Despite all of this, I believe that there is at least one aspect of the health care discussion that is not debatable. The current U.S. health care system leads to a lot of emotional stress for employed and unemployed Americans alike. I planned on discussing research exploring the relationship and correlation between the current U.S. health care system and associated stress.

However, I was shocked that I was not able to find any research or discussion on the subject. Therefore, I hope that this article serves as a comfort to those people who are stressed by our current health care system,  a recognition that your stress is being recognized,  an awareness that you are not alone in being stressed out about health care and also a resource that will provide coping techniques.

When a person becomes unemployed  one of their first thoughts is often, “What do I do about health insurance?” As you all know, there are several options for retaining health care during unemployment. However, despite these options, a person’s job being tied to their (and oftentimes partner and children’s) health insurance inevitably becomes a stressor.

Additionally, the current U.S. health care system can lead to greater stress for employed workers. In this tenuous economy (and given the current health care policy), fear of job loss invariably leads to a fear of losing one’s health insurance. Fear of losing one’s health insurance can become even more stressful if the individual has a medical precondition that may make it extremely difficult for that person to obtain health insurance on their own.

What particular health care reform is necessary to decrease stress in America? Well my friends that is a discussion for another day (and quite frankly, a whole different column altogether). Be it a public option, breaking the link between employer and health insurance and instead allowing individuals to shop for health insurance individually or reigning in on the insurance companies all powerful hand, as a professional counselor I do not believe it is my place to say what I believe should be done. However, I do believe it is my place to express how the current health care system in the United States seems to be increasing our stress. Ironically, this stress brought on by the American health care system  is likely contributing to our skyrocketing health care costs.

Most importantly, what can you  do about the stressful situation that is our current health care system? No, not move to France or Canada. First, keep in mind what you can control and what you cannot control. It is fruitless to spend emotional energy on parts of the health care situation that you cannot control. However, there is much you can control when it comes to health care, and it is worth spending energy on these areas. For example, when you become unemployed, figure out what needs to be done to ensure affordable health care (lots of great resources are available, including TheCanned.com!).

Also, get involved in the health care debate, your voice can make a difference. Call your Congressional representatives, attend a town hall meeting, knock on some doors and make some phone calls for the health care reform that you personally believe to be the best option. I contend that you will feel empowered with a greater sense of control and purpose.

Finally, social support is huge. I cannot emphasize this enough. Overall, talking to friends, family and people experiencing similar stress helps decrease stress and increase well-being. Talk to friends and family who are also worried about health insurance, find an advocacy group that supports your view on health care and even create a meet up group (www.meetup.com) for people stressed about health insurance or a lack thereof.

I always encourage people to comment on my articles, however this week I feel that your comments are even more vital. This article was written about the relationship between stress and health care. For some unknown reason this connection has not been emphasized or addressed enough in the media. Let’s try and use the comments section this week to get a real discussion going, with the hope being that readers can provide some social (albeit virtual) support to each other.

After a bit of investigation, I was pleased to see that empirical research has been done on the very subject that I had privately wondered about; money, happiness, and if a correlation (and of course causation) exists between the two. With unemployment comes greater scarcity of funds, and therefore during tough economic times it is all the more important to use our money in the best way possible. I hope this article helps provide the impetus to do so.

So, what does the research say regarding money and happiness? An August 23rd Boston Globe article by Blake Bennett, Sonya Lyubomirky, a psychology professor and leading happiness researcher says, “It’s not a zero correlation, even at higher income levels, but it’s not a very big correlation.”  Essentially, Lyubomirsky is saying that money does not significantly effect our happiness. However, is that the whole story? I believe that money has increased my happiness, when I have spent it in a certain manner. For example, money made it possible for me to go backpacking throughout Japan and China with three close friends. My Asian adventure certainly made me happy at the time, and continues to provide happiness through memories.

Research has been done to explore whether or not a significant difference exists on the effect of money spent on experiences (i.e. vacations, going out to eat) as opposed to money spent on material goods (i.e. a large HD TV). According to Thomas Gilovich, chair of the psychology department at Cornell University and Leaf Van Bowen, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Colorado, they have consistently found evidence that experiences make people happier than material purchases (Bennett, 2009). The pertinent question then becomes why do experiences make people happier than material purchases?

