Manage Time Effectively While Unemployed

When you’re unemployed, sometimes a day can feel like an eternity. If you just lost your job, you may suddenly find yourself with a ton of extra free time, and you may not be entirely sure what to do with it all. But just because you’re unemployed, it doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of work you can do! Take control of your day so you can better manage your newfound freedom to work on improving yourself and finding a job that really interests you.

Steps

Job Hunting

  1. Make a schedule and spend about 3-5 hours a day job hunting. Take charge of your search efforts by deciding how much time you want to spend looking for jobs. Schedule the time on your calendar to help organize your days. Dedicate at least 25 hours of each week to activities that will help get you hired such as finding available jobs, applying to job postings, networking with people who may have job leads, and interviews.[1]
    • Spending too much time searching for jobs can be overly stressful and counterproductive, but spending too little time may not land you a decent job. 25 hours a week is about the same amount of time as a part-time job.
    • Copy and paste details about the job such as the name of the company, the title of the position, the salary or pay, and the application requirements into a Word doc or a spreadsheet. You could also write down the info in a notebook you keep dedicated to tracking job listings.
  2. Update your resume before you start job hunting. Make sure your work history is up to date and your accomplishments and education are listed. Let your experience shine through by placing it at the top of your resume so it’s easier for recruiters or hiring managers to quickly evaluate your resume. You can also tailor your resume for specific jobs by including more relevant information and removing details that aren’t as relevant.[2]
    • For instance, if you’re applying for an office manager position, your resume could say that you’re proficient in Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, whereas you may not need to mention those details for a restaurant manager position.
    • If you don’t have a resume, or it’s been a long time since you’ve used one, no sweat. You can make one from scratch that will highlight your experience and qualifications.
  3. Make sure your LinkedIn is up to date and professional-looking. LinkedIn can be a super valuable job hunting resource, so update your profile with a sharp-looking profile picture. Make sure your “About” section is current and written in first person (use “I” instead of third-person pronouns like “he” or “she”). Double check your work experience section to make sure it’s current and add any new skills to your profile that you may have forgotten to list before.[3]
    • You want your LinkedIn to make it look like you’re tech-savvy and a great potential employee.
    • If you don’t have a LinkedIn, no worries! You can easily make one, and it shouldn’t take you more than half an hour. But it really could come in handy on your job hunt.
  4. Research job boards and social media for job postings. Check out online job boards on sites like Craigslist and on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Search through online job-seeking platforms like Indeed or Monster.com for open positions in your industry that you can apply for.[4]
    • Sites like LinkedIn, Monster.com, and Indeed allow you to search by industry. For instance, if you’re looking for a job in finances, you could search for positions in accounting and see if there are any that interest you.
  5. Look up specific companies to see if they have any openings. If there are specific companies that you’d really like to work for, try taking a chance. Some companies may not list openings on job boards or other sites. Try searching on the company website. Look for a “Careers” or “Jobs” page to see if they have any openings listed.[5]
    • For instance, if you want to get a job as a barista at your local Starbucks, you can search on their website to see if there are any open jobs at locations near you.
  6. Reach out to people in your network to ask about potential jobs. Talk to friends and family about any jobs that they know are available. Reach out to former coworkers or folks from your industry that you’ve worked with and ask them if they’re aware of any open positions. Ask for recommendations and for people to keep you posted if they hear of anything.[6]
    • Use the people around you! You never know who knows who and can help you get your foot in the door of a great job for you.
  7. Use consulting or contract employment to work in a specific industry. Contract employment firms are hired by companies to fill open positions with qualified people who have experience in the industry. Search online for temp agencies or contract employment firms that can place you in temporary assignments.[7]
    • For instance, if you have experience working as a receptionist, you could work for a temp agency that can place you in temporary receptionist positions at companies who need them.
    • Sometimes, a temp job can actually turn into a full-time position.
  8. Apply to any jobs that interest you. Think about what kind of jobs you want to apply for to help direct your search efforts. Consider your values, interests, strengths, education, experience, and personality type as you look. Whenever you find an available job that fits your goals, go for it.[8]
    • Read the job posting closely! If they ask you to send a cover letter or a letter of recommendation and you fail to do it, it could ruin your chances of landing the job.
  9. Keep track of the jobs you apply for and any next steps you need to take. Use a spreadsheet, Word doc, or a notebook to keep track of every job that you apply for. Take note of any next steps you need to do to follow up for them as well, which can save you time and help keep your job search efforts organized.[9]

