An Argument for Guaranteed Income

As luck would have it, I find myself unemployed this summer for the first time, really, ever. I have always been a hard worker, and for better or worse, I have always taken pride and a sense of purpose from work. So, when I first lost my job, I was worried that if I didn't find a job quickly, not only would my bank accounts dissolve, but my mental health would as well.

What a surprise it has been that neither of those things have come to pass. I am definitely living more frugally; unemployment is paying only 35% of what I was previously earning, so I've had to cut back on a lot of things. However, I am probably healthier, happier, and more productive than I have ever been.

I suddenly find myself overflowing with inspiration and creativity. I am creating art, making jewelry, writing the novel I've always wanted to write but never had time to sit down and write. The biggest and most exciting of which is of course, Therapy Rocks and Social Work Roles. A dream that I have had since I first decided to become a Social Worker over ten years ago, is finally beginning to take shape and become reality.

The moral of the story is that with just a little time and a guaranteed income, I'm making my dreams come true. At the same time, I could create something really needed for the community and the world. I am not working less; in fact, I'm working more than I did before. However, I'm working on things I love that bring me joy and meaning.

Imagine what people could and would create if they had guaranteed income, or the ability to take a summer off every once in a while. It has done wonders for me. Therapy Rocks was always just supposed to be the starting line, a launching-off place. But now I see it as so much more than that. Dream big or go home!