In the midst of one of the world’s worst recessions, a growing number of unemployed Americans are opting to turn their dire financial situation into a period of ‘funemployment’. Thousands of the country’s growing unemployed population have started using their period of forced unemployment as an opportunity to improve their lives through domestic travel, dubbing it as ‘funemployment’.
Some have called it a revolt against Dilbert-style work environments, while others claim that the rise in funemployment is occurring alongside a change in America’s social outlook. Whichever is true, the increase in Americans enjoying their period of extended joblessness seems to be causing one of the largest domestic travel revolutions in history.
Prior to the recession, the professional ethic appeared to be one of endless work and limited time for travel and leisure. As salaries grew, so did hours worked, prompting what many call the ‘paid killing of time’ in the American workplace. With jobs now a rarity and stable employment an unlikely event for many of the country’s professionals, a lack of responsibility has lead to a surge in travel.
More Americans than ever are opting to work through the recession not in their offices, but in their vehicles. The Los Angeles Times reported about the rise of funemployment travel over one year ago, but the phenomenon appears to be hitting its peak today. With jobs limited and domestic travel one of several affordable options, entire families are taking to the road in search of new experiences.
It’s a phenomenon that’s unlikely to last, however, as savings accounts run dry and temporary relief benefits eventually end. But with almost ten percent of the United States population lacking a stable job, the revolution in funemployment and domestic travel could be one that remains ingrained in the nation’s culture.
