When I first became unemployed in April, there were several people who asked me what they could do. I was too blindsided to even think straight at first. So now, after several months of office-less-ness under my belt, I have some suggestions on what to give your unemployed friends to ease your guilt of still having a cushy job.
- Gift cards: A $25 (or more) gift card to the grocery store or a big box store is something everyone can use. (side note: The Dahl's Web site needs to be completely redone!)
- Stamps: I got so used to mailing stuff at the office that the last set I had here was $.37 cents. Comes in handy for interview thank yous, bills, suicide notes, etc.
- Books: Buy or re-gift your favorite summer book to your like-minded friend.
- Movie tickets: Everyone is cutting back on entertainment these days, so it's nice to have someone treat you to a night out.
- Chocolate: Yes, it's a food group in my household. Who couldn't use some extra serotonin?
- Gas cards: I've noticed that Quik Trip does not take food stamps for gas.
- An iTunes gift card. Take This Job and Shove It is available for only $.99. I'm just sayin'....
- Treat them to a meal. Add drinks, shake, and be sure to offer transportation.
- A card, phone call, or email: Yes, they'll notice that you haven't called. Yes, it makes you look bad.
- Money: It's the universal gift that can be used in any way the recipient chooses.
Please note, I am NOT asking for any of these things. I just wanted to use my recent experience to educate others on what to do when you have a good friend or relative who's lost their job. Feel free to pass on.
Great tips Claire. But when I lose my job, can you substitute Scotch for chocolate?
Trout
Posted by: Brett Trout | July 09, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Absolutely. What's your poison? But unless you fire yourself, that won't happen.
Posted by: Claire | July 09, 2009 at 11:29 AM