How To Stay Productive While Unemployed

By Robyn Simpson
[Personal Finances]
How can you stay positive when you’re out of work?  Robyn Simpson keeps you from losing your mind.
Despite a few seasonal jobs here and there, I have been predominantly unemployed since May 2009.  In the deep abyss that is my parents’ basement, the state of my mind varies between intense boredom and despairing over whether I will ever see a paycheque again.  My bank account can probably be described as anorexic, at best.  So what do I do to keep my mind active and my sanity intact?  Read on and find out.

Exercise

I know I tend to belabour this point in my other articles, but physical activity has been my salvation in a number of situations and no less in this case.  Personally, it gives me an excuse to leave the house and interact with the rest of humanity.  Knowing I have to go to a spin class or that I have a date with the weights gives me a sense of purpose.  It keeps my waistline in check and gives me a routine.

Can’t afford a gym membership?  Go for a bike ride, walk around the block, do some yoga or hike.  In the winter, you can cross-country ski, ski, snowboard etc.  There are plenty of ways to keep active that are budget friendly.

In the job situation, employers are very calculating about who they decide to employ.  Hiring is rare.  It would be wise to give yourself the best leg up possible and presenting yourself as someone who is healthy and unlikely to take many sick days is a good impression to make.

Continuing Education

Okay I confess, I have yet to take a class, but it is something I’m looking into.  To think that your education ends with your high school, college or university diploma is naïve.  Life is one big lesson, be it an academic one or a personal one.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that extra skills will give you an edge among the competition.  In addition, when a potential employer sees your continuous learning, it shows that you are still trying to be productive and that you are willing and able to learn whatever skills the job will require.
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