The Unemployed Life

Laid Off and Learning…to be a DJ

While the kids return to school in the coming weeks, adults impacted by the recession have been returning to the classroom as well. For an increasing number of the recently laid off, unemployment has turned into the chance to explore the creative jobs they dreamed about as a kid.

At local community colleges and private learning centers around the country, the New York Times reports, “hundreds of thousands” of newly unemployed white-collar workers have begun taking advantage of low-cost classes. While many are using the additional schooling as a way to beef up resumes or transition into new careers, an increasing number are checking out the classes simply as a way to pass the time and have a little fun while they wait for a new job in their current profession.

Still wondering what opportunities exist for those with unlimited free time and a steady stream of unemployment checks to fund a foray into fun education? A few ideas:

D.J. School: For anyone who spent hours making mix tapes as a kid, D.J. school has become an exciting place to hear some new music, learn some new skills, and possibly pick up a few side gigs working in nightclubs on the weekend, too. At DubSpot, an electronic music production and D.J. school in Manhattan where five-month courses cost $1,695, enrollment has doubled in the past year, while the number of students attending classes at Scratch DJ Academy, also in New York, has gone up by 18 percent.

Some unemployed workers are taking classes simply as a way to pass the time and have a little fun until a new job comes along.

Cooking Classes: Culinary schools are reporting a surge in interest this year, both from applicants looking to turn cooking into a career and also from individuals and couples interested in saving money by preparing meals at home. Accordingly, the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., has added four additional “Basic Training” boot camp courses—costing $2,095 each—to keep up with student demand. Likewise, overall enrollment is up for those pursuing professional careers in cooking as well. The Institute of Technology in Clovis, Calif., has expanded its facilities to meet the increased demand, for example.

Comedy Classes: Whether it’s the lure of fame and stardom or just the chance to laugh through the pain, the number of wannabe comics lining up to perform at amateur nights at comedy clubs across the country has reportedly skyrocketed since the recession began. At the American Comedy Institute in New York, a three-week stand-up workshop—costing participants $425—sold out this summer, although the club is still accepting students for its next workshop in September.

Bartending School: Enrollment in bartending schools across the country is up this year, thanks in part to bartending being seen as a “recession-proof” job that workers can use as a secondary source of income. According to statistics from the Professional Bartending Schools of America, which provides the curriculum for 36 state-licensed bartending institutes, enrollment is on track to be up 20 percent this year already.

Tags: classes, education, laid off, school, unemployed