50 Things To Do While Unemployed: How to Stay Productive Without a Job

Unemployment can be a very difficult situation for someone. It can slowly eat away at your self-esteem and begin to make you feel like a “failure” at life. It especially hurts when you are already struggling financially and need to find a solution as soon as possible.

It can often become a vicious, self-fulfilling cycle. We feel bad about ourselves because we don’t have a job, so we lose energy and motivation to search for a job, and that just feeds into us feeling worse and worse, and trying less and less.

It’s not easy, but one way to reframe “unemployment” is that it’s an opportunity to begin to set a new direction for your life. It opens you to find a new job or career that better suits you, and it also gives you extra time and energy to begin focusing on self improvement and building better habits in your life.

This list is a mix of two types of suggestions: 1) Advice that will improve the job-hunting process and make you a more attractive candidate, and 2) Advice that will make you a better and more balanced person overall.

Remember, just because you’re unemployed doesn’t mean you can’t be motivated and productive with your day. Here are some activities you can do to keep the energy flowing and make the most of your time while unemployed.

1. Write your resume (or update it) – First things first, write your resume if you haven’t already. Make sure to include your most recent work experience, educational background, contact information, relevant links, and any volunteer/community activities that may be worth noting. Search Google for “resume templates” if you have no idea how to format it, but don’t over-think it. Try your best to keep it one page long.

2. Write a cover letter for every job you apply to – When you apply for a job, always attach a cover letter to your resume. This is typically 3-4 short paragraphs describing your interest in the job and why you think you’d be a good fit there. Make sure to have someone proof-read it for any spelling or grammar errors. And consider having someone else look it over for professional feedback.

3. Identify your core strengths – One of the most important things when it comes to finding a job that best suits you is to identify your core strengths. Step back and ask yourself, “What types of things am I good at? What are my natural strengths?” Take a moment to write them down. Ask your family and friends for their perspective too (they may see things in you that you often over-look).Then ask yourself, “What types of available jobs would best fit these strengths?”

4. Be aware of your flaws and weaknesses – No one is perfect. It’s sometimes just as important to be aware of what may be considered a “flaw” or “weakness” that you have. What are you typically “bad” at? What type of work do you usually not enjoy (and why)? If you can identify what types of jobs you absolutely DON’T want, that’s going to make it easier to filter them out of your decision-making process (assuming you have the choice).

5. Search for job opportunities online – Check out sites like Indeed.com, Linked In, Monster.com, or Career Builder to search for jobs in your area. Make sure to complete your profile on whichever sites you choose and upload a resume so employers can reach out to you if there’s a good fit.

6. Practice mock interviews with friends and family – The interview process can be one of the most important stages of landing a new job. Try to find a good friend or family member to do “mock interviews” with you, where they pretend to be the employer and ask you questions to see if you are a good fit. This type of role-playing can help improve your social skills before going into the actual interview.

7. Ask family and friends if they know of any opportunities – Knowing the right people is still one of the best ways to find a new job and get accepted. Don’t underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned asking your friends and family if they know of anybody. Perhaps they have an available opening for you where they currently work, or know a friend who is looking for someone to hire, or they can just keep their ear-to-the-ground if they hear of anything.

8. Build up your social media and online network – Having a strong online presence, especially one that is relevant to your skills and career, is a fantastic way to find new opportunities and connect with new people. Places like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are all great avenues to connect with like-minded people, get advice and tips, and find opportunities for employment or collaboration.

9. Consider going back to school or taking an online course – Another effective way to spend your time while unemployed (especially if you can afford it or receive financial assistance), is to continue your formal education. This could mean going back to college to get a more advanced degree (such as a Masters or Ph.D), or taking online courses to improve your skills in a certain area (especially if its something that is accredited and worthy of adding to your resume).

10. Get a haircut and new clothes – Here’s a more psychological tip: get yourself a nice make-over. A new haircut and new clothes can give you that extra boost of confidence and extra pep in your step that can bring a new energy into the job search and job interviews. Feeling good about yourself is always important.

11. Go to the gym and exercise more – Take advantage of any extra free-time you have by focusing on developing healthy habits, like exercising and dieting. If you can start building these into consistent habits now, then they will be more likely to carry over once you find a job. For starters, adopt an “everything counts” mindset and find small opportunities to exercise more, such as doing a few push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks every morning. Or going for a small walk every morning.

12. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule – While it may be tempting to use this unemployment time like a vacation and stay up late playing video games or watching TV, it’s important that you maintain a healthy sleep schedule to keep your energy levels high and stay on a consistent routine. Sleep is the most important habit when it comes to both our physical and mental health, so don’t underestimate the impact of a good night’s rest.

13. Take advantage of public libraries and resources – Often local governments provide a lot of helpful resources to help people find jobs, including helping out with things like writing resumes, filling out applications, and job hunting. Reach out to your local library or job board to see what resources they have available to you. You may be able to receive some free consulting as well.

14. Apply for unemployment benefits – If you are really struggling financially, don’t hesitate to apply for unemployment benefits, food stamps, or financial assistance. Everyone goes through periods where they need help sometimes, and keep in mind this is just a temporary phase that you’ll eventually overcome in the near future. For now, do what is best for you and your family!

15. Re-budget your monthly expenses – It might be necessary to temporarily cut back on certain expenses and re-budget to fit your new financial situation. What are you paying for monthly that you don’t need? What are some cheaper alternatives for your phone bill or cable bill? How can you save more with grocery shopping (buying cheaper alternatives)? What about going out to eat less? Make a plan to go through all of your expenses and find areas where you can save more.

16. Develop a “side hustle” – Now may also be a good opportunity to turn some of your free-time into a side hustle. What are some part-time jobs or freelance projects that you could pursue? Repairing computers? Selling arts and crafts? Babysitting? Dog walking? Cleaning? Bartending? Just because you haven’t yet found your new full-time job or career doesn’t mean you can’t start working NOW to bring in some extra cash. (You might be able to maintain your side hustle even after you find your new job).

17. Sell/donate stuff you don’t need or want – Now may also be a good time to do a big tidying marathon and find any old items you want to get rid of. You can sell things you don’t want on Ebay, Amazon, or Craigslist (or have a garage sale!) If you’re feeling generous, considering donating some of your old stuff (especially toys or clothes) to a charity.

18. Start an online portfolio for creative work – If you want to pursue a creative career in something related to art, music, film, or writing, it’s important to start building a portfolio for your work online. The more stuff you create, the more you can share with potential employers or people who want to collaborate with you. This is one of the best ways to share your work, get feedback, improve yourself, and connect with like-minded individuals (plus potential job opportunities!)

19. Do some traveling (if you can) – If you’re lucky enough to be in a position where money isn’t an immediate concern, then consider taking this extra time to do some traveling, experience new cultures, and broaden your experiences. Very few of us get opportunities to explore the world, so if it’s possible for you, then now may be the perfect time to do it. It’s one of those things you likely won’t regret doing years later.

20. Read more books – Just because you no longer go to school doesn’t mean the learning process ends. Use your free time wisely by reading more books, especially about educational topics that you want to learn more about. Become a more balanced person by reading more books about a wide-range of subjects such as biology, economics, finance, psychology, and social science.

21. Consider internships and temporary jobs – Internships (preferably paid, but also free ones) can be a great opportunity to get hands-on experience and add more credibility to your resume. Sometimes you need to take a few “small jobs” before you can achieve the career you really want in the long-term. Internships are a great stepping stone because you get in-job experience, plus you get to be around people who have already achieved success in their field (and you can learn a lot from them!).

22. Volunteer work – Volunteering at a local charity or community organization is another great way to build up your resume while you are unemployed. You also get valuable experience working with others, learning new things, and providing value to an organization. Employers also love to see that you give back to your community and have a genuine interest in helping others.

23. Write a blog – Blogging is another way you can show employers that you are self-driven and can keep yourself productive even while unemployed. Blogging can also become a type of “online resume” if you can show off your skills, knowledge, and expertise in subjects that are related to your career and professional goals. (For example, this site has opened me up to a range of new opportunities, including landing a small book deal with an independent publisher).

24. Learn a new language – Knowing a second language can be a tremendous asset with certain jobs (especially customer service). Consider using your extra free-time to learn a popular second language in your country that can add professional value to your resume (such as learning Spanish if you live in the United States). It takes time to learn, but it could pay tremendous dividends in your future!

25. Stay social – Make sure you stay connected with your family and friends while unemployed. Sometimes it can be easy to fall into a “loneliness trap” when you are feeling down, and not want to go out anywhere, but maintaining a social life is important for your mental health and well-being. Staying social can also indirectly open you up to new job opportunities if you are meeting new people and networking.

