(Ed.Note) Welcome to the newest feature on The 405 Club… A look into the world of recession blogs! The 405 Club wants to get personal via 10 questions with our favorite fellow bloggers who are documenting the recession and unemployment firsthand.

This week’s blogging brunch companion is Jen Doll of Your Unemployed Daughter.

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Intro Question: First off, thank you for joining us for Sunday Blog Brunch - what will you be having for brunch? Don’t worry, it’s on us since this isn’t real and all…

Eggs Florentine, with lots and lots of coffee, skim milk and Splenda, please.

Now to the real juicy stuff…

1. When were you laid off? Or are you employed?

I was laid off on May 11, 2009.  Around 6 pm on a night we were closing that issue of the magazine (and had quite a ways to go), along with the EIC and 5 others, which shows just how little the publisher knew about getting things done.  It was dramatic.  And, yes, I am still a bit bitter, though it comes and goes.

2. What did you do? (what do you do?)

I was the managing editor of a tabloid weekly.  Now I freelance edit, write, and blog.  And go to the gym, and drink.

3. When did you start the blog?

Pretty much right after I got canned, at least conceptually. My first post (my “About Me” page) was 5/18.

4. Initial reason for starting the blog?

I wanted to document what was happening to me (and others), particularly in the magazine industry, which is going through quite the upheaval.  The entire concept of lay-offs, work, and (un)employment, I feel, is at a crossroads.  I also just wanted to write more, after several years of managing schedules and bossing people around with little creative output. And I thought it would be nice to learn more about “web stuff.”

5. Motivation to continue blogging?

It’s fun.  And I seem to have some readers who seem to like what I’m doing…and other writers. 

6. Do you think blogging about unemployment/the recession will help you find a job?

I’m somewhat conflicted on this because a lot of what my blog does is take the piss out of employers and corporate bullshit, which can’t be good when you want them to hire you.  Then again, at least blogging is a good writing sample, and I’ve learned a lot about WordPress and web content managment.  So, yes and no? 

7. What do you want to do next professionally?

Something that combines writing, web, and content management, where I don’t have to wear a suit, can get up at 9 am or later, and can be creative.  Or, simply freelance and make enough money to pay my rent and my wine bill, and spend the rest of my time blogging.  I was in the “rat race” for 10 years, so maybe a little break is a good thing. I’m certainly not jumping to apply for everything I see on mediabistro.com.

8. How will your blog change when you rejoin the workforce?

I’m not sure.  I’ve had in-office projects post-lay-off for up to 3 weeks at a time, and frequently I’m on a freelance deadline, and I keep blogging.  I tell people that unemployment is a state of mind.  I’m certainly not going to put myself in the situation I was in—working 17 hour days, underappreciated and underpaid—ever again.  So, YUD may be here to stay, regardless of my individual job situation.  Plus, it’s a voice for the rest of us, who don’t feel like starting their own blogs.

9. What’s new at your blog and where does it go from here?

Well, my dad reads my blog, and contributes to it (it’s YourUnemployedDaughter.com, so I think he feels a stake in it.)  However, I’ve struggled a bit with how much “sexy time” writing to put up there.  I mean, I do date and go out a lot…and I think that’s an integral part of the “unemployed girl in the city lifestyle,” and yet—I don’t want my dad to think I’m a hooker.  Nor do I want that of his friends, who he touts the blog to.  So…I’ve slowly started revealing more.  Also, more outside content: I have a guy who’s an American living in Australia, about to move to London, where he will look for a job—and document his success, or lack thereof. Continued “Unemployment Lookbook” entries and “Things Getting Me Through Unemployment.”   Other wacky things that I don’t even know right now.

10. Why should someone read your unemployment/recession blog over others and/or what makes your perspective special?

I’m a pretty good writer. And if I’m writing about it, it’s probably something mildly interesting.

Bonus Question: Any Final thoughts or words of wisdom for members of The 405 Club?

Don’t get too down.  There is funny shit out there, and if you’re unemployed, you have more time to enjoy it.  And that ancient chestnut is true: Things happen for a reason.

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A huge thanks to Jen Doll, writer of Your Unemployed Daughter.  Be sure to check out her blog [here].