I’ve been unemployed for several periods in my life. It’s not fun and games like many happily employed people assume. Imagine having time but not family, friends or money to actually do anything that feels meaningful.
You may want to take a few weeks after getting fired or quitting to gather your energy. If you’re getting paid without work obligation, this time can be good to gather new ideas and get new direction without getting stressed too much.
Here is my practical guidance on what to focus on when unemployed. You can draw the following table on a piece of paper, make it visible (e.g. put it on the fridge door) and make it your task management board that you go through regularly.
You can make it a weekly checklist that you can cross or circle items on. Be creative and use colored pencils and stickers. The idea is to create structure for daily life that can otherwise be lacking, maintain positive and healthy habits and at the same time create a sense of accomplishment and future-oriented self-leadership. Ticking items of a list gives a healthy dopamine boost and maintains structure during the challenging time period.
| Physical and mental health (circle when done) | Applying for jobs | Personal learning and development |
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun || Walk 30 min X | X | X | X | X | _ | X || Go to the library X | _ | _ | _ | X | _ | _ || Strength training _ | X | _ | _ | X | _ | _ || Yoga X | _ | X | _ | X | _ | X || | Check job openings X | _ | _ | X | _ | _ | _ || Write applications X | _ | _ | _ | X | _ | _ || Write job search diary (mark in calendar) * where I applied, did I receive a reply * how I feel about job search * how can I change my approach | Search interesting online courses Watch Udemy courses Watch Masterclass.com classes Personal learning and development reflection (mark in calendar) * What have I learned * Ideas and notes |