Smart Things to Do While Unemployed

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.

After a layoff or quitting your job, you may not have a plan yet.

When you’re unemployed, the lack of a boss-imposed structure can lead to wasting or misusing time feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious about the unknown.

But there’s a smarter way to approach your job-free time to make the most of it and position yourself for your next career move. Consider trying these strategic steps while unemployed.

Accept Your Situation

After being laid off last year from a role as a remote employee working in a Y Combinator-backed company, Ayush Jangra found a silver lining. “It allowed me to rethink what I really wanted for the life ahead, and thus, I started my own company with remote employees and freelancers.”

Jangra now runs a remote team of product designers and developers around the world.

Her advice on how to smartly use your time during unemployment comes from personal experience. “The best thing to do is also the most difficult, which is ending that search before it becomes a burden,” Jangra said.

“It can be tough to admit you’re laid off and out of work, but by accepting that joblessness as reality, you are now in the position to focus on what’s really important. Your resume’s out there; your interviews have been scheduled. Now it’s time to work on improving yourself. Spend some time getting creative—it could make all the difference between being hired and being passed over.”

Increase Your Experience

One way to improve yourself is to bone up on your training and education in your line of work.

In fact, the smartest thing you can do while unemployed, according to Adrienne Couch, a human resources analyst at LLC Services, is to polish your professional skills in a number of potential arenas, from gaining more training to doing some contract work and expanding your contacts.

“Enroll in a class or offer some voluntary services to increase your experience,” Couch said.

“You can also keep up with the latest events and trends in your industry to stay afloat. Consider signing up for freelancing work as you continue job hunting and continue to diversify your network.”

Consider Your Options and Opportunities

Daniel Cook, head of Business Development and HR consultant at Mullen & Mullen, agrees that while you’re between jobs, it’s prudent to take on some one-off freelance projects in your chosen field.

“Aside from giving you something to do, it will also aid you in building a portfolio that you can showcase in future hiring opportunities,” Cook said.

In terms of training courses, Ben Austin, CEO and founder at digital marketing agency Absolute Digital Media, recommends taking advantage of free opportunities.

“Even though being unemployed can be stressful, it’s important to still use your time wisely,” Austin said.

“In addition to applying for roles, look at what other training opportunities may be available to you to make the most of your time. There are several free online training courses available to take, all of which are often accredited by recognizable names, possibly helping you stand out amongst other candidates.”

Get Certified

In addition to courses and trainings for the purpose of expanding your knowledge, you can also target learning opportunities that provide certifications to increase your value in the job market.

Dragos Badea, CEO at YAROOMS, which specializes in hybrid workforce management, notes that certifications — especially in fields like tech — are “worth their weight in gold” and are sometimes the only qualification you really need to land a job.

“If you’ve got the budget, then do paid certifications,” Badea said.

“If you don’t have the budget, then do free certifications. Finding a new programming language or framework that’s only been around for a year, getting a certification in it, and then spinning that into a position is a story that you see every day.”

Network Your Way to New Opportunities

David Siegel, CEO of Meetup and former CEO of Investopedia, strongly emphasizes networking as a savvy use of unemployed time.

“Almost all the jobs I’ve had in my life were not ones I applied for after browsing a job board — they came from my contacts,” Siegel said. “Arrange coffee chats, ask for informational interviews, and send direct messages on LinkedIn.”

Siegel also advised not worrying about rejection when networking.

“I’ve found that the vast majority of people really do want to help their connections succeed,” he said. “Join professional organizations and groups — we have thousands on Meetup — to sharpen your skills, meet others in the field, and learn about new opportunities.