Using Your Free Time

  1. Look up free online classes offered by your local library. Use your library card or sign up for a library card to log in to your local library’s website. Search through the database and look for classes related to your industry, or look for classes that seem interesting to you that you can take in your free time during the day.[10]
    • Many local libraries use Lynda.com to host their online courses.
    • For instance, you could take a class on Microsoft Excel so you’re a pro at it and can list it as a skill for future jobs you apply for.
    • You could also learn something fun! Try a class on knitting, poetry, or graphic design.
  2. Spend an hour a day learning a new professional skill. Set aside some time each day to focus on learning something new that can help you land a job. Put away any distractions and focus on learning the skill so you can make yourself more attractive to potential employers.[11]
    • For example, you could learn how to use programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, or Google Spreadsheets, which can potentially help you land a job.
    • You can also try learning new things in your specific industry. For instance, if you work in financing or accounting, you could learn how to use a program like QuickBooks or Sage X3, which can make you look more attractive to potential employers in your field.
  3. Start a professional blog that demonstrates your passion. Create a blog and write posts that show why you love what you do. Add your blog to your resume so potential employers can look it up and see how enthusiastic you are about your work. Use your blog as a creative outlet that could end up leading to a great job.[12]
    • Check out free blog hosting sites like Blogger, Wordpress, Medium, or Blogspot.
    • For instance, if you work in the restaurant business, you could write posts about some of your favorite dishes or memorable moments you’ve had with customers.
  4. Exercise regularly to stay healthy and boost your confidence. Make some time each day to get out of the house and get active to help keep you feeling fit and happy.[13] Go for a bike ride, run, or take a nice walk around the block. Just get outside and get moving to stay healthy and soak up some sunshine.[14]
    • You can also exercise at home if you prefer.
  5. Eat healthy foods and steer clear of junk food. Fuel your body and mind with quality nutrition, which includes lean protein, whole grains, and lots of veggies. Avoid the temptation to snack on junk food or sugary drinks, and focus on healthier options.[15]
    • Eating too much junk food can make you feel sluggish and even make you feel depressed.
    • Your body and mind are directly connected. Keep your mind active and healthy by giving your body the healthy food it needs for fuel.
  6. Volunteer for a charity to give back and boost your resume. Search online for charities or non-profits around you that need volunteers. Spend a few hours a week volunteering to keep yourself busy, give back to folks in need, and to add the experience to your resume.[16]
    • If you can, try to find a way where you can volunteer your professional skills. For instance, if you’re great at graphic design, you could ask a local non-profit if they need any designs.

