Continuation of previous post (its getting deeper)

4) Deeply examine who you are. You may even want to grow your beard and meditate. Closely examine the pros and cons of both the job you held and the industry you were laid off from. Do you really want back in? Take a myers briggs personality test Click Here. Form conclusions about what occupation you might love and ask someone who knows you well to help further refine your conclusions.

5) You will second guess everything you are doing. People around you will second guess everything you are doing. It's normal, because everybody cares. Stay the course, you are on sabbatical. Make something of it. In many cultures this type of sabbatical is a widely recognized, standard life experience to be revered (here in the capitalist jungle we call the US economy, the closest translation of the term "sabbatical" is "lay off")

6) Examine the current reality and the realistic possibilities in the near future. Be cautious with the term "reality" which is difficult to define and potentially limiting. There are opportunities staring you in the face that other people wish they had.

7) Sabbaticals in other cultures may include such varied activities as drifting down the river in a handmade canoe, living off the land and climbing a mountain. As this single minded focus probably does not work for my subscribers, focus on two main points:

a) Maintain your experience as best you can in the surroundings you do have.
b) (This is where my advice deviates from various fundamental psychological theories) Complete something strictly practical and be proactive on a daily basis. This may include: cleaning the house, doing some work for cash, sending a resume, studying for a test, honing your software skills, organizing paperwork etc.

8) WHAT DO YOU / WOULD YOU LOVE TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE & WORK??!! This question is the central theme and the only question to answer while on sabbatical.

Finally, I leave you with these words which I have personally found to be highly inspirational for many years: “Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
P.S. Whew! Maybe I should give up stock picking while I am ahead!

P.P.S. Maybe I shouldn't, I have a winning streak going. Let the internal debate continue. :)