There were only 59 shark attacks last year, down from 73 in good ‘ole 2007. Live Science speculates that the fall is linked to fewer beach-goers in these tight times. Either that, or unemployed people are just less appetizing than nine-to-fivers.
If I were a shark I would go for overfed, undersexed, inactive desk-jockeys. The veal-like quality of the office worker is far superior to the learning-to-cook, finding-time-to-work out, making-time-for-love jobless person. Not to mention, layoff beards are a known deterrent to sharks.
In all seriousness, vacation properties are gearing up to get killed this beach season. And they will. This is far from the lighter side if you’re looking for work in the hospitality industry, but a silver lining for the rest of us. Fuel costs are way down and hotel occupancy rates haven’t been this low since people stopped flying after 9/11. Not only are hotels courting travelers with recession specials, but you can probably squeeze them for more. People often don’t realize this, but hotel rates are negotiable. Your average booking agent has the discretion to knock as much as 20 percent of your rate without even contacting a manager.
Not to mention, your joblessness gives you the superpower of flexibility. Why blow a weekend in a beach town when you can relax, apart from the crowds, Monday through Friday? Travel Zoo regularly updates a Top 20 List featuring last-minute vacation deals. Or have the Priceline Negotiator, William Shatner, put your flexibility (and frugality) to your advantage. And there are always the perennially-inexpensive options: hostels, campsites, family and friends.
The point is, the price of a vacation can get damn near close to free these days. Try taking a break from the job-search grind to enjoy yourself. Consider it economic stimulus for the shark community.
