I'm Learning to Laugh at Myself!

by Tim
(Chicago)

Goodbye to My Pinstriped Suit, My Silk Tie, My Italian Shoes, My Dignity and My Career and Hello To the Funny Side!

Eight months ago I lost my job as a financial executive, and it has been a difficult time for me and my family, as it has been - and is - for millions of Americans.

For many months I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do. I am a middle-aged white collar man who has had his life transformed.

Then six weeks ago, my 22 year old son-in-law, a self-described "slacker", sent me the photo above in an email.

He entitled it "Before and After: My Unemployed Dad In Law" and wrote: "That's you on the left - the way you used to be! But it's time to face facts! On the right is a job for you now - Horn Playing Homeless Beggar. You might have to dumb yourself down, but I like you better without the suit! Now you're a slacker like me!"

He then sent me follow-up emails with suggestions such as "Throw your razor away and grow a beard"

I must admit that I didn't see the humor at all. I was already humiliated and now I was having my face rubbed in it. The impeccably dressed gentleman on the left looks very much like I once did, my former self. The man on the right - well - hopefully I don't yet look like that!

Then, with my wife's help, I realized that I had lost all perspective. I was finally able to laugh at my own situation and stop taking myself quite so seriously.

The addition of humor has allowed me to see my situation more clearly. Hope has returned.

When I asked my son-in-law why he had chosen that photo, he said "I picked a job where you're barefoot"

Barefoot? Why?

"When you used to be well-dressed, I always had my eye on your expensive shoes - but I can't afford them. This way I get all your shoes, and your ties, your socks and your suits. I won't be a slacker all my life!"

Why did my daughter choose him....