Thinking of You Geo!

An old professor of mine (who I will never forget, regardless of whether or not he forgets me) wrote an article about being unemployed and how not to get bent out of shape about it. I’ve been rather bent lately, and decided to copy some of the things he said to remind myself (and our readers) that life is free.

“I’m no money guru but there are three things I recommend for staying punk during the global economic downturn.

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First: Take control of your life.

If you have access to a computer and the Internet, you can be your own business and it will cost you absolutely nothing.

Create a blog using free web space. Design your own T-shirts and sell them through cafepress.com. You can have postcards and business cards printed for free on sites like clubflyers.com. You can design your own magazine and sell it via print-on-demand services. Even if you have a job, start prepping for life if the gig disappears.

It’s never been easier to have a voice. It’s never been easier to broadcast your thoughts and opinions. It may only earn you peanuts – or nothing at all, but it could catch on.

If you are mired in the workaday world, start planning your exit strategy. I did night classes for four years while working a job that wasn’t satisfying. It took my mind off the daily grind and it helped me land in a more comfortable place.

Second: Live modestly.

You don’t need that large automobile or that beautiful house. Don’t get trapped in the system, burdened by debt. If you can’t afford stuff, don’t buy it – everything from your morning coffee to concert tees.

I’ve been riding the same bicycle since I worked in York. I bought my winter coat in 1997. My puffy red couch was super cool when my father bought it in 1981, and it’s totally still comfy today.

Take advantage of your friends and share resources. Copy your friends’ music. Split a case of beer or bottle of wine at home rather than meet your pals at the bar. And be your own entertainment – tell stories, play games and enjoy each other.

Last year, I planted 10 tomato bushes, peppers, zucchini and a bunch of herbs. I ate homemade pasta sauce through Christmas and it only cost a few dollars for seedlings.

Remember: the less you owe, the more you control your own life.

Third: Get a dog.

Nothing has governed my finances more in recent years than my 15-pound shih tzu, Mookie. Unless he travels with me, I don’t go places. I rarely travel anymore. I don’t spend nights out partying. I’m completely satisfied by staying at home and throwing chew toys all night as he flops around.

Because he needs to walk several times every day, I get tons of exercise. He keeps me warm in the winter, sleeping beside me in bed. He provides unconditional love when I need it the most.

He’s way cheaper than a child and he has far fewer needs. Plus, his energy and excitement make me laugh. You can’t put a price tag on that.”

The Graduate

According to my Alma Mater, my diploma should arrive in my mailbox by mid-July. After four years of academics, panic attacks, and procrastination, I've managed to rack up insane amounts of debt just so I can introduce myself to strangers as a bona-fide college grad. An underachiever at best, my overall college experience = Kafkaesque. Perhaps I'm misusing the term, but fuck it, I have a degree. What I don't have is that sort of shiny self confidence/pride, you know that "I climbed Mt. Everest" glory. My parents were proud, but since I passed the threshold from student to alum, I've felt nothing but terribly trapped with a side of cynical. So much for post-grad freedom. I'm a slave to Sallie Mae.