7 Things I learned during my self-imposed summer break

1) In San Francisco, don’t count on Temp/Recruiter Agencies to keep you busy. My initial plan was to ‘temp’ at various companies to see what else is out there, you know, get some exposure. The reality has been that I had two calls in three months from my agencies, and one was for an interview for a 2-month temp gig that I wasn’t able to go to because of such short notice. I’ve done far better on my own with: a) previous employers contract jobs, b) responding to jobs on Craigslist and getting interviews.

2) Other than going to the gym most days, unless I have an appointment or some sort of plans, I tend to piss the day away and I don’t even watch TV during the day! And, the weather has not been all that nice here especially in our neighborhood otherwise I’d have been at the park more days. I learned that some structure works better for me.

3) I could work from home part-time when I figure out how to start being a freelance writer, and I’d love to get a blogging job(s)!

4) I haven’t been motivated to cook as much, which isn’t the smartest thing when you temporarily have no income. We’ve picked up burritos and Chinese a tad more frequently.

5) I also learned that I especially enjoy the luxury of going out to breakfast on a weekday. George and I have been going to our neighborhood coffee shop Howard’s lately. We usually sit at a table by the window that looks out across the street where our Muni train stop is. As we enjoy the ‘weekday special’ (eggs, bacon or sausage, hash brown potatoes, toast) and coffee, we notice nearly everyone has expressionless faces on the train. A look I remember all too well.

6) Not working is overrated unless you have more things you enjoy to fill your time without the worries of health insurance or money, but flexible hours and days are appealing to me.

7) Since I begin a three-month contract job next week, I hope to find ways to have a variety of income sources. Aside from said contract job, something fun part-time, and get something going on my own as stated in no. 3.