Longest time unemployed

What was the longest time you ever spend without a job, I mean once you hit working age.
For me it was 5 years on unemployment, no matter what I did I just couldn't find a darn job.

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AlchemyFox · 36-40, F

I haven’t had job since November 2019. I started working when I was 12. Always had at least one job, usually two plus little side hustles. Worked full time through college. I busted my ass and learned a lot, but I just get bored after I get really good at something.

I quit working to help take care of my mom. I had just paid off my house so I thought I’d take it easy for a bit while I could still spend time with her.

After she passed I sold my house for 3x what I paid and I’ve been traveling until her husband left her house. So now I’m back fixing what he destroyed. It’s annoying and hurtful, but also, I have lots of knowledge from other jobs so I’m able to fix it up myself mostly. So that’s been my job. And also full time Mom. Last year I roadschooled.

So yeah I never really got to relax like I wanted, and I’m sure I look terrible on paper now, and I just don’t care.

I don’t even care where I work, it’s all the same. Slave your life away to someone who gets most the money and treats you like disposable goods 🤷🏼‍♀️

My son and I might open a pizza shop once we get settled again. Who knows.

Working used to be so important to me. I was raised by two workaholics. But they both died at 66. That’s not the story I want for this life.

QCDog2659 · 61-69, M

@AlchemyFox I agree!!

Life before work.

BrewCityBarfly · M

@AlchemyFox A common tactic I know people use is to put down their own business in gaps on a resume. This is especially true for those that were laid off and have something on the order of a year's severance and just want to chill for a while. My ex boss did this, and another friend did this while he spent a couple years day trading. Thus CopperFox LLC. If anyone asks, then it's BS time, doing independent consulting, handy-person, flipping houses, whatever.

AlchemyFox · 36-40, F

@BrewCityBarfly I had my own school at one point?? 😆 when I home schooled. I did instacart shopping in there too.

I’m wondering if it even matters anymore?

When I start looking for a job again I may just try telling the truth. I don’t really feel guilty. My mom died, Covid hit and I had a kindergartner full time. I imagine there are a ton of people in similar positions and there has to be some understanding.

If the truth doesn’t work, I’ll fudge but I think the days of fluffy resumes are over for a majority. It was never realistic anyway 😆

AlchemyFox · 36-40, F

@QCDog2659 it was partly my choice, partly fate(?) but I’m okay despite it all 🖤 mostly thankful for all this time with my son.

QCDog2659 · 61-69, M

@AlchemyFox True...NOTHING can replace the time spent with one's child.

I am eternally thankful that I was able to be so involved in my daughter's life when she was young.

RedBaron · M

@AlchemyFox Why would you open a pizza shop if you don’t want to be a slave to work? Operating any kind of restaurant is very time and labor intensive.

Wol62 · 51-55, M

@RedBaron That's true. Never thought of it that way.

RedBaron · M

@BrewCityBarfly Lyrics from [i]Taking Care of Business[/i] by Bachman Turner Overdrive:

“Look at me, I’m self-employed. I love to work at nothing all day.”

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