less. We are strong, healthy able bodied hard working adults who in spite of having relatively easy jobs now have done shit work and could do it again if necessary. I would much rather be at a severe downturn at this point in my life than in my 60’s+. We have a safety net in the way of family and friends, we will never be homeless or hungry and our kids will go to school and university regardless. Our worst days are still better than many people on the planets best days.
We also tried to enjoy the time, sure easier said than done but we did get some good times in before the hubs got back to work. As far as depression, I don’t worry about beingable to weather it, only how bad things will get, the uncertainty of knowing from the beginning what you will have to endure. I’m a control freak so uncertainty probably scares me more than knowing there’s for certain going to be a bad outcome.
Anyhow, depression? I think most of us in the middle would end up fine. Now the zombies? That’s something we really need to worry about.
chriss last blog post..Easter Phony
Your review is up, you cheeky bastard.
love bitess last blog post..Like a bird on the wire. Or, On Academics and Newspapermen
If you’re being asked to use the leave time you’ve accumulated, you’re still getting paid, right? Even if you’re not, you have a good attitude toward it. I know when I got laid off last year, half my brain was like, “Crap,” and the other half was like, “Woo-hoo! Free time!”
courtneys last blog post..I Want To Punch Quentin Tarantino In The Mouth
I keep waiting for layoffs to hit the employee-inflated university where I work. I hope that the powers that be will be creative though and offer a 4-day week instead. Unfortunately, the opposite mentality seems to rule–”you’re not getting a raise for the foreseeable future and you have to work harder than ever.” Of course, harder is a relative term.
Here In Franklins last blog post..I am NOT in a New York state of mind
Always remember … better one job than none. A month or so ago, they announced that 700 people who work here will be laid off. To say people are on pins and needles is an understatement.
And, like you said, it gives you time to spend with Boy Z. That, as the MasterCard commercials say, is priceless.
Headbang – No doubt. Here’s hoping we don’t need it.
Tys – I’m not there yet, knock wood, but if I were I would definitely try to keep laughing.
Chris – You’re probably right about the middle class – it would have to be a clusterfuck of epic proportions to really chuck us out in the streets 1936 style, but you know the mind can play funny tricks.
Ms. Bites – I tremble in anticipation.
Courtney – I decided to take unpaid leave and save my paid leave. Because I’ve got two jobs, I don’t really need the money right now. So I’m saving the paid leave until I do.
HIF – I think universities are probably one of the safer industries. Most of them are government funded and they’re not expected to make a profit.
SIS – In the same article it said that employers in the U.S. are opting for layoffs rather than reducing hours so they don’t have to pay health insurance. Another argument for government health care.
I hate a positive attitude, but I like reading about yours. Here’s the way I see it:
Not working = better than working
Working = better than not being paid
Time off with income = thank you
Good luck!
heathers last blog post..Fascism: I don’t think that word means what you think it means.
Life sure does keep us on our toes doesn’t it? Shame I’m off to Sydney, we could’ve hung out a bit..
arizaphales last blog post..You Have Reached "At The End Of Our Tether" High School
By the way, I read your Ask and Ye Shall Receive review today. I think the advice of picking a type of blog and sticking with it is HORRIBLE. Part of the charm is the eclecticism here.
Please stick to what you’re doing. Maybe a few more posts of the literary quality of that one a while back about the girl who lived in the same house as you, but I’m not picky.
Jacobs last blog post..The Avian Lynch Mob
woo hoo, we are under 130 days! I think this is going to feel like a long pregnancy.
dude, this post is a bit depressing. You got a nice house and wife and kid with another on the way and the beach isn’t far, right? You could always be a beach bum…
SSGs last blog post..Funny
hey and I just read you’re review, but I couldn’t be bothered reading more than 5 comments cos there was like 255 of them, basically 5 people having a conversation. Anyways, I don’t get when she says “Academia rewards you for writing a thousand words, and punishes you for brevity.”. We always had to be concise in essay writing, and in paper writing, getting it down to the minimum words to prove your point in. Whatever.
Anyways, I like your blog, it follows like your thoughts, and correct me if I’m wrong, but this is a BLOG. a weblog. A collection of your thoughts. This isn’t a newspaper. Spout all you like, flex your intellectual muscles, cos it’s interesting to read. Either you like academic ramblings or you want to read the sentences-no-longer-than-ten-words Daily Mail.
I think she’s just jealous cos you know more than her. And write better than her. So there.
SSGs last blog post..Funny
Jesus, I’m sorry. Am slightly embarrassed about my last blog post now.
Noble Savages last blog post..It was the worst of times, it was the best of times
You’ve got a good attitude about all of this. Every time I see the news reports about 10% UNEMPLOYMENT!!!! I keep thinking, “But 90% are still employed. That’s still a huge number.”
I’m working on the positive rather than the negative. Just like you.
Coal Miner’s Granddaughters last blog post..Facebook’s Class of ‘90
@ dr. o’c–the second pregnancy is always psychologically longer than the first because you know what you’re in for! : )
mjrcs last blog post..Cancel My Subscription, I Don’t Need Your Issues
Heather – Fair enough. I feel the same way about pessimism. Hate it in me, like it in you. It’s all about how you wear it.
Ariza – Bummer. I could have used some company this week.
Jacob – You know, those kind of posts aren’t all that easy. I’ll see what I can do, though. It’s all about keeping the audience happy.
Dr. O’C – You’re a little off topic, no?
SSG – Settle down, now. I agree with most of what they said. I like a bit of constructive criticism. And she writes far better than I do.
NS – Shouldn’t be. I’m slightly embarassed by this post. I mean, I’m cutting my hours at one of two jobs. Hardly a reason for panic. Other people are jobless and in debt. I want to tell myself to shut up and quit whinging.
CMGD – That’s a bit optimistic for me even!
MJRC – You’re off topic as well. Focus people.
Embrace it. It’s fantastic, especially if you have kids. I did and I’ll look back on my 4-month period of unemployment with great fondness.
The Unbearable Banishments last blog post..r.i.p. twitter
I hope the time proves fruitful, but not overly long.
Gypsys last blog post..Flying solo
Damn are things ever looking gloomy everywhere. I have a two year contract that pretty much can’t be renewed, unless I become a Spanish citizen (and I’d lose my American citizenship to do so). The clock is ticking and I’m wondering how much worse the economy will be in two years. But you have to live for the moment, otherwise you miss your own life. And right now, I’m employed, so I can’t worry yet.
bluestreaks last blog post..A Blue Goodbye
Is this the same job that you contemplated walking out on a couple weeks ago? If so, this will give you a little time to evaluate your quality of life with the job and without the job. The sun’s always shining somewhere. You just gotta find it. Good luck.
Joe @ Irrational Dads last blog post..Wordless Wednesday v. Helping in the Garden
TUB – I’ve got to tell you, I’m enjoying it.
Bluestreak – That citizenship thing chaps my ass. The US is one of only a handful of countries that prohibits citizens holding dual citizenship. Why? Are dual citizens going to be disloyal? I’m not particularly loyal and I only have American citizenship. Bugger them.
Joe – Yes. I think fate/karma/higher power is taking care of things for me.