Some workers say getting pink slip was a blessing

Updated

Not everyone who gets laid off from a job is unhappy about it. Four in 10 U.S. workers who have lost their jobs in this recession, or are in a relationship with someone who has, say it was a blessing in disguise, according to a survey by SnagAJob.com. About 39% of people who say they or their spouse or significant other has been laid off since December 2007 found the layoff to be a positive thing. Also, 26% of people said that they expect their layoff to eventually become a blessing.

So what has happened to make these folks view a job layoff in such positive terms? About 27% say that they have found better jobs, 21% said losing their job motivated them to return to school and 16% said they switched to a career they have always wanted to pursue. Some of those career changers are even striking out on their own to test the waters of entrepreneurship.

Of course many of those people were upset and angry when they found out they were out of a job. With the unemployment rate around 9.5%, many people are understandably worried about their chances of finding a new job and managing their household bills after getting the ax. However, once people began to get used to the idea of being without a job, many used their newfound freedom to pursue activities they enjoyed. About 49% of folks polled said they were able to reconnect with family and friends, 36% said they were pursuing personal hobbies and interests and 16% were doing volunteer work.

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