6 Productive Things You Can Do During Unemployment

• Author: Monica Jackson
• Posted: 2024-01-27

Searching for a job can be challenging, which is why you may spend a long time in employment. Countries globally have been going through challenging economic periods, increasing unemployment by the day. While the period can be frustrating, it doesn’t mean there is no availability of jobs. You don’t have to sit in the house, letting pity engulf you as you stare at the computer daily. Instead, you can do several things during the phase to remain positive as you search for jobs. Here are some of them:
 

Plan Your Days and Weeks and Follow the Schedule

Unemployment is not time to rest. At the same time, it is okay to find some time to relax, spend most of your day on productive activities, and search for a job. Failure to create a schedule will make you waste time on useless things such as watching movies. Making that a routine will demotivate you, disrupt your efforts, and leave you more frustrated.

Adding some structure to your week will motivate you to keep going and contribute to achieving results. Although you don’t have to create a schedule for nine hours daily, committing three to six hours daily to job searching is an excellent way to start. Please choose your preferred time and stick to it.
 

Take Up Temporary Jobs or Become a Freelancer

You can avoid having gaps in your resume by spending time on temporary assignments or freelancing. You will earn some cash while unemployed, feel good about yourself and have something to include on your resume.

The best temporary opportunities you should consider are those that match your professional skills and qualifications. There are several such opportunities since hiring managers prefer giving short-term projects to minimize the learning curve.

You can get freelancing work on various online platforms and enjoy being flexible, choosing the projects you prefer, and creating a personal brand. You can continue working on the projects after getting a job on a part-time basis.
 

Acquire a New Skill

During unemployment, you can spend some time learning a new skill. You can attend a seminar, join an online class, or attend a community college. If there’s a skill you’ve always wanted to learn, this is the right time to do that. You may go for driving, baking, or cooking lessons if that has always been your desire. Who knows? You may use these skills to start a business in the future.
 

Become a Volunteer

Volunteering will provide you with something to include on your resume. It will also be a great way to stay busy, connect with like-minded professionals, and contribute to a good cause. Additionally, you will have more profound gratitude for all your blessings, even during the challenging unemployment period.
 

Get Active

During the unemployment period, you need something to keep you busy after spending time applying for jobs. Exercise! Daily engage in various physical activities such as running, swimming, walking, lifting weights, or yoga. Physical fitness will improve your energy levels and raise your spirits.
 

Keep Yourself Informed

Follow the trending topics and list the organizations you’d like to work for to enable you to find new job opportunities. Many hiring managers get concerned when they find individuals with resume gaps and no first-hand industry knowledge. Hiring managers will position you as a sharp-skilled candidate if they find you know current issues.
 

Remain Connected with the Right People

Unemployment can be challenging if your social circle is your previous workmates. You might not know how to spend your social time during this period and feel disconnected and lonely. Find time to spend with people who matter to you by going to dinner with family, friends, or a club.

Additionally, continue connecting with your professional friends since they might help you land your next job. Connect with professionals on networking events and social platforms since they might provide connections to your next job.

Full-time employment can leave you with no time to focus on the bigger picture of your life. Unemployment is the time you should spend taking stock and re-assessing how and where you spend your money and time. Schedule your days, consider working on temporary projects, exercise, become informed on current matters, and connect with people that matter. That will help you remain active during unemployment, increase your chances of getting another job and keep you away from boredom and frustrations.