8 Things To Do When You Are Unemployed
2020 hit the entire world with a crushing pandemic wave. Many people suffered the wrath of the COVID-19 and the year-long lockdown that followed. Working professionals, including freshers and newly graduated fellows, were left clueless about their careers and future.
Abhay, a teaching professional with experience of not more than two years, lost his job in such challenging times. He tried to find another job, but unfortunately, schools and coaching classes were not functioning. Online teaching was an option; however, parents were more concerned about their children's health than their pending curriculum, so it remained just an option!!!
Abhay decided not to give up and find another career alternative for himself. With the guidance and help of his family and close friends, he started following his passion for writing. He enrolled himself for an unpaid online internship in content writing with a lot of willingness to learn.
It took him almost 3-4 months to get a decently paying job with WFH. Today, after two years, Abhay is a successful Digital Content Writer with handsome pay. In your case, it may take you more than six months to get another job, or you may not even have any other passion for pursuing, but the bottom line is not to get used to the circumstances but make use of this time in your best interest.
Getting a job can be very challenging during these trying times, and not having a proper plan to utilize this time in doing something productive can affect you on various levels. Apart from financial burden, being unemployed can cause you a lot of emotional and mental stress.
It takes great determination to keep applying for new job vacancies until you get a job of your choice. Meanwhile, doing these eight things will help you to keep your spirits high.
1. Plan your Day
Keep a schedule of the day. It will help you to stay organized and focused. Not having a proper plan can cause a sense of being lost and a lack of fulfilment. Prepare a note of things that you are planning to do throughout the day and stick to it. Keep yourself as busy as you would be while having a job.
2. Upskill
Being unemployed has its perks as it will give you the time you always wished to learn something new. Get enrolled for free online courses in the same field of profession. Check the credibility of the course certification before enrolling. These courses can accelerate your career wagon and help you justify the time you spent during unemployment.
3. Engage in Meaningful Activities
Volunteering for a social cause that you believe in can be very beneficial to build confidence and to have a sense of purpose. In addition, you will feel a certain level of accomplishment at the end of the day. Also, getting outside and meeting new people will cast a fresh perspective on life goals.
4. Unwind Yourself on a Short Trip
Change in the environment can be beneficial for you to cope up with stressful situations. Travelling is the best way to give yourself the much-needed break that you deserve. It can help you rejuvenate and unwind to make a fresh start with a full swing. Take a backpacking trip or a small getaway to a nearby hill station or a beach if you can.
5. Do Online/Offline Internship
Much like doing an online course, getting an internship at the start of your career can give you hands-on experience; this valuable experience can go a long way in your career journey. There are lots of online and offline internship programs, both paid and unpaid, that you can apply for. You can check for those on Internshala, Linkedin, StuMagz, Twenty19; these are some of the best internship websites in India.
6. Get a Temporary Job
A part-time or temp job can help you make some money and give you time to search for a permanent role. However, make sure to maintain the balance between both. Segregate the hours you need to dedicate to each task as it will help you not lose sight of the main objective of finding a permanent job.
7. Start Networking & Build Connections.
Unemployed or employed, networking is beneficial for all. In most companies, HR managers certainly acknowledge and consider any recommendations shared by their employees before hiring as they trust them more.
Many companies even run referral programs and give incentives to their employees who recommend a suitable candidate for the job. Build connections with your ex-colleagues, college friends and even your mentors from training or internship programs. Networking is a simple yet efficient way of speeding up your job search.
8. Do Something for Yourself.
While making sure we have checked off everything on our to-do list, we often forget about ourselves. We get so busy making things right for others that we overlook our dreams.
Being unemployed can give you that chance to do something for yourself. Follow your passion, your hobbies, and you never know you may find your career path while doing so, like Abhay did when he followed his passion for writing.
Final Thoughts
Don't wait for the right opportunity. Create it.
- George Bernard Shaw
Being unemployed is not easy when you don't know what to do, so make sure that you follow the suggestions mentioned in our blog. It will undoubtedly help you to get back on your feet with more enthusiasm and confidence.
