You know the cycle. You’re desperate for a job then you get a job and you’re desperate for free time.
Having been in the same situation, I can now encourage you to use the time of unemployment wisely because it won’t last forever even though it feels as if it will.
It is easy to get carried away by social media, chilling with friends, or just plain idling. All that time spent could be used productively to accomplish life goals or used to make the changes that you desire to see in your life.
There are some activities that are easier to do when you have more time on your hand and no daily commitments. Think about goals that you would like to achieve that would be more difficult to accomplish while working a 9-5 job then begin to pursue those goals.
Here are 7 productive things to do while unemployed:
1. Learn extensively about an area of interest
Use the time to learn about something that you have always wanted to know about but just didn’t have the time to study or try.
As you learn more about the topic, you will become more passionate and knowledgeable which can lead to you being an expert in the field. This may even open doors for you because people gravitate towards experts.
Some areas of interest that you can explore are:
- Health and Fitness
- Haircare
- Skincare and Makeup
- Motor vehicles
- Digital Marketing
- Passive income
- Machine learning
- Environmental issues (example: water scarcity)
2. Master a skill
Use this time to master a skill whether related or unrelated to your career.
You can learn to play a musical instrument or practice a sporting activity. Skills such as programming, video editing, graphic design, accounting, and mathematics are in high demand so you can also learn one of those skills to increase your marketability.
You may even choose to start a hobby that is also a skill like crocheting, making candles, or painting.
We often use YouTube for entertainment purposes but you can use it to add to your knowledge and skills. There are also several free online courses that you can take whether at Coursera, Udemy, or other websites.
These will keep you occupied, build your confidence, and even add to you professionally.
3. Start a business
Instead of waiting for someone to provide a job for you, you can start a business. You can take advantage of online resources to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for this venture.
You can leverage the same skills that you acquired through formal education or through free online courses to start a business. You can even teach what you already know via YouTube videos or by creating an online course.
You can also use websites such as Udemy or Teachable to create and sell your courses.
4. Learn to manage stress
Work can be stressful but if you develop good habits you can keep your stress levels low. So start practising good time management, learn about smart money management and incorporate wellness practices in your day.
Take some time to learn how to really rest and relax. Make sure you cultivate healthy eating and sleeping habits as well as a physical activity routine.
Find out what works best for you to keep you healthy with minimum stress.
5. Spend time with God
Some jobs are demanding and they may consume a lot of your time. Needless to say, it is much more difficult to spend time with God when you have a job since most of the daylight hours are spent getting ready for work, doing the actual job and commuting.
But when you’re unemployed, you tend to have a lot of time on your hands. So use your free time to strengthen your relationship with God.
Quality time spent with God is invaluable and should not be neglected because it refreshes the soul and fills the voids.
Now that you have the free time, reserve a portion of it for quality time with the Creator. Spend that time reading the Bible so you can get to know God better, understand His will, gain wisdom, and allow Him to speak to you and lead you.
If you want to learn more about having quiet time with God, you can read more by clicking here.
Related Article: How to Have Quiet Time with God
6. Prepare for interviews
Interviews are a requirement of most 9-5 jobs so use this time to prepare for that. Do a search for the most popular interview questions and practice answering them. You can also brainstorm other questions that you think are likely to be asked and start thinking about suitable responses.
Once you start doing interviews, it is wise to write the questions that were asked as well as your response. Then you can look back and assess your responses and make improvements where necessary.
This will help you to be more prepared for the next interview if the previous one was not successful. You can also assist a friend or relative with preparing for his/her interview since you will be more aware of the process and questions.
7. Apply for Jobs
One of the most productive things you can do while unemployed is apply for jobs.
Don’t limit your applications to what is advertised. If there is a company that you would love to work for, go ahead, and send an application to that company. You never know what will happen.
Sometimes when a vacancy becomes available, companies will call you and schedule an interview if they have your resume. So send your resume to companies that you would like to work with or companies that share your values.
Bonus: #8 Practise Self-Care
You cannot be truly productive if you’re not healthy. Your health is one of your most valuable assets. So make sure you prioritize self-care daily.
Self-care is so much more than having a good skin-care routine or getting a manicure and pedicure. It’s taking a proactive approach towards your health and well-being.
Here are 7 easy self-care ideas that you can do at home even if you’re on a budget.
Takeaway
This season of unemployment may be long but use it wisely because it won’t last forever even if it feels that way.
So make time to focus on a few or all of the things on the list above. The good thing is that you can take action on most of them even if you are low on funds.
Are you unemployed now? Comment below and let me know how you spend your free time and if you will be taking action on any of the suggestions.