Local woman finds humor in unemployment

WILMINTON, NC (WWAY) — When you lose your job, it’s normal to have feelings of fear, anger, and even depression. One local woman who has been laid off since May has chosen to look at the bright side.

National unemployment is up to 9.8% for the month of November, the highest it’s been since April. Wilmington isn’t too far behind, at 9%.

Less than a year ago, Kathy Stream worked as a communications director for a national association in Wilmington. In May, she was laid off and forced to find new work. After a few months of job searching and no luck, Stream decided to launch a humorous blog that other unemployed people can relate to.

“I wanted it to be sort of like the daily grind of an unemployed wife and mother and writer,” says Stream. “You know, this is what someone’s life looks like who has been laid off.”

The blog is appropriately called Mamma Needs Dough. A professional writer since 1994, Stream knew what her passion was. She says she realized writing stories in the blog no only helped her tap into her creativity, but could also be a great outlet for others who needed someone to relate to.

“You know trying to manage a household and pay bills and doing all of those things you know simultaneously,” says Stream. “I think everyone who is struggling financially could relate to this site.”

As far as advice for others without a job, Stream says laughter truly is the best medicine.