First, experiences tend to be social (Bennett, 2009). We go to dinner and a movie, we get a chance to catch up with friends and family. We go on vacation, we often go with friends and family, and share experiences that can be relived for years to come. I can’t count the number of times my Asia exploration friends and I have have said “Remember that time in Asia when….” Each time a memory from the Japan and China trip comes up, a new wave of happiness emanates throughout my mind and body. Additionally, experiences can enhance socialization even when not around the people the experience was shared with. Think back to a conversation with someone discussing the merits of a local restaurant, of a new action movie or of seeing a local musician play, and you will know exactly what I mean.

We now know a bit more about why experiences typically make us happier than material goods. But, alas answering one pertinent question now leads to another pertinent question. If experiences make us happier than material goods, then why do we spend so much of our discretionary money on material goods?

In short, happiness is not always the driving force in how we spend our money, sometimes the desire to keep up with the Jones’ is the primary motivator (Bennett, 2009). A neighbor got a brand new BMW, a desire may exist to compete and also purchase an expensive new car. Such a purchase is partially based on the desire to compete and partially based on the desire to fit in and do what other people are doing. I recall the phenomenon taking shape in my hometown during the 1990’s, when everybody and their mother was buying a Chevy Suburban (including people with 2 kids or less) , all the while living in an area where off roading is unheard of.

However, the one benefit of this recession is that frugal spending now seems to be in vogue. Getting a great deal on a new car or computer is the new cool, as opposed to getting the fanciest new car or computer. The fanciest new car or biggest HD TV are now seen by many as extravagant spending. So, rise up my fellow frugal spenders, as formerly uncool spending habits have become the new cool way to spend, helping those unemployed and employed alike.

Despite the recent coolness of frugality, the economy will eventually get better (thank goodness for that!) and the desire to purchase expensive material goods will likely return in full force. What can be done to resist the desire to purchase the unnecessary material goods in lieu of experiences, which in the long run will likely provide you with more happiness. Well my friends, knowledge is power. When you are tempted to purchase a new expensive watch, remind yourselves of all the experiences that could be had instead of the watch. Think of vacations with the family, concerts with friends and then think of the watch simply sitting on your wrist. Unemployed and employed alike, little money or lots of money, we can all get more bang for our buck, and in turn increase our happiness even during unemployment.

      Sifting through the dense text of the Stimulus Bill (http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h1enr.pdf), funding for nonprofits is substantial and diverse. From health care to community assistance, the federal money provided for nonprofits has targeted noble efforts and will undoubtedly needs many people to assist in carrying out those efforts.

1. $50 million for the creation of a program to help nonprofits provide aid to those severely affected by the economic crisis.
2. $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, to protect arts-related jobs in the nonprofit sector.
3. $200 million for AmeriCorps, for operating expenses and to pay education grants to members who have completed their terms of service.
4. $2 billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to help nonprofits restore foreclosed properties,
5. $2 billion to support community health centers.
6. $120 million to encourage seniors to engage in community service.
7. $100 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program.
8. $50 million for the YouthBuild Program to help nonprofits provide construction training to young people.

     Now, nonprofit work is not for everyone. The pay is not great and often times you are appointed or sent to regions you may not have initially considered. But in down times like this they are great opportunities to expand your skills, experience and resume, and use as a transition when between jobs or making a career change. And of course lets not forget the value of public service, a very admirable thing to be a part of. Additionally, nonprofits receiving money under the Stimulus Bill are expected to have clear goals and engage in outcome measurement, a system setup to analyze the effectiveness of the nonprofits receiving federal funds. These funds are dispersed through competitive federal grants or through states’ discretion.

     With the stringent federal oversight on nonprofits receiving stimulus funding, positions in nonprofits will most likely be competitive and challenging. For future endeavors, this will look good on a resume since nonprofits are looking to hire individuals to show results. With such measured results in a high profile business being supported by the federal government, working with a nonprofit is not only great for your resume (show measured success, leadership, initiative, etc.) but can possibly open the door to greater opportunities not originally anticipated. After all, nonprofits are often nationally and globally focused initiatives with a diverse set of services.

For example, I have heard people from Generation X (people born between 1960 and 1980) say that people from Generation Y (people born between 1980 and 2000) are not independent enough, while I have heard people from Generation Y say that people from Generation X are not comfortable enough expressing their feelings.

Now I am not here to stereotype, or make a complex phenomena simple at the expense of integrity. People from the same generation often have vastly different personalities, differing values and goals, in addition to different worldviews. However, research has shown that individuals from particular generations have tendencies towards particular behaviors and worldviews (Denham & Gadbow, 2002). For purposes of this article, I will be talking about Generation Y; the recent changes in values and worldview that have occurred in Generation Y due to the economic recession and how said changes can effect job prospects and mental health for the unemployed and employed alike.

