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You are here: Home / Career Change / 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time Off

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time Off

Time Clocks Drawn on Back of a HandToo much time on your hands? Make the most of it! – Photo Courtesy: Rob Ellis

Are you currently moving between jobs? Wondering what to do during unemployment?

If you find yourself stuck with the challenge of too much time, then you’ll want to think of ways to spend that time efficiently. In this temporary period, it can be easy to waste time pursuing leisurely endeavors. However, if you’re worried that this gap between jobs will be seen unfavorably by employers, try to use your free time to benefit your resume and job searching endeavors. The following are examples of ways in which you can make the most of your time off:

1. Find a Temp/Contract Position

If possible, finding a temporary or contract position can be a great option while shifting between jobs. Many potential employers look favorably upon such a move, and it can increase the marketability of the candidate. A temp job provides a wealth of benefits, ranging from the chance to learn new skills to working towards a full time position. Not only will this allow you to put experience on your resume, it’ll also allow you to keep yourself afloat.

2. Practice your Skills

As your free time goes on and on, make sure that your skills and expertise don’t go stagnant. Instead, find creative ways to practice your skills and keep them sharp. For example, content writers and marketers can start a professional blog, sharing their experiences and proficiencies with their audience. On the other hand, technical professionals can build their own websites or apps, or even take up some freelance work. There are a variety of ways in which professionals can keep their skills honed, and even produce something to show during an interview.

3. Take Classes

Another way to boost your skill set and knowledge is to take classes. Community colleges and universities offer courses in a variety of topics and subjects, ranging from technical skills to business classes. By taking a course that is relevant to your field, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you’re serious about work and able to take the initiative. In addition, classes can be a great opportunity to network and make connections, as you’ll be surrounded by individuals with similar interests.

4. Start a Business

Can’t seem to find a job? Then perhaps it’s time to make your own opportunity. While starting a business can be time-consuming and costly, if you have the skills and the means to do so, then it can be a valuable experience. A successful business will allow you to set your own hours and have control over your own salary. And in the event of failure, you’ll have a wealth of transferable skills and valuable experience to pass on to your next position.

5. Network like Crazy

It’s common to hear that finding a job through connections is likely to be more successful than through a job board or posting. Therefore, unemployed individuals should do all they can in order to build up their network and reach out to connections. If you feel like your network is a bit sparse, it’s never too late to get started. Mixers, parties, meet-ups, conventions – there’s a variety of networking opportunities that are waiting to be found in your local area.

 

Abby Evans is an avid blogger who writes on everything from finding jobs in Canada to how to search for jobs in Toronto. She has written on a variety of blogs and websites, and loves to learn all she can on the job hunt.

Comments

  1. CFP Training says

    July 30, 2012 at 2:32 am

    Nice post Abby. This is a time when I am sure many people in whole world are unemployed even though recession is over. Most of the nations everywhere are lacking jobs and honing some specific skills or engaging yourself in something creative can be very useful maybe not now but later.

    Reply

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