FUNemployment gave me the best opportunity of my career—the break I needed to learn to live again, appreciate what really matters and discover my ideal career.

Let me explain. Have you ever thought, “I’ll take that trip someday,” “One day, I’ll start my own business,” or “I’ll lose weight as soon as things calm down”? I did. Every time I realized how much my life sucked.

My advertising agency job ruled my life. It was like a demanding, codependent husband who never let me out of his sight. My “someday” list went only one way—addition only. As my list grew, so did my stress, weight and misery. I was so unhappy that I didn’t have the energy to make a plan to improve my life. That is until my agency’s office closed its doors.

My layoff forced me to focus on my life. At first, I was a basket case, certain of financial ruin, who had no idea what to do without work. I was depressed, dejected and felt like a loser.

After a month of wallowing and unsuccessful interviewing, I realized this time could be my chance to get my life together. As I got my finances in order, lost 20 lbs., started dating and took up writing, I was enjoying life again. My adventures included being an extra in a movie, meeting my comedy idol Joan Rivers (twice!), learning to surf and volunteering with children in hospitals.

I can now say that my layoff was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. If you’re stuck in a rut or deeply unhappy, you can benefit from the FUNemployed philosophy, regardless of your employment status.

I’ve shared my FUNemployed philosophy and chronicled my adventures in the ebook FUNemployed: Finding the Upside in the Downturn. Called “inspirational and witty” by reviewers and “a laugh-out loud manifesto for how to live your life” by readers, this ebook is a must read for anyone recovering from a major life setback or who wants to get out of a rut.

The recently published workbook, FUNemployed: The Workbook for Surviving and Thriving in Unemployment, is a step-by-step handbook for what to do from the moment you’re laid off until you return to work. Readers have said they wished they got it as part of their severance package.

I’ve also created a special, member-only interactive program to help you get from dejected, discouraged and unemployed to positive, confident and FUNemployed. Launching in 2013, you’ll benefit from inspiring videos, interviews with FUNemployees, as well as specific tips, tools and exercises.