The job markets aren’t the only place this downturn has heated up competition. Yesterday in New York’s East Village, a group of unemployed workers gathered for the first annual Unemployment Olympics. They smashed fax machines like Michael Bolton in Office Space. They tossed phones like javelins, ran around, and played pin-the-tail-on-the-boss.
The purpose? Sure as Ponce De Leon searched for that elusive fountain of youth, these laid-off New Yorkers searched for the lighter side of unemployment. Whether or not they found it, no shortage of local businesses lined up for sponsorships.
Promotional campaigns tied to the recession are all over the place. This isn’t surprising: the unemployed population in the United States is a fairly representative slice. These are people across the nation, from all industries and backgrounds, of all ages and genders. If this isn’t evidence that the stigma attached to joblessness has disappeared, I don’t know what is.
Across the country, businesses are offering recession specials. If you bring your pink slip to The Delancey on the Lower East Side (NY), they’ll give you a free tequila shot. Jos. A. Bank will allow you to return your suit if you get fired after buying it. Hyundai will even let you return a car. Gray’s Papaya has been peddling recession specials since the boom times (although ironically, they just raised the price).
And if the specials aren’t explicitly stated, don’t be surprised if retailers are still willing to knock a few bucks off the purchase price of just about anything. I called ATT to inquire about a suspiciously high cell phone bill last week and they knocked $150 off and credited me 500 rollover minutes without missing a step (or being asked). Just like many are nervous about losing jobs and paychecks, businesses are worried about losing customers. If we can all avoid losing our minds, there might be a win-win here.
You may not have a job, or a dependable income, but smile: you’re officially a target demographic. Have some fun with it. Judging by the press coverage, the Unemployment Olympians certainly did.
April 1st, 2009 at 9:08 am
conspicuous lack of lay off beards at the unemployed olympics. Although the winners of the foot race had them. I dont think thats a coincidence. Layoff beards are built for comfort and speed.
April 1st, 2009 at 11:47 am
Couldn’t agree more. Plus, a lot of these specials require you to show proof of unemployment. Somehow I doubt there would be any question if you left the pink slip at home but showed up with a righteous layoff beard.
Not to mention the unmistakable powers of attraction that layoff beards have on the opposite sex…
April 1st, 2009 at 8:55 pm
My wife called her credit card after my layoff, and they lowered her interest rate to 7% !!! Sounds like a good idea to try to get specials.
April 4th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Unemployment Olympics! What next? Maybe a U-20 summit in London featuring Scottish salmon, caviar, a couple dozen unemployed world leaders…