Daily Routine

  1. Set your alarm clock for the same time every weekday. Make yourself a daily routine and stick to it to develop a daily routine. Set an alarm on your phone or alarm clock and get up at the same time each day to establish a regular schedule, which can help you plan and organize your day.[17]
    • As you keep getting up at the same time each day, you’ll eventually adjust to the schedule and start waking up around that time on your own.
  2. Shower and put on real clothes. Even if you don’t have any plans to leave the house or go to any appointments or interviews, take a nice shower to wake up your body and make yourself feel good and ready to take on the day. Don’t stay in your jammies or sweats all day, either. Instead, put on some nice clothes, which can help you stay focused and resist the urge to nap or relax on the couch.[18]
    • You don’t need to put on a full suit or anything like that. A clean pair of jeans and a t-shirt can work just fine.
    • If you need to just take a day and indulge in some naps and a new show on Netflix, it may not be the worst idea either. Just try not to make a habit of it.
  3. Clean up your home to help prevent feeling overwhelmed. Spend a few minutes each day tidying up your space. Pick up loose clothes and other items. Sweep up or run a vacuum over your floors. Cleaning up your home can make a big difference by calming your mind and restoring a sense of peace and order to your living space.[19]
    • A chaotic, messy living and workspace can make you feel overwhelmed. Tidying up is a quick fix that doesn’t take up too much time.
    • Besides, it’s much easier to take 5-10 minutes each day to clean up rather than allowing a mess to build up.
    • If there are any big projects you’ve been putting off, like cleaning out the garage or donating some of your old clothes, it could be a good time to knock those out.
  4. Keep in touch with family and friends to break up the monotony. Socialize with other people to help keep up your mental health and maybe even pick up any useful contacts they may have that could lead to a potential job. Give your friends and family a call or meet up for coffee to talk in person. Catch up about life in general and ask about any job leads they may have.[20]
    • It’s important that you leave time in your schedule to let your hair down and just interact with other people. It doesn’t have to take up too much time—maybe 30 minutes to an hour.
  5. Take walks to avoid sitting still. Try your best not to sit still or you may be tempted to call it a day and lounge on the couch or take a nap. If you find yourself feeling like you have nothing else to do, take a nice, leisurely walk.[21]
  6. Go to sleep at the same time to develop a sleep schedule. Just as important as a regular morning routine, a consistent sleep schedule will help ensure that you’re well-rested. Go to bed at a time that will make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep before your alarm goes off. Try to go to bed every day at that time to build a habit.[22]
    • If you’re starting a new sleeping and waking routine, don’t be discouraged if you’re feeling groggy the first few days. Eventually, your body will adjust to your new sleep schedule and you won’t feel so sleepy.

Tips

  • Try to find ways to keep yourself busy. The more active you are, the less likely you are to spend a bunch of time on the couch or surfing the web.
  • Write down the goals that you want to reach and slowly work toward them each day so you stay focused.[23]

Related Articles

References

  1. ↑ https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-much-time-to-spend-on-a-job-search-2062204
  2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2020/04/02/unemployed-how-to-use-this-time-wisely/?sh=75ab45844954
  3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2020/04/02/unemployed-how-to-use-this-time-wisely/?sh=75ab45844954
  4. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-schedule-your-day-when-youre-unemployed-2014-1
  5. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-schedule-your-day-when-youre-unemployed-2014-1
  6. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20140328-unemployed-use-the-time-wisely
  7. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20140328-unemployed-use-the-time-wisely
  8. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/articles/job-hunting-tips
  9. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/articles/job-hunting-tips
  10. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2020/04/02/unemployed-how-to-use-this-time-wisely/?sh=75ab45844954
  11. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2020/04/02/unemployed-how-to-use-this-time-wisely/?sh=75ab45844954
  12. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20140328-unemployed-use-the-time-wisely
  13. ↑ [v161309_b02]. 18 March 2020.
  14. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-schedule-your-day-when-youre-unemployed-2014-1
  15. ↑ https://medium.com/@markgregorski/ten-habits-to-take-up-when-you-are-unemployed-955c168f32b2
  16. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20140328-unemployed-use-the-time-wisely
  17. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-schedule-your-day-when-youre-unemployed-2014-1
  18. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-schedule-your-day-when-youre-unemployed-2014-1
  19. ↑ https://medium.com/@markgregorski/ten-habits-to-take-up-when-you-are-unemployed-955c168f32b2
  20. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-schedule-your-day-when-youre-unemployed-2014-1
  21. ↑ https://medium.com/@markgregorski/ten-habits-to-take-up-when-you-are-unemployed-955c168f32b2
  22. ↑ https://medium.com/@markgregorski/ten-habits-to-take-up-when-you-are-unemployed-955c168f32b2
  23. ↑ [v161309_b02]. 18 March 2020.
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