# Funployment Unemployment & shortened work hours put focus on enjoyment. By [Shelby Lee Walsh](https://www.trendhunter.com/shelby), President | Published Oct 15, 2009, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/funemployment-with-unemployment-and-shortened-work-hours-people-enjoy-what ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Funployment trend? **Funployment:** In 2009, consumers began to make light of stark economic circumstances. In nearly every industry, people are doing things they would not have been able to while employed full-time. They are seizing travel opportunities, spending quality time with family -- and some are even enjoying poking fun at unemployment. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 19, 2008 to Aug 27, 2009 - Published: Oct 15, 2009 - Last updated: Nov 19, 2009 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Examples of the Funployment trend 8 featured examples from Dec 19, 2008 to Aug 27, 2009. - [Funemployment Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funemployment-irina-blok-crafts-buttons-and-shirts): Irina Blok's Buttons and Shirts Make Fun of Joblessness (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The merchandise industry can benefit from adding humor to the unemployment discussion and creating customized job-seeking products - [Lay Off Greetings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/getting-sacked-condolences-rip-job-cards-at-etsy): RIP Job Cards Offer Condolences For Those Getting Sacked (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The greeting card industry can take advantage of this trend by developing innovative, appropriate sympathy cards for those losing their jobs. - [Paid Tourists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orlando-67-days-of-smiles): $25,000 Job For "67 Days of Smiles" in Orlando up for Grabs (Category: Marketing) Implication: Hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators can tap into the trend by creating packages and experiences tailored to temporary job seekers. - [Chic Recession Editorials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tokion-magazine): Tokion Magazine Features Stylish Unemployed Men (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for fashion brands to create new clothing lines tailored to those affected by a recession or to support unemployed individuals. - [Unemployment Olympics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Jobless-Unemployment-Olympics): Jobless Gather to Blow off Steam in Laid Off Games in NYC (Category: Marketing) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Reimagining event planning services to cater to the specific needs of laid off individuals, offering unique experiences and activities. - [Positive Job Loss Flicks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lemonade-movie): ‘Lemonade' Celebrates the Opportunity of the Recession (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Creating and producing films that portray uplifting stories of individuals overcoming job loss challenges. - [Joking About Joblessness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/layoff-the-game): “Layoff: The Game” Lets You Pick Workers to Be Axed (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for game developers to create entertaining and educational games centered around workplace scenarios. - [University Discounts for Jobless Alums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-johns-tuition-discount): St. John's Gives 50% Off Tuition for Laid-Off Grads (Category: Social Good) Implication: Universities can take advantage of the trend by implementing similar discounted tuition programs to attract and support jobless alumni. ## Themes within the Funployment trend ### Embracing Job Loss The trend of embracing job loss by making light of the situation and finding new opportunities to enjoy life. ### Supportive Services for the Unemployed The trend of providing discounted services, education opportunities, and novelty items to those who have lost their jobs. ### Recession-Era Entertainment The trend of creating entertainment that speaks to the challenges and opportunities of living through a recession. ## What the Funployment trend means for industry ### For Education Businesses in the education industry can consider offering discounted tuition and other support services for those who have lost their jobs. ### For Retail Retail businesses can explore opportunities for creating novelty items that poke fun at difficult economic situations, while still offering a sense of support and humor. ### For Entertainment The entertainment industry can consider creating content that speaks to the challenges and opportunities of living through a recession, while still providing a sense of inspiration and hope. ## Trend signals for Funployment Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 36%, activity 38%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 36% - Activity: 38% - Freshness: 8% ## Recent trend clusters - [Precision Relief](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/age-specific-eye-care) (Lifestyle) - [Texture Mimicry](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/textural-protein-snacks) (Lifestyle) - [Gut Layering](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/digestive-energy-drinks) (Lifestyle) - [Candy Migration](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/holiday-sweet-mashups) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Antioxidant Neck Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peptide-neck-cream) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Fragrant Body Care Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-fridays-body-collection1) - [Fashionable Frozen Yogurts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aritzias-aok-caf) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)