Now That I Am Unemployed...

As most EclectEcon readers know, I am unemployed at the moment. At least according to the Statistics Canada definition, I am unemployed: I do not have a job, and I am (somewhat) actively seeking work. 

When someone asked me my occupation for the programme that is distributed by the concert band I have recently joined (I don't know why they list occupations of their members, but they do), I wanted to tell them "squeegee kid", but I've never actually done that job. 

Ms. Eclectic suggested "Undecided". I like that category since I am not quite sure what I want to do with the rest of my life. For example, here is one possibility I have been considering:

There is a building downtown in London, Ontario (where I am now living) that plays classical music through the speakers near the entrances, very loudly, in an effort to keep the riff-raff from hanging out there. In the spring, I'm thinking of wearing my tux, top hat,  and white gloves and conducting the music.

And then I saw this cartoon (h/t "classical music humor" on FaceBook) which seems relevant:

Comments

[EclectEcon]

Technically I'm unemployed. I took a buyout from The University of Western Ontario last summer. And my contract from University of Regina wasn't renewed only because I made it clear to them that as much as loved being with people out there, I want to live in London with Ms. Eclectic and where my children and grandchildren live.

Essentially I'm retired, but I have also been tentatively inquiring about possible part-time teaching positions at a few area schools, so technically I'm actively seeking work. Of course none are available at the drop of a hat, and so I am de jure unemployed.

[Rick]

You could guest host a radio talk show...

I find the current London radio talk show offerings to have very few high points. The formula appears to be: choose a topic that might get people to listen, then take an aggressive or contrarian pov to excite people to call in. Boring! I might be missing something as I can't bear these shows for more than a few minutes at a time.

I think you could top the ratings with little effort. It may not be as personally rewarding as conducting canned music but it is indoor work.

[EclectEcon]

Thanks for the suggestion, Rick. I've appeared on talk shows over the years, mostly in my role as "godfather of the ban-the-penny" movement. But for the most part I can't get into the short-term debate style that seems necessary. Way back when, I used to listen to the CBC FM radio station for classical music. When they started doing more talking and playing other things, I would enjoy Jim Chapman now and then on local radio, but when I'm driving around town now I either leave the radio off, listen to an all-news station, or put on the all-comedy station (1410 in London).