Overall, Generation Y highly values civic duty, confidence, collaboration with others and optimism (Denham & Gadbow, 2002). All these values appeared to be expressed during the 2008 presidential election, when Generation Y truly seemed to flex it’s muscles and enjoy a collective coming out party to the world. Regardless of political views and affiliation, many people from Generation Y seemed to feel the need to get involved in the election, be it through volunteering, having heated policy debates in offices and/or college dorm rooms or by taking the time to learn about the issues and vote. ”Yes We Can” came to represent a belief often held by people from Generation Y(and certainly other generations as well!), a belief that we are greater than the sum of our parts.

I would contend that the most spirited election in recent times would not have been possible in the absence of Generation Y characteristics, such as optimism, civic duty and confidence. It takes a lot of optimism to believe one election can make a significant difference, a high value on civic duty to trudge out on the campaign trail in 15 degree frigid temperatures (and not get paid to do so) and a lot of confidence to knock on a complete strangers door to discuss something you believe in.

However, I have recently observed a drastic shift in attitude of my generation, turning the current theory and knowledge of Generation Y upside down and inside out. Civic duty and the desire for a meaningful job that gives back to the world in some way, shape or form (values formerly characteristic of Generation Y) have been replaced by young adults limiting their job criteria to a salary and some health insurance. I understand that practicality, pure survival and the need to pay rent, student loans, etc call for this change in perspective. But, I would suggest not forgetting about the civic duty and meaningful work our generation has come to be known for, given people who believe they do meaningful work often lead happier lives (Bronson, 2003).Furthermore, civic duty can lead to a plethora of job prospects. Think volunteer experiences. Volunteer experiences not only lead to feeling a sense of accomplishment and value (something in part lost during unemployment), but can also lead to contacts for potential jobs.

Talking about Generation Y values aiding the job search, how about collaboration, formerly one of the major characteristics of Generation Y. Collaboration can lead to a job in numerous ways. You and friends (or colleagues also job searching) can share job searching techniques, worthwhile job boards and lists of companies in your field. Remember a friend or colleague getting a job can help you, by serving as a connected advocate within an organization. All of the above techniques will help you land a job. However, of late I have witnessed more of a “Every person for him or herself” type of attitude. Let’s remember that when job searching we are greater than the sum of our parts, and solely looking out for our own best interest could lead to a more drawn out job search.

The importance of optimism. Despite growing up amid political and corporate scandals, amazingly research has shown that Generation Y tends to be very optimistic. However, this sense of optimism is beginning to change. Economic dread, decreased confidence in our business and political leaders and even a feeling of “Maybe it’s true that nice guys finish last” seems to suddenly have permeated our generation. Now, I would contend that optimism is linked to enthusiasm. And as Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” When employees are hiring you, they are looking for greatness and therefore look for enthusiasm. Hence, remember what made you so optimistic and enthusiastic about yourself and your line of work, and you are more likely to find yourself accepting a job offer.

I wrote this article for several reasons. I wanted to express the sudden and dramatic shift that I have been observing in my generation for several months now. I wanted to remind my generation to not let the economic recession change us, to not have it rob our generation of some of it’s greatest qualities; civic duty, collaboration, optimism and confidence. Mainly I wish  to empower my generation, to not let the economy change us, but rather to use our positive qualities to change the economy and change the world. In the spirit of channeling my generation’s optimism, stay true to your values and I believe a job may come sooner than you think.

Everyday economists are getting creative with the way they assess the economy. For years, the Hemline Indicator predicted the state of things. The shorter the skirts, the better the year. The premise is that when the stocks are up, people feel better. When they feel better, they feel better about themselves. And they show it by showing off their legs (at least the females). 

Then there’s also the Bikini Indicator: in years when an American graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, the Dow Jones outperformed the average by 7%.  

This recession’s different. It’s the worst since the 1930s, blah blah blah. And desperate times call for desperate measures. Or so argues the Hot Waitress Index. It’s point: in good times, attractive women can always get a job in sales. Or the wilder ones can pull in $2k a night wrapped around a pole. But when the times are tough, those opportunities dry up with the rest. And so they wait tables.

Anyone have an index of their own they’d like to share?

