The Maven Was Laid Off! Return of the Maven.

First, I apologize for the lengthy departure from the blogosphere. I acknowledge that while I was on sabbatical, stock picks were left hanging and the stock market waits for no man!

This is a different type of entry. You see, behind the maven there is no complex network of computer programmed stock-bots. But rather, another Person trying to sort out the complex web of information modern day Life has become. In September, the Person was laid off from the Person's "Real Job". This was not a total shock as the beleagured commercial banking industry has been tottering around for nearly a year. But it was a shock. Any of you who have not been laid off are missing out. I'm not saying you want it to happen. It can be scary. But nonetheless, you miss out on one of mankind's big experiences...falling into the void of the unknown and eventually emerging from the other side. So anyway, I thought I would share a few "Survival Tips" and a time-line of events should you ever be confronted by the layoff machine and go on an extended sabbatical.

1) Take a few hours (or as long as it takes) to compose your thoughts and determine if this is a significant change for you and your family. Typically, it is, and you should be in a constructive state by the time you share the news. If this process takes more than an hour I do not recommend staying in the local park - Someone will call the authorities after a day or two and then you have compound problems.

2) Start exercising on day one. You now have the time and I know you are probably thinking you are busy looking for a job, but get real... you have time to exercise. Make it daily. This is crucial to your survival strategy. If you've never exercised don't over do it, but make it happen.

3) If you are one of the few, you might bounce back, land on your feet, and have back the job that you have always loved. In which case the following does not apply This is rare for a number of reasons I won't share now. (See Next Blog..to be continued)