Opportunity knocks

As you all know, the axe fell today at Microsoft. 5,000 employees are to be let go and it doesn't really look good for my HR bretheren when that department was specifically singled out

for reduction in the press release - when things are going great, the first people hired are recruiters, but when things go bad, they are the first to be let go. There are a lot of articles out there and blogs offering support and ideas, such as treat your unemployment like its a job, work your contact, don't give up, etc. That's all bull. Here is my own advice.

To those with families or laden with debt, I feel for you...to be frank though, this message is not intended for you.  

However, to those that are relatively debt-free and single (or perhaps with an adventurous spouse), opportunity is knocking. I can't think of a better time to pack a few changes of clothing into a backpack, pop on the trainers, and hit the road for a few months while this shit sorts itself out. Things here aren't going to get better any time soon and the dollar is on the rise. Besides, its winter in Seattle, but very warm, cheap, and beautiful in Central America. Forget about wishing you could do something like this, now is the time to do it. Your friends and family will be waiting for you when you are done.

That is the mindset I certainly have right now. I'm asked, mostly by concerned parents, about how secure I feel in my industry and I reply that everyone is concerned about the job market. I realize that everyone has their own realities to deal with, but right now my goal is to save, turtle up. I've got loans to be repaid and a condo refurb coming due soon, but if I can get through those and have enough time to put some money under the mattress, if things here come to an end - I'm heading south.

Think about it - tax refund, a $200 flight to Mexico, and 3 months of decent weather to get below the equator...why not? Plus, chances are its actually cheaper to be unemployed traveling through Peru than say, living in Kirkland, WA.

As Coach Al used to say, go barefoot in the wet grass...in other words, enjoy the moment. Right now, would you rather be at home watching Oprah reruns, waiting for a call? Or go and see if you can't find where Andy and Red ended up?

Next: Are there jobs to be had while traveling? YES.