Q&A to the Unemployed Me
Since so many people ask me the same questions over and over... I thought I might answer them all at once Are you ok? - I was pretty bummed at first, but after the first month, I started to realize what a blessing unemployment was (besides, the architecture/construction industry is so horrible I have lots of company)
How do you survive? - I live at home and take public transit everywhere. I do freelance photography. I've been editing for Junshien and shooting weddings with these guys. When I don't make money, I collect unemployment
How have been spending your time? - I actually spend 75% of my time working (editing or promoting myself or networking). I'm currently trying to start selling my prints...so we'll see how that goes.
What do you do when you're not doing photography? - I travel and hang out with friends. Since I was laid off, I went to Hawaii, China, Australia, New Zealand, Utah, Las Vegas, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. It probably adds up to about 8 weeks of traveling. By the end of the year, I'll be heading to New York, Texas, Thailand and Cambodia.
How do you afford to travel so much? - I live at home and take public transportation everywhere. Surprisingly enough, in my bank account, I actually have more money saved than when I was laid off
Are you going to do photography forever? - Nope. I'm still looking for an architecture or construction job. I wince imagining doing photography as a main source of living for the rest of my life. My professional passion is architecture for sure.
Are you looking for an architecture job just in the Bay Area? - I actually don't like living in California and hope to move out of state.
Do you have a lot of free time? - Nope. I'm busier than when I had a 9 to 5 job.