Losing a job can create fear and uncertainty in a person’s once stable life. Many people try to avoid any lengthened period of unemployment. However, certain situations may cause an individual to voluntarily leave a position, such as leaving a toxic work environment, making a career change, or moving to a new state.
Depending on the reason for losing a job, unemployment benefits may be available to help with this transition in life. These federal unemployment benefits are part of the Unemployment Insurance program (UI), which provides financial assistance to help pay essential bills such as rent, utilities, and car payments.
While UI benefits can help with the financial situation of unemployment, there are other ways to improve your situation. Here are 8 ways to make the most of your time during unemployment.
People who start collecting unemployment may begin to feel stressed and often tend to feel unproductive if they are not working.
It’s easy to slide into a depressive state and begin to take on bad habits, like eating poorly, binge-watching television, or staying in bed.
Taking care of yourself while receiving UI benefits is essential to staying on the right track. It’s important to consider all aspects of your health, including:
Prioritizing your health helps you stay energized and feel productive, which can help you stay focused on finding a new job.
That means working out, going for walks, or taking time for self-care as you navigate the stresses and anxieties of being without a job.
Although it may feel like it sometimes, temporary employment is not a vacation. Sure, there are times when you can relax, but getting out of a routine can be detrimental to your health.
If you collect unemployment compensation (UC benefits), it is important to stick to a structure as if you are working a standard workweek.
It helps maintain commitment and keeps you motivated as you seek a new job. Staying on a schedule can also help prevent slumps of slacking.
UI benefits are helpful for financial purposes, but they only cover a certain percentage of what an employee was making in their previous role.
Being unemployed also leaves a gap in the resume, which is less desirable to employers.
By doing temporary projects or freelance work, you can fill those gaps and earn a little extra income while you are unemployed.
When choosing freelance or gig work, try to stick to jobs that make the best use of your professional skills and are closely connected to the field of work you would like to be hired into.
If you’re facing reduced hours, unemployment or other gaps in work, you probably have more time on your hands. All this free time could be used to hone your professional skills.
There are many online resources you can use to level up in your career. While you are collecting unemployment, consider the following opportunities:
- Taking a course
- Earning a certification
- Learning new industry-specific skills
If you are unsure of what skills to improve, you can search online job boards and review what employers are looking for in an employee and build upon those skills.
One of the most important things you can do while receiving UI benefits is to update your resume.
It’s safe to assume your resume hasn’t been updated during the time you were employed, so it is essential to update it with achievements and skills earned at your most recent job.
Even if your resume contains the most up-to-date information, you may still consider taking some time to tailor it to the job you are applying for to fit the job description and help you stand out as a candidate.
It should contain job-specific action words that detail specific achievements.
For example:
- Gathered external data…
- Increased profits…
- Spearheaded a new marketing campaign…
- Managed a team of professionals…
It is also a good idea to review your social media profiles and make essential updates.
Prospective employers often check social media before hiring potential candidates, so a person’s social media must reflect their best selves.
For most people, collecting unemployment is not enough to support their finances. UI benefits are only a small percentage of what they were receiving at their previous job.
Updating your budget can help relieve some stress on your finances while you are looking for a new job. The job search also becomes less stressful, as it is no longer urgent.
In addition to unemployment benefits, many states provide