You turn on the TV for a bit, and as you are flipping channels stumble across a news report featuring the dire state of the U.S. economy, possibly talking about unemployment rates, forclosures or personal economic tragedy. Or, perhaps the radio is on FM, you are in a state of euphoria, not only spending quality time with friends and family, but also listening to the inspiring lyrics of Bruce Springsteen. The station goes to commercial and you decide to see what’s on AM radio. 1010 Wins (A New York radio station, I promise I won’t usually be New York centric!) comes on and you hear, “This is 1010 wins, you give us 22 minutes, we’ll give you the world. Our first story, more Americans unemployed then ever, will the economy ever get better?”

Like last week’s article alluded to, being unemployed or worried about unemployment today is very different than having unemployment on your mind during the Great Depression. For lack of a better term, mass media simply wasn’t as massive during the great depression as it is today. Today, we are constantly being bombarded with reminders of the state of the economy, even when we are least expecting it or least ready for it. But, why all the negatively regarding the economy in the media?  Why, not more success stories of people and businesses thriving; people and businesses who are essentially spitting in the face of all the naysayers regarding the economy?

I would contend that the mass media’s concentration on negative news reports about the economy follows the overall trend and pattern of the mass media (for example, nightly news), typically concentrating on negativity as a whole. After watching the nightly news, a person may think that our society is on the brink of self-destruction. Instead of  news stories about people helping out other people, an innovative new idea or a local success story; gun violence, drug crimes and general fear dominate the news.

Alas, the question still has yet to be answered, why all the negativity in the mass media? For one, negatively seems to sell. Despite oftentimes being considered the fourth branch of government, a watchdog if you will, the media is also a business. Being a business, your favorite radio or television station is doing all it can to increase profits. Higher ratings, lead to greater add revenue, which lead to greater profit. If reporting the news in a negative, albeit skewed manner is what maximizes profits, so be it.

Most importantly, what can be done by you, the individual, the faithful reader regarding all the negativity constantly entering homes, neighborhood bbq’s, and in turn increasingly anxious minds everywhere. First, attempt to get some truly fair and balanced news regarding the economy (no, I am not talking about Fox News!). Upon hearing a negative news story, search the internet for a positive news story about the economy. These positive stories are out there, they just require some searching. Also, when negative news about the economy gets you down, think about all the reasons why you are likely to achieve gainful employment soon; you are a hard worker, experienced, enthusiastic, well spoken, etc.

In the end, this article is about controlling your own thoughts, emotions and outlook when it comes to unemployment. Not providing a radio bit, or television news story the power to change your mood at the drop of a hat. You can rise above this phenomena. Take a 360 degree viewpoint (as opposed to the narrow, negative view the majority of mass media takes)  by looking at positive economy news, in addition to reminding yourself why you are such a desirable employee! Let’s take the power back; controlling our own happiness, thoughts and feelings, as opposed to allowing Tom Brokaw the power to do so.

A  university student has a research paper to write, he or she no longer needs to slept down to the library, instead all the information can likely be found online via online journals. You are meeting someone for dinner and are ten minutes late. Well, just take out your cell phone and text them, as opposed to ten years ago, where the person would be standing around for ten minutes wondering if you were on your way. However, all of these “instants” do come with a price. I would venture to say that we have become less patient as a society. From becoming frustrated by waiting in a five minute line, to feeling a sense of anxiety and frustration when a relationship takes time to develop, we often seem to expect everything to happen now, rather than later.

Which is why being unemployed now is probably much different then being unemployed during the Great Depression was. With different societies come different experiences and I would argue our “instant” society is less apt to deal with extended unemployment. The problem is, extended unemployment is currently the norm, as opposed to the exception. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in July 2009 the average unemployment duration (in weeks) was 25.1 and the median unemployment duration was 15.7 weeks (the median skewed upward due to outliers on the longer duration of the unemployment scale).

25 or 15 weeks are far from instant. So, what can be done? Remind yourself that successfully working through unemployment is a process, as opposed to an instant result. For example, the process of job searching and applying for jobs often, in addition to building connections, will probably lead to landing a job, however most likely not instantly. Derek Jeter (sorry Red Sox Fans!) was once asked what has made him so successful during his baseball career. He simply said, “I have had a lot more good days then bad.”

Look at unemployment in a similar fashion. If you have a lot of good days (regarding both mental health and job searching techniques) the end product will likely be positive. However, at the end of a week of hard work job searching it is natural and alright to feel a sense of disappointment that you have not received any call backs and that the much sought out job has not been offered yet. At this point, remind yourself that despite our currently societal norms, patience can still be a virtue.

