SUNDAY BLOG BRUNCH: THE RECESS ENDS.
(Ed.Note) Welcome to our journey 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 Austin from The Recess Ends.
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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…
Double americano. 2 poached eggs, applewood smoked bacon, fresh oj, crispy hashbrowns, english muffin. anything breakfast related, I’ll eat it.
1. When were you laid off? Or are you employed?
I was laid off in December 2008. I’m employed part time right now. I work for Zipcar and I write for a unique and fresh travel blog called the Matador Network.
2. What did you do?
I worked for an internet startup company. We ran out of money, and we all got laid off.
3. When did you start the blog?
I started http://therecessends.com in January 2009, right before I left on my 50 state journey through the united states.
4. Initial reason for starting the blog?
It was a way for me to stay in contact with my friends and family, and for us to reach out to new people. It was also a source of information for myself.
5. Motivation to continue blogging?
Totally. Blogging allows people to publish content at a super fast rate. Anyone can be a writer. Although, there are advantages and disadvantages to that statement.
6. Do you think blogging about unemployment/the recession will help you find a job?
This is an interesting question. At first, not really. But now, since the project has evolved into something greater than I, writing http://therecessends.com is my resume. It’s what I’ve been doing this last year. It’s merely evidence for myself.
7. What do you want to do next professionally?]
In terms of career, I have no idea. I’m still 26. However, making movies and documentaries, hell yeah.
8. How will your blog change when you rejoin the workforce?
Once my project is done, the blog will be finished. It’s on to the next project/film, whatever that is.
9. What’s new at your blog and where does it go from here?
The newest addition, is our front landing page. Before it was just a blog, now it’s a movie site, with a blog.
10. Why should someone read your unemployment/recession blog over others and/or what makes your perspective special?
Well, I’m not really writing much anymore. Most of my posts are videos and quick webisodes. Most of the video content on the web have the “youtube” style from your computer cams, our videos require a bit more work and editing.
Bonus Questions: Any Final thoughts or words of wisdom for members of The 405 Club?
Final thoughts. I love this section. Go out and get after it. I remember a lot of people telling us our project was impossible, and there is no way we were going to finish on time, nonetheless have a premiere. From idea to premiere, the project took about 9 months. We’re having our premiere on 9/30 in San Francisco, at the Victoria Theatre. With that said, you have an idea? just do it, but take the time to listen and observe. That is one of greatest lessons I’ve learned on this trip!
Thanks so much for joining us Austin. Is there anyway for New Yorkers to catch a glimpse of the movie?
The Black out film festival is having a “recession” themed film festival on 9/19 in NYC. We’re going to be showing a 10 minute short of our film “The Recess Ends” It’s going to be held at:
Visual Arts Theater
333 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011
(8th Avenue & 9th Avenue)






