Finding things to do when you’re unemployed can feel quite… weird.
Because your routine has been interrupted, you may find yourself waking up and wondering, what should I do today?
While it’s not hard to find things to do when you’re unemployed (hello Netfilx and job apps), if you’re looking to glow up and step into your next season as a better version of yourself, it’s important to be intentional about your time.
Unemployment is a temporary state and can be the breeding ground for a powerful shift from paycheck into purpose.
Here’s a look at 10 things to do when you’re unemployed to make your situation work for YOU and propel you into greater things.
1. Shift Your Mindset About Being Unemployed
In order to make your season of unemployment work for you, it’s important to cultivate a healthy mindset about your situation. Unemployment is not a death sentence and it can be overcome.
Instead of looking at your situation as a time where you don’t have a job, think of it as a transition period. You’re transitioning into something new and that’s exciting!
Now’s the perfect time to create a vision board, and talk to God about his will for the next season of your life.
2. Dream
When was the last time you allowed yourself to truly dream about your life? Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life can push you further and further away from your imagination, and from your dreams.
What did you dream of when you were a child? Do you still desire that? Are you on a path toward that? Why or why not?
Take time to reflect on the answers to these questions. A season of unemployment is the perfect time to check-in with yourself and reconnect with your dreams.
3. Pray
When was the last time you prayed and sought out God’s divine will for your life? If you’ve fallen away from your prayer life or have never prayed about your life before, now’s the time.
Talk to God about how you feel. Talk to God about what you liked and disliked about your previous role. Talk to God about your desires for the next season. And, don’t forget to ask him to lead and guide you in the way that you should go.
The Bible says,
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye. shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh. findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. – Matthew 7: 7-8 KJV
In other words, seek God and don’t be afraid to ask for what it is you desire. Get your prayin’ on!
4. Read
Now that you have a little more time on your hands, take time to read and feed your mind.
Pick up a book that will help you level up in your industry, a book about something you’ve always wanted to learn about, and a book that everybody’s talking about.
Reading will keep your mind sharp and allow you to learn new things to better yourself as you move toward your next role.
5. Learn A New Language
Language skills are increasingly valuable for job-seekers in today’s market. Knowing even a bit of a foreign language can give you an edge up on the competition when fighting for a role.
There are so many ways to begin learning a new language. Try watching a foreign language TV-show on your TV streaming service and turning on subtitles. You can also take advantage of free applications like Duolingo or Babbel.
Make time each day to practice your skills. ¡Buena Suerte! (good luck in Español).
6. Evaluate Your Finances and Spending Habits
During your season of unemployment, you’ll want to tighten up your budget. While you’re at it, you should take an inventory of your finances and spending habits.
Before you lost your job, how were you tracking toward your financial goals? Did you have any financial goals? What did most of your money go toward?
Audit your financial habits and create a plan for how you will adjust to get through your season of unemployment. This will position you to get on a better track toward your goals when the income starts coming in again.
7. Spend Time with Friends
Spending time with friends while you’re unemployed is essential for your mental health. Your friends can be an incredibly important support system and remind you that you’re not alone.
Try free activities such as “movie nights,” at home spa nights, or even job-searching parties! Allow yourself to let loose and have fun. Time with friends will help you snap out of feeling down about your situation. Time to turn up!
8. Attend In-Person or Virtual Job Fairs/Events in Your Industry
When you’re unemployed, it’s easy to spend most of your time applying for jobs online. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, the truth is, people trust people.
Attending job fairs allows you to meet people hiring in your industry face-to-face. This face time is invaluable.
There may be hundreds of qualified applicants for any given role. But, when a recruiter or hiring manager can put a face to your name, you’ll have a better shot at standing out from the crowd.
9. Evaluate (and potentially revamp) your personal brand
Since you’re likely spending a good bit of time on LinkedIn anyways, spend a few hours taking inventory of your personal brand.
What does your social media presence look like? Have you posted any work accomplishments on LinkedIn lately? Are your profile pictures up to date? How do you appear online?
All of these questions will help you evaluate your personal brand and identify what areas, if any, need to be revamped.
Slide out that cell phone and take a new, fresh profile photo. Write an article on a subject you’re really passionate about, publish it on Medium.com, and share it with your network.
Now that you don’t have to conform to the brand of the company you work for, you can focus on building your own, personal brand and put yourself out there.
10. Exercise
Now, I know what you’re thinking here. Working out is probably the last thing you want to do when you’re unemployed. But, hear me out.
Exercising releases endorphins (feel good hormones) and can be something to look forward to each day. Exercising has so many mental and physical benefits. It’s worth pulling up a YouTube video for 10 minutes a day and breaking a sweat.
If you need a dose of motivation getting started, here are 7 black fitness YouTubers that will help you get snatched.
If you’re going through a season of unemployment, we’d love to pray for you! Share your story with us below and our team will send up prayers for your journey. xoxoxoxo.
