"In between jobs"
Lamenting the end of August. Cherishing the last days to bathe in the sun before PNW enters into gloomy winter.
I learned the phrase "in between jobs" when I heard someone describe their current state. It suddenly occurred to me that it's a euphemism for "I lost my job" or "I'm unemployed right now." Depending on situations, it can imply "I was laid off / let go."
It's quite an interesting expression, because in just 3 plain words, it showcases an interim state with an allusion to the desired destination, without deliberately mentioning it (very 含蓄).
What it conveys is the past state—I had a job, and the aspiring future state—I will get a job.
When it comes to business-y English, I extols the philosophy of 拿来主义 ( = "taking whatever that I can use" or Grabbism (?)). So this becomes my official answer (セリフ) to "Do you work?" type of questions:
I used to work, but not any more. I know I will have a job again, probably.
The person who used this phrase said it with a hue of uncomfortableness. 眼神闪烁，无奈苦笑。(= "Eyes flickering, smile forced.") It must feel awkward to admit that you don't work right now.
I get that. I know where the awkwardness comes from. Being employed is such a system default to any living human being who wants to fit into modern society. 自立 (lit. "self standing"; = "being self sufficient"), or you're a failed adult.
For me, the interim period offers an invaluable space—in terms of both time and psychology—I didn't know I needed.
I came to appreciate the luxurious break I involuntarily got from losing my job. Summer is the perfect season in PNW. I camped a lot. I spent time catching up with friends. I even fulfilled my long term dream to go outdoor climbing.
(To digress a bit: I'm a huge fan of em dashes. I will Google "dashes" and religiously paste the proper symbol in my writing. Please don't think I'm a bot or AI 🤖. This is just how my mind works—fragmented, fractional, easily distracted.)
To put it in an old Chinese saying: 塞翁失马，焉知非福; essentially, "silver linings" or "blessings in disguise."
I'm just trying to end this essay with a positive note, if you allow me to.
~Caution: I didn't proofread this piece of writing so pardon my grammar mistakes.~
#nobetawedielikemyjob
Writing BGM: 🎵summertime, by cinnamons × evening cinema.