I'm enjoying unemployment way too much. If I can ignore the falling bank balance, I'm enjoying messing about at home, perhaps creosoting the fence, maybe trawling through the fantasy cricket playing list....

There's no doubt though - the job market is seriously tough. Not even getting interviews - when 4-5 years ago it would have been a shoo-in.

Ummm....still unemployed, but the benefits have to be a sunny early summers afternoon keeping an eye on the cricket scores, with physical Graffiti by Led Zep on up loud....

Glad to see you're keeping your spirits up, can't say I'd be as positive as you so kudos.

Start up your own business - its a risk but you will be your own boss.

Doing what exactly? It makes me laugh when people say start a business, as if anyone can do it. You actually need to sell/do somethinng people really want/need and that somebody isn't already doing as cheap as possible. Do you know how many businesses fail?

I've got a job

but very much reflecting job market 2011 - it is a 3 month contract not permanent, I'm taking a 25% pay cut, I'm increasing my travel by around an hour a day.

But a job is a job!

There goes my TFC season

Congratulations - and stuff the cricket season, look on the bright side, you'll be out of work again by the time you need to do any transfers in fantasy football

Nice one

Whilst not long term it's something to keep you ticking over.

Keep on applying though for other positions....

Thanks chaps. Possible contract extension until March if I do well. Not sure I want the job permanently though, hopefully 2012 job market looks better.

Mixed feelings, glad to be earning again - but quite enjoyed 4 months of domesticity with Mrs TM and baby.

Nice one, 4 months paternity leave (paid) and a new challenge at the end.

Odds on the "temp" contract leads to something.

I bet you will look back in a couple of years and say thank the lord I got made redundant.

Hope it goes well.

Congratulations TM and good luck.

Well, not quite paid - but to be honest you don't spend much with a new born (once you have bought all the gear in). I'd personally recommend taking as much Pat leave (and annual leave) as you can when your little one arrives. I think getting things off to a good start helps down the line.

Congrats TM, I'll tip my glass to you later on tonight. Cheers

Well done tommy, that's great - the key thing is, you are in a much stronger position to apply for jobs when you are already in employment than if you are unemployed.