So here's what I do: I take a situation I'm afraid of and imagine in the bleakest terms possible. I examine from every which dark way and, more often than not, come to the conclusion that, "yes, I can handle that." I may not
LIKE it, I most certainly don't
WANT to do it that way, but yes, it's most definitely within the realm of the acceptable. It may sound negative to you, but awfulizing generally gives me the courage to soldier on.
Which is what I did today. I checked out the maximum amount I can receive fro
m IDES (Illinois Department of Employment Security), with taxes deducted. Even if I am completely unable to supplement my unemployment benefits with freelance work, I will have enough to pay my mortgage and assessments for six months.
These benefits are in addition to any severance I may receive (yeah, right) and the emergency fund I have stashed away.
Living on such a budget would not make me happy, mind you. But it makes me happier than living in a Kenmore refrigerator box on Lower Wacker Drive. So now, if you'll excuse me, I'm about to soldier on. After all, I do still have this job!
My boss is talking to me again, as if last week hadn't happened. It's the usual -- updates on client meetings, tales about his college-age son. I don't know what was up with him but to tell you the truth, I don't really care.