With the desks around me clearing out more quickly than an MP can get his moat cleaned, it is time to wonder if those being let go are the lucky ones.

Common sense dictates that there is something to be said for not having a job. But the problem with common sense is that one never knows exactly what it is that can be said.

Time to collate a (non-comprehensive) list of pros and cons for being in and out of a job.

Bankside

• Money - Even leaving aside the now-universally-frowned-upon B-word, a base salary (the other B-word) is nice to have. Getting paid for showing up and for simply having to endure office politics in the times of the crunch is a luxury fewer and fewer people have.
• The Big B - In all likelihood, a smaller b this year, but nonetheless nice to have. At the end of the day, the repayments for your interest-only mortgage have to come from somewhere.
• Benefits - Added to this list only to have something going for having a job that is not in cash.
• A  Career - Do you believe that those who have stayed in their jobs during these harsh times will come out on top? If you really believe this, then you should stay in your job. If they let you. Many people don't have a choice.
• The Cute Assistant - If you have one of these at home, stay there.

Homeside

• Time With the Family - Ever wondered how much fun a baby massage class is? Or toddler swimming? Fancy finding out? Don't blame us if it's not as much fun as you thought. Because that swimming lesson has more and more dads joining nowadays.
• Cheap Lunch Deals - The lack of regular income may be an issue, but there are a plethora of lunch deals to take advantage of. The great thing about a recession is that everybody, including restaurants, are struggling.
• Bringing Down Your Handicap - Bummer if you get laid off in October, because then your swing will be honed in the rain and the divots will be large clumps of mud. Still, there are a few months left.
• Travelling - Apparently, one can live rather cheaply in other parts of the world. Odds are you are not missing out on great banking opportunities for a little while, so you might as well sit on that beach in Bali.
• "Do What You Always Wanted to Do" - Unfortunately, you need to figure out what this is. But now is the time to do so. If it turns out that you always wanted to be a spreadsheet monkey in banking, though, there might be a bit of an issue.

Here Is The Writer : Billy No Box

Billy No Box has worked in the city for six years, and currently works in Derivatives for a North American bank. He enjoys playing golf, reading books by Umberto Eco, singing "Copacabana" in the shower and at karaoke bars, and occasionally updating his blog about London and everything else.

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