Comments on: Seventeen Things to Do When You’re Out of Work

By: Gail

Gail — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:12:59 +0000

One of the things I’ve seen so often on frugal boards is when the finances get crunched there is always the weeping and wailing about how they can’t give up their cable TV, a very costly worthless money pit. If people would do some of the things on this list, they could save so much and have more and varied interests that they could turn off the TV and not miss it and thus save money. I would think too that when you get a chance to apply for a job, that it would look so much better on your application or resume under personal that you sing in a choral group, do freelance writing, volunteer somewhere than just leaving a blank as most eployers aren’t interested in your TV consumption.

Yes when you are out of work, you need to be looking for a job, but many of these activities will also help your mental mood ad mentioned but also you never know who you might get a chance to network with.

By: Anne

Anne — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:35:17 +0000

For those interested in the writing options, writing online for sites such as Helium.com or Associated Content could also net you a little bit of cash.

By: Anna S.

Anna S. — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:08:18 +0000

Here’s some more: Even if you are out in the community doing unpaid things, it is a way to network. You might find a freelance opportunity or meet someone who knows of someone else who is looking to hire.

Sing: You can’t be sad if you sing. I think it releases endorphins. Get together with a group of people and a piano and sing old popular songs, join a chorus, do karaoke.

Play games: Invite a group over to play games (Pictionary, Boggle, Trivial Pursuit, etc.) and make the night a potluck. Provide a pot of vegetarian chili and have everyone else brings snacks or a side dish. You’ll have fun and forget the dark days outside.

Do community theater: Even if you don’t want to act, they always need people to sell tickets, build sets, make costumes and props, cue people. You’ll meet folks and get invited to the cast parties. And you might be able to network a little.

By: Cindy M

Cindy M — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:01:41 +0000

Along the lines of this discussion, it’s funny how things you didn’t plan on can work in your favor and help somebody else out in turn.

I’m still employed but am making myself aware of possible other employment options, what with pay cuts and other possible problems in my field. I have always tried to sock money away as I can, looking down the road at a possible car purchase or whatever emergency might come up. Anyway, my brother-in-law is redoing my whole kitchen for me at a price I can’t say no to (he needs the extra work this winter and would normally charge twice what I’ll pay him), something that was definitely way down on my list of priorities but needs doing. As I got this house for a deal because of the work it needed, I figure I can’t lose should I have to put it up for sale, you never know. We both are happy with the deal, and he’s doing a great job. Plus I’m cleaning out the garage, closets, etc., to make room for him to work in and getting rid of stuff I don’t need. The activity especially this time of year really does help the mood, even with 10 inches of snow out there.

By: Meaghan

Meaghan — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:39:58 +0000

These are great suggestions especially when times are tough for so many. Thanks for sharing!

By: Cheryl Mahoney

Cheryl Mahoney — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:22:27 +0000

What great suggestions, not just for times out of work but any time a little extra space in a day or a week comes up. I work for UniversalGiving, which is another great resource online for volunteering opportunities.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:55:39 +0000

I got let go and after that i learn to cook. Its great to learn new crafts but i do need to find another jon yikes!!! I wish I could do all these things but reality dictates if I want to roof I need to work. Bummer maybe in my next lifetime

By: Kristian

Kristian — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:51:05 +0000

Seems that quite a few people are missing the point, and the last part of the article. I expect the same attitude that would let that get by you would make leaving the seminar early seem a good idea too.
The point seems to be that if you arn’t lucky enough to get hired in a few weeks time you may just start running out of clear options, a state of being that can soon lead to a negitive view of one’s self-worth. These look to be a few good thoughts about how to combat that.

By: BillyOceansEleven

BillyOceansEleven — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:02:18 +0000

I agree with justme as well. I was laid off last summer (but thankfully found another job in about 4 months) and my old company sent me to one of those outplacement seminars. The seminar was crap and I left at the first break, but they did say something very important: “Your full-time job may have been ??? before, but you don’t have that job anymore. Your full-time job is now to find another job.” Sums it up pretty well in my opinion.

I know when I was unemployed I didn’t really have time for any of the things you listed. It wasn’t until the period between my acceptance and starting a new position I had time to do any of these more leisurely activities.

By: Ann

Ann — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:58:40 +0000

@justme and me2

If you’ve ever been unemployed you know that searching for work is half the battle. The other half is keeping busy so depression doesn’t set in.

What do you do when you’re out of work to keep your spirits up and stay accomplished?