What I have noticed more now than during previous economic downturns is people coping more. With unemployment at a 20-year high, this downturn has hit us hard. Individuals are willing to sacrifice more to remain employed - an unfortunate scenario or a possible realization that certain jobs were overcompensating - and even take the initiative to suggest these cuts before they get the axe. Those already part of the unemployed have a tougher predicament; they don’t have a job that they can negotiate aspects of to keep. But, a new development (something I initially thought was mad) has evolved: working for free. YES, I did just say that.

As Bob Dylan said, “The times they are a’chang’n” and so people are as well. They’re adapting to the changed environment. And so, us drones have migrated to a new idea of dealing with unemployment; a novel one at that. Think about it. You just got the boot. You take a few days to a week to assess your predicament and then jump back into the fray to look for a job. Maybe you anticipated your exit for employment and have already started the search; good for you. Either way, you most likely have some free time and having a blank spot on your resume for however long it takes to find a job is not always nominal.

Working for free might just be a great way to fill that gap, gain some new skills and possibly widen your job search and increase your contact network. It’s a great way to keep your resume looking fresh. Think of it as working an unpaid internship that will help you get gainfully employed. So, don’t look at it as a sign of desperation, but dedication to polishing your resume.

Of course you can always get a job waiting tables and get a little green in your pockets, but then again you may be able to work somewhere beneficial to your career because you’re willing to do it for free. Besides the usual non-profits you can work for, many companies are looking to hire free labor or are asking their employees to work for. Just a few months ago, British Airways asked some of its employees to work a month for free.

Companies have something to benefit from this situation. Not only do they get free labor, but additionally it is also a great way for a company to create a pipeline of talent to draw from when the economy turns around. When a position does open up in the company or the company begins hiring again, it will most likely look internally to fill positions. For both the employer and employee, it brings long-turn benefits. You’re training new potential hires from which the company has its choice and as an unpaid employee you’re gaining experience with no contractual obligation. You work as long  and as hard as you want. What’s the worst they can do, fire you?

Despite it actually being illegal for a company to have you work for them for below minimum wage, many are people are finding that working for free gives them more appeal when applying for a job along with countless thousands of other applicants. Some individuals argue that if you have the skills for the job, you should be paid for it, but with a lot of companies having the work but not the revenue to hire, it may be a win-win situation.

Often times once you have been unemployed for a few months this can be a decision between having an indelible white space on your resume or keeping your skills sharp and mind in the game. It may seem like an act of desperation or the sign of a true devotion, but in the end it will likely yield long-term beneifts.

The first time, I was laid off during pretty good economic times, after the fourth merger in a row of the mega bank I worked for at the time. One day it’s a “dear colleague” memo on your desk, “great news we’re merging with another mega bank to make the ultimate mega bank.” The next it’s the old “your position has been eliminated. Congratulations, you’ve been downsized due to the merger.”

The second layoff happened almost exactly a decade later. I was laid off from a fairly small private company exactly one day after I got the highest possible performance review they gave.

The first time I was laid off, it rocked my world because even though the rumors about layoffs had been swirling for awhile, I was still naïve enough in my corporate career to believe that if I worked hard enough and did the best possible work, I never needed to worry. I simply wasn’t ready to be involuntarily separated from my job. I hadn’t stopped working and moving up the corporate ladder to reach that achievement of “laid off VP of Marketing” in sixteen years, since I also worked full-time to put myself through college.

But there was a huge difference the second time around. You see during the years between my first and second layoff, I had a secret. I was leading a double life-the good employee by day, entrepreneur at night and on weekends.

It wasn’t easy working full-time while being a start-up entrepreneur on the side, but then again few things in life that are worthwhile are easy. And ultimately it was worth the sacrifice, because when job layoff number two happened out of the blue, it didn’t knock me for a loop. This time I was ready because I had a Plan B. I took my sideline business full-time without missing a beat, kissed the ground I walked on, and never looked back.  I had taken control of my livelihood and my life.

Everyone knows their own circumstances, and after being laid off, maybe you need to work full-time and be an empowered entrepreneur on the side, or maybe you can afford to make the leap and give full-time entrepreneur a try.  No matter how you look at it though, protect yourself and realize that in today’s workplace, having a “Plan B” is not just a nice to do, but a matter of survival.

Guest author Melanie Jordan is the founder of SunLover Publishing, LLC, a well-followed podcaster, and the author of several books. Check out her newest volume: “What You Know Is Worth More Than You Know™ - Achieving The Life You Were Meant To Have By Making Money From What YOU Know!“. Copyright 2009 SunLover Publishing LLC.

