Unemployed? 65 Things to Do While You Search for Your Next Role

Summary

The web content offers 65 activities for unemployed individuals to engage in during their job search, emphasizing the importance of balancing job hunting with personal well-being and self-improvement.

Abstract

The article "Unemployed? 65 Things to Do While You Search for Your Next Role" suggests that those in between jobs should view this period as an opportunity for personal growth and rejuvenation rather than solely focusing on the job search. It recommends a variety of activities ranging from starting new hobbies, volunteering, and learning new skills, to more reflective tasks like journaling and meditation. The author, who has experienced job loss, advocates for using this time to invest in oneself, maintain mental and physical health, and keep the mind sharp, all while keeping an eye on the job market. The article encourages a balanced approach to job searching, stressing that constant rejection can be detrimental to one's confidence and well-being.

Opinions

The author believes that job searching should not be a full-time job, as it can lead to burnout and diminished confidence due to rejection.
Engaging in a variety of activities during unemployment is seen as an investment in personal well-being and an antidote to the negative effects of job market rejection.
The time between jobs is reframed as a "gift of freedom and time," which should be used wisely for self-improvement and exploration of new interests.
The article suggests that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial, even when not employed, and that this balance can be achieved through diverse and enriching activities.
It is implied that taking breaks from the job search to engage in enjoyable or fulfilling activities can actually benefit the job search itself by keeping the individual refreshed and motivated.

Discover delightful ways to enjoy your hiatus

So you’re here, in between jobs. Either you got that ominous phone call (or Zoom meeting) that said, “Today’s your last day with the company,” or you got fed up with the stress and nonsense and decided to walk away to find something that offers you a healthy work-life balance. Either way, you’re now faced with blocks of free time you didn’t have before.

Job hunting these days is almost a full-time job, but hear me out: you will burn out faster than you did at your job if you make job searching your full-time job. Nothing drains your energy faster than being rejected and ghosted after putting so much effort into your applications and interviews.

No matter how mentally strong you are or how high your self-esteem is, bombarding yourself with rejection letters and staying hyper-focused on the job market is a recipe for diminished confidence. It’s not good for your mental or physical health, either.

You must balance the return on investment against the time and energy you’re spending on endless job-searching activities with doing things that are an investment in your well-being.

I’m not just talking about taking 10-minute breaks from the computer to stretch.

I am talking about investing in your life while you have this precious gift of freedom and time.

After getting my last employer's layoff notice, I reframed my thinking from “I lost my job” to “I gained my freedom.” When you think about it, this time you have between jobs is freedom. Whether your freedom lasts six weeks or six months, why not make the best of it?

Here are 65 things you can do with this gift of time!

plant a garden

start a new hobby

volunteer somewhere

increase your walking steps — get outside more!

start a new exercise routine — learn yoga, Qi Gong, Zumba, or racquetball

read all the books you haven’t had time for

visit friends and family

go camping

clean out your contact list — you just might remember a contact that can lead you to your next interview

take that vacation you’ve been saving for

take an online course

get certified in something, even if it has nothing to do with your career

take lessons — guitar, watercolor, painting, dancing!

start your side hustle — it’s clear you need one, right?

assess your investments and retirement plan; make adjustments

declutter your home, basement, or garage

then have a yard sale

start writing your memoir

learn to cook a new recipe

clean out your Inbox

organize your digital photos

start your bucket list

play board games or card games

do puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, Wordle — keep your mind sharp

adult coloring books

change your hair color or hairstyle

set up a little free library in your community

join a local board or attend board meetings in your community

fix all the broken things you’ve been putting off

paint a room in your house or all the rooms

rearrange the furniture

clean the fridge and pantry and restock with healthier foods

donate books to the library

babysit or petsit for a friend

write letters or email old friends

catch up with long-lost friends over coffee

begin a meditation practice (here's a good book to get you started)

watch documentaries

deep clean your rugs and carpets

visit all the local museums, zoos, arboretums, parks near you

write a letter forgiving someone (maybe your old boss?); trash or burn it

start journaling

start a gratitude journal

clean the inside of the oven

organize your recipes

detail your car

get a new pet

take your dog to obedience classes

raise awareness for a cause you care about

plan your dream vacation

rent an RV and visit National Parks

make a vision board

identify your core values

write a short story, poem, or song

start birdwatching

get all your personal documents updated

meet with your financial advisor and update your financial goals

clean out your closet

mentor someone

interview a grandparent, aunt, or uncle; take good notes about your family history

coordinate a mastermind group

participate in a local cleanup — river, park, highway

practice random acts of kindness

learn to pay attention and cultivate mindfulness

do things the slow way: wash your dishes by hand, hang your clothes on the line, change your own oil, take baths instead of showers, walk places instead of drive

With a mindset shift, you can view this time between jobs as an opportunity to invest in yourself and others while maintaining a fresh perspective as you search for your next career opportunity.