Unemployment

It is inevitable. Sometime during our life, we will be unemployed. During this time, what can we do with our time?

Of course, you can time the easy way out and become a couch potato. That will not help you when update your resume, only to find that you have no hobbies, affiliations, or volunteer activities.

You are sitting around, so why not spend some productive time developing a new hobby, or indulging in an old one. Learn a new language, learn cooking skills, anything that you choose to learn will be letting the employer know that you are capable of learning new skills. Spend time figuring something out (puzzles, organizing systems, math-related skills, etc.) and they know that you are a problem solver.

Join the Jaycees. Well, any group will do. You will be socializing with others, working to give back to society, and you have a chance to network. You also keep your communication skills alive. This is very important in the workplace.

As far as volunteering, there is a widespread choice for you. Given the time, now would be a good time to do some political campaigning or working as an activist for an issue in the economy. Employers like to see their employees volunteer.

Of course, even though you are doing these things for getting a new job, do not forget to enjoy yourself, be grateful for the new relationships you have developed, and the new skills you are learning. Gratitude is important for your attitude.

When you get a new job, do not turn your back on the hobbies learned, relationships developed, or volunteerism; they are a big part why you got the job and part of you. Besides, turning your back on them, will also tell the employer something negative about you. You don't want that.