Unemployment brings unique challenges, but it also presents opportunities for career growth and skill development. To help during this time, here are 6 actionable tips for the unemployed can turn challenges into opportunities, helping you stay focused, and get back on track.
1. Maintaining a Regular Schedule Is Key to Staying Positive While Unemployed
As tempting as permanently changing into sweatpants may seem, this path leads to an unproductive state that is negative to your well-being.
After a short period of reflection, you should:
- Maintain a regular sleep cycle. Although sleeping in past 11:00 a.m. and staying up all night seems fine, it isn’t. Your body has a natural, 24-hour sleep cycle called the circadian rhythm. In short, following the natural order of sleeping at night and rising at daytime can make you happier and healthier. Also, try to aim for seven healthy hours of sleep.
- Don’t be a couch potato. Maintain daily activity through job searching, skill development, and physical exercise. Being active can help you stay positive, and if you use every opportunity to find work, you will be more likely to find a job.
- Stick to a schedule. Another way to temper senseless feelings when unemployed is to stick to a schedule. Start by scheduling when you devote time to your job search, resume revisions, and skill/certification updates.
2. Why You Should Consider Temporary (Temp) Jobs During Unemployment
One of the easiest activities for unemployed individuals to bridge the employment gap and earn money is to find temporary contract work or work with a temp agency. Unfortunately, many people sneer at temp work, but it has many advantages – including financial.
Advantages of Temp Work:
- Financial Relief: Provides immediate income to help cover expenses.
- Skill Building: Offers opportunities to learn or refine new skills.
- Networking Opportunities: Allows you to meet potential employers and grow your professional network.
- Flexibility: Lets you explore different industries or roles without a long-term commitment.
There are several options for finding temp work in Canada, including:
- Online Platforms: Explore job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor, which often list temporary or contract positions.
- Staffing Agencies: Visit local agencies specializing in temp placements, such as Robert Half, Hays Recruitment, or Drake International.
Even if this is not a permanent solution, you will be in a better financial position while you search for something long-term. This is also an opportunity to try a new career avenue that may work for you.
3. Boost Your Career with a Training Course While Unemployed
Learning new skills is a powerful way to make your time as an unemployed individual both meaningful and productive. Career-focused courses can help you stay sharp and prepare for your next role.
Taking classes or training courses in your field will:
- Keep your brain sharp
- Help you stay focused on your employment goals
- Help you learn new job-seeking skills
Look for courses or programs you could take, especially the ones designed for career advancement. You’ll be more qualified for new positions with extra training in your next line of work.
Refreshing your resume and interviewing skills will also make your next job hunt easier.
4. Engage in Volunteering: A Top Activity for the Unemployed to Stay Connected and Purposeful
Many people don’t know that volunteer work makes you far more wanted in the job market, because hiring managers look for qualified candidates as well as people with character and integrity.
By no means mandatory, volunteering shows that you are passionate and willing to selflessly contribute to a cause that helps others.
Volunteering is also an excellent way to:
- Spend your free time when you’re unemployed.
- Give you new networking contacts.
- Give yourself a positive sense of accomplishment.
Volunteering is one of the best activities for unemployed individuals to stay engaged and build a sense of purpose.
Tip: If you volunteer in an area related to your job qualifications, you can often include the experience on your resume for your next job search.
5. Why Reorganizing Your Life Can Boost Productivity While Unemployed
Unemployment is an excellent opportunity to get your life re-organized. Reorganizing your life can take many forms, including:
- Starting an exercise/diet regimen to get yourself healthy.
- Cleaning and organizing your living space.
- Building systems and routines that will benefit now and when you are back in the workforce
- Refocusing your energy and attention on your family or friends.
Doing your best to improve your personal life will help you see your paths to success more clearly and make your unemployed time more productive.
6. How Networking Can Help You Find a Job When Unemployed
A common phrase that rings true, especially in business life, is, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.”
If you’re looking for effective ways to stay productive while unemployed, building connections should be at the top of your list. Many jobs are filled through referrals because finding someone through a trusted contact/current employee makes a hiring manager’s job easier – so building relationships could open doors to new opportunities.
Use your free time to build and expand your professional network. To meet helpful contacts in your industry, attend:
- Local career fairs
- Industry events
- Workshops
Remember to also connect with professionals on LinkedIn or join local networking groups.
Make the Most of This Time
Academy of Learning Career College’s campuses across Canada provide unemployed individuals with industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields like office administration, information technology (IT), and business management. These programs help bridge the employment gap while building professional credentials.