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Perusing through the store, I found a book titled “What Should I Do with My Life” by Po Bronson.  Intrigued, I read the back cover, and sure enough the book was a collection of stories (a social documentary if you will) about people who were engaging in career exploration, attempting to find career’s that fit their identity, personality and that they were passionate about. Little did I know, this book would change my life.

My chance encounter with this book could not have come at a better time. I had just graduated college. I was starting a job as a paralegal at a big international law firm in about two weeks. I was debating what career I should enter, essentially, asking myself “What Should I Do With My Life?” Now, I promise I won’t talk too much about myself  within my future articles on TheCanned. But, I tell this story about myself with specific reasoning. “What Should I Do with My Life” served as a great resource for me (ultimately serving as the jumping off point for my career exploration, which eventually led me to counseling psychology) and I believe the book can also serve as a great resource for you.

Therefore, I will provide a synopsis of the themes of the book and also a website where you can read several chapters of the book for free! As aforementioned, the book explores the stories of people who are pondering the question of what they were going to do with their lives, the dreaded question of college seniors everywhere! But, let’s dig deeper into the book and into the question. The question often involves several sub-questions and dilemmas, some of which are quite existential.

Who am I, how do I see myself and ultimately what is my identity? The high majority of people in Bronson’s book were searching for a career that was congruent with their personality, identity and also a career that provided meaning for them. Several career theories fall into the realm of what are called “personality career theories”, including John Holland’s (1973). I plan on going into more detail regarding Holland’s career theory in future articles, but briefly, Holland’s theory essentially states that a person’s career choice is an expression of his or her personality and that personality and work environments can fit into six types: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising and conventional.  *Disclaimer: Despite having a lot of value, I do believe Holland’s theory is flawed in several ways, which will be discussed in future articles.*

The Strong Interest Inventory is a personality assessment tool based on Holland’s theory that interprets one’s personality type and possible careers congruent with said personality type. For example, when I took the Strong Interest Inventory for my career counseling class, I received a personality theme code of social, artistic and investigative (in that order, from highest strength to lowest strength). Essentially, the test told me careers I may be interested in (based on my personality and identity being congruent with the overall job duties) included professional counselor, college professor and musician (too bad I don’t have much musical talent!).

The test also told me that I would probably be bored to death and unhappy being an engineer, banker or car mechanic. Knowing myself,  the results seemed to fit fairly well. The test is certainly not a perfect metric, but it can help you gain a greater self -awareness and turn that greater self-awareness  into a career choice matching your identity and personality, a theme of Bronson’s book. The strong interest inventory can be taken at websites such as :http://www.paladinexec.com/ and are best interpreted and explained by a career counselor.

People in Bronson’s book were also struggling with the fact that societal and family messages explicitly and implicitly let us know what careers are considered acceptable. You grew up in an upper-middle class neighborhood, you must enter a career that has an upper-middle class salary and prestige. You are a female, well you must be sensitive and are not tough enough to make it in the business world. You’re a male, and are not empathic enough to be a professional counselor. The aforementioned statements sound ridiculous, but they are messages that people receive throughout their lives; messages that can lead people to enter careers that represent what other people tell you you should be, as opposed to a career that represents your true self. As Bronson said, “Nothing seemed more brave to me than facing up to one’s own identity, and filtering out the chatter that tells us to be someone we’re not” (Bronson, 2003).

“Most people jump through life, asking what’s next, and choosing based on where can they make the most money, what offers the most upside or opportunity. A conventional “success” story is one where, with each next, the protagonist has more money, more respect and more possessions. I’d like to suggest an alternative “success” story-one where, with each next, the protagonist is closer to finding that spot where he’s no longer held back by his heart, and he explodes with talent, and his character blossoms, and the gift he has to offer the world is apparent.” -Po Bronson

I began my graduate school personal statements with the aforementioned quote. Po Bronson’s book entitled “What Should I do with my Life” spurred on a dramatic, positive change in my life. I believe his book can do the same for you. Bronson said that through hearing about 900 stories and getting to know about 70 people closely certain patterns emerged, one being that “it was in hard times that people usually changed the course of their life; in good times, they frequently only talked about change” (Bronson, 2003). Therefore, if you were unhappy in your career or job, unemployment can be used as a chance to change the trajectory of your life and be a person that falls into the group of “I love my job!”

Several free chapters of Bronson’s book can be found on his website at http://www.pobronson.com/index_what_should_I_do_with_my_life.htm. The book can also be purchased on amazon new for $7.99 and used for under $3! As “The Who” said, ‘I’d call that a bargain, the best I ever had.”