26. Attend local job fairs – Most areas have job fairs on a seasonal basis. Try to find out when one is happening in your area and make it a plan to attend. Make sure you also print out copies of your resume to hand out to any potential employers. And also use this as an opportunity to network and make new connections with like-minded people.

27. Follow current events – This is more of a social tip, but being up-to-date on current news and events can be good “conversation fodder” while networking or just hanging out with new people. It’ll also make you come off more intelligent and well-rounded.

28. Consider moving somewhere new – Our jobs are often one of the main things that keep us tied to where we live. If you’ve just recently been fired or find yourself unemployed, now may be the perfect time to consider moving to a completely new place. If you have nothing keeping you where you are, a hard reset can be a great way to shake up your life and start anew.

29. Rent out a room in your apartment/house – If you have an extra room where you live, renting it out to someone is a possible option for making some extra cash while you’re unemployed. Of course this depends on many other living factors, including who you live with, what types of roommates you could find, how long they will stay for, etc. But it’s something worth thinking about it if it’s available to you.

30. Cook at home more often – Eating out is one of those luxury expenses that can really add up over time. Practice cooking more for yourself. Search for recipes online for cheap meals. Find meals you can make in bulk that you can heat up throughout the week (soups, casseroles, chili, lasagna, etc.) Over time, finding ways to make cheap meals at home can save you a lot of money in the long-term.

31. Build your confidence and self-esteem – Now is a great time to build a mental health routine and work on your inner confidence. Practice using mental tools like affirmations, reframing beliefs, or power-posing (especially before a job interview or networking event). Even just a simple 5 minute routine in the morning (before you jump in the shower) can begin to change your attitude and mindset in a significant way.

32. Take a workshop and learn a new skill – There are many ways you can continue your education and improve your skillset while unemployed. Consider taking a workshop in something you want to improve yourself in, such as programming, visual design, photography, or marketing. Building on “secondary skills” can actually make you standout to future employers. In fact, a jack of all trades, master of none perspective can make you more valuable than only specializing in one skill. Keep yourself well-rounded and always open to expanding your skillset.

33. Practice meditation – Meditation is becoming one of those essential habits that’s just as important as exercise, diet, and sleep. Schedule just 10-15 minutes in your day to do a quick 100 Breaths Meditation. It will increase your relaxation and focus, which can have a positive spill-over effect into almost every other area of your life (including the job hunt!)

34. Spend more time with nature – Time with nature has been associated with many mental health benefits, including minimize stress and anxiety, and boosting positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and awe. Trying pay more attention to everyday nature in your life. Take a step back to enjoy it and appreciate it. Try watching a nature documentary too for an extra lift in mood.

35. Limit time watching TV or playing video games – A little relaxation and leisure is good for you, but don’t get caught wasting all of your time watching TV, playing video games, or doing “unproductive activities.” Unemployment doesn’t have to be synonymous with “laziness” or “doing nothing.” It’s still up to you to make the most of your time each day and keep moving in the right direction!

36. Spend more time with family – Family is one of the most important things in life that gives us a sense of meaning and belonging. Often times the busy-ness of our lives (especially our jobs) can be one of the main forces that takes us away from spending more time with family. So one healthy way to spend some extra free-time is to spend more time having family dinners and doing things together, especially if you have children. If your parents live out of state, now may also be a good time to take a short vacation and go see them for a few days.

37. Pursue hobbies you never had the chance to before – Consider starting a new hobby just for fun. Maybe you always wanted to play guitar, or paint, or write poetry, or build things? A creative hobby is great for your happiness and well-being, and it’ll also lead to you learning new skills and becoming a more balanced person overall.

38. Learn about body language – Social skills are one of the most important skills to cultivate in life, especially when it comes to finding a new job or career. Now may be a good time to sharpen some of your communication skills by learning more about body language. Body language ( or nonverbal communication) makes up a huge portion of what we communicate to others (often without us even realizing it), so it’s important to be more aware of what your body is saying to others, as well as how to better read other people’s body language.

39. Take an improvisation class – Improvisation is a great exercise to improve your social skills and communication skills. Often our conversations unfold spontaneously, so being able to adapt to what people say and do in the moment is crucial to being a more socially intelligent person. Check out a few improvisation exercises here that you can try out with family and friends, or consider joining an improvisation class.

40. Improve your emotional intelligence – Emotional intelligence is increasingly becoming an important part of today’s workforce. Companies are paying more attention to job candidates that are more “emotionally intelligent,” which means they are skilled at managing the everyday emotional landscape of life. Emotional intelligence includes 4 main components: 1) Self-awareness (“understanding your own emotions”), 2) Self-regulation (“being able to manage your own emotions and not react impulsively”), 3) Empathy (“understanding other people’s emotions”), and 4) Social skills (“being able to appropriately respond to other people’s emotions).

41. Cut out bad habits – Bad habits can often stick with us for a lifetime because they are so hard to overcome and we do them so effortlessly. While unemployed, it might be smart to dedicate some extra time and energy toward getting rid of at least one of your bad habits (such as smoking, drinking, or eating junk food). Changing habits always requires a degree of willpower (which is why we should only focus on one big change at a time). Unemployment could be the perfect chance to invest some extra energy toward self-improvement.

42. Donate blood or plasma – Another valuable use of your time could be donating blood or plasma (the latter of which you can sometimes make some extra cash doing).

43. Be persistent. Play the “numbers game” – One of the biggest deciding factors in whether or not you will find a new job is persistence. Always keep a lookout for new opportunities. Apply everywhere you possibly can. Follow-up with everyone after you submit your application or after a job interview. Finding a job is often a “number’s game,” the more you put yourself out there and apply, the more likely you are to find something.

44. Be patient with yourself – While you want to stay ambitious and motivated, keep in mind the importance of having patience too. Patience is the understanding that things often take time to work themselves out. There are likely many obstacles you will have to overcome while searching for a new job, but that’s all part of the process. Keep that in mind and it’ll be easier for you to endure the more difficult and stressful times.

45. Take responsibility. Don’t get caught throwing a “pity party” – It’s all-too-easy to fall into a negative cycle when you are unemployed, where you begin to blame the entire world for your problems. You stopping putting in any effort or taking responsibility for your situation, because you’re too busy feeling sorry for yourself and bemoaning the fact that you may have been dealt a bad hand. While it’s true that the world isn’t always fair – at the end of the day, you have to cancel the pity party and take responsibility if you ever want to make a change to your life.

46. Change your environment – Your daily surroundings can have a very subtle but significant impact on your mood and attitude. Find ways to change your environment to make it more positive, motivating, and inspiring to you. Start at home. Re-arrange the furniture. Focus on colors you like. Find inspiring objects, paintings, or quotes to put on the walls. Add plants to each room. Keep things clean and organized. Find ways to make your environment feed you energy rather than suck you of energy.

47. Imagine your future self – Now is the time to think long-term about your life. Take a few minutes to imagine your ideal future self. What would their life look like? What types of things would they be doing on a daily basis? How can you take this vision and begin implementing it into your current daily routine? Finding tiny ways to act more like your “future self” is the gateway toward becoming your “future self.”

48. Get yourself a coach/mentor – Depending on where you are in life, a coach/mentor could be a fantastic way to keep yourself motivated and hold yourself accountable as you try to improve yourself or find a new job/career. A motivation coach (such as myself) can give you step-by-step advice on what you need to do next, and provide encouragement and feedback for you throughout the entire process. Don’t underestimate the importance of having a loyal coach who has your back and wants to see you succeed – that can often be the extra nudge people need to make a breakthrough in their lives.

49. Identify key “role models” to look up to – All successful people “stand on the shoulders of giants” by learning from successful people who came before them. If you really want to advance your career and professional life, make a list of role models that you can look up to and be inspired by. Try categorizing them based on specific traits you admire about them, such as “Confidence,” “Kindness,” “Creativity,” “Motivation,” etc. You can then re-visit this list as use it as a resource to be motivated by whenever you need an extra boost.

50. Believe “I got this” – Your beliefs can’t be underestimated when it comes to any area in life. It’s fundamentally important that you believe in yourself and believe that you can find a new job (even if you don’t necessarily know when). Often our beliefs about ourselves can become a self-fulfilling prophecy where our beliefs influence our actions, and the results we get out of life. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.

Conclusion

These are all great tips and advice if you are unemployed.

The main purpose of this article is to show you the many ways you can keep yourself productive even if you don’t currently have a job. Some of them may resonate with you more than others, but keep in mind these are all just suggestions and not things you necessarily have to do.

I recommend choosing 3-5 that click with you the most and putting them on your “to do” list. You can also save this article and go back to it when you are looking for new ideas.

Good luck with your job search! I know it can seem very stressful and difficult at times, but you will come out of it a better person in the end. Be patient with yourself and keep moving forward…

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