10 Things to Do While You're Unemployed

Reader Comments
Back to blog

I'm nearing 24 years old and have had my share of setbacks as far as having "my plan" go off smoothly. But to be honest, having hiccups in my plan was the best thing that ever happened to me. The first hiccup sent me to Rome. The second hiccup launched me into the most fulfilling semester of my university years, and the third hiccup sent me on a year-long marketing internship in the Milan, Italy the month after graduation.
Having things not go "my way" - late graduation, entering a backliding job market, etc - challenged me to be creative. Perhaps it is my lack of life experience that I believe I can still do anything, but what little experience I have has been significant and this internship in Italy has led me to my next adventure - my future husband and 3-4 years in the Netherlands. I don't know Dutch, so directly entering the workforce isn't an option. In the meantime, I'm going to be an au pair for 8 months to support my living expenses and massive school loans, learn the language, build my website, attend business courses/seminars/conferences, write my business plan for the company I hope to start when I return state-side, find a business mentor, do pro-bono work and freelancing for marketing and design, and continue to learn anything in any way possible.
I've learned to live on virtually nothing, and I'm glad I learned early. When I'm not financially tied down, I have a lot more freedom to live fully. Take it all as a blessing and an oppotunity to discover something better than your own plan. It has happened before for you hasn't it? Time for an adventure.

Brittany of WA 1:35PM November 22, 2010

These are some great ideas. I have been unemployed for most of 2010. I worked my ass off to achieve success as an actor and commercial model. Well, I did achieve some great success, but my financial obligations turned out to be way too significant to begin such a low-paying career. I'm hopefully close to landing one of some other opportunities, but I must say, it's really hard to get interviews if your career hasn't progressed in a specific, field-related way, which mine hasn't. If you're having trouble finding work, then my advice, for what it's worth, is to find something as similar to the last job you were doing, and go for it. If you'd like to change careers from there, that's fine, but in the meantime, you have to fall back on what you know and show some continuity to your endeavors.

Jesse of NJ 1:14PM August 17, 2010

Being employed for 17 years and don't have to worry about not going to work has been a blessing that may end Monday. I have come to find out, after reading this that Iam not the only one, I am looking forward to starting the new company,(have a couple of ideas) but most of all I can not wait to spend more time on my self.

Jose Diaz of AZ 1:12AM February 07, 2010

I am 27 years old and I was laid off from my job in aug of 2009. I was desperate and landed a retail job knowing that it was only seasonal. I now only work 8-12 hours a week and my whole life went upside down. I was used to my 40 hr a week paychecks and now I have to say no to a lot of things because it cost money that I don't have anymore. I have applied to over 30 jobs in the course of each week and only went on 2 interviews and still no response from them either after the interviews. It is a tough time but reading people's stories inspire me. Having your God given talent can pay off. I am an artist and also into organic and natural products. I'm trying to stay positive and slowly try to build a business. I am glad to know that I am not alone right now and to know that there are millions without work trying to figure out what to do next. But honestly, we are the ones that will build new businesses and help the economy start again. This is the time do figure out what we love to do and be happy doing it. God bless everyone and thanks.

Amy of MA 2:33PM January 28, 2010

I am a 25 yr. experienced housepainter, have been in and out (more, a lot more out than in ) of work for quite a while now,
So I started a paint company called, "Paint It Forward",
where I offer my painting services for 2-3 hrs. for FREE!!!!
Hoping to build a network of clients, who will hire me once
Our Economy gets better.
Heres hoping for the best!!!!

Edward Northen of CA 10:14PM October 22, 2009

Great Article. I agree with you take on the topic - especially about Toastmasters.
I'm self-employed and TM has done wonders for me improving both my Communication & Leadership Skills. It 's also proven to be a great way to meet people and make connections.
Greg Gazin
LT. Governor Education & Training
District 42 Toastmasters
Alberta & Saskatchewan Canada
Toastmaster Podcast: http://www.Toastcaster.com
http://www.GadgetGreg.com

Greg Gazin 12:27AM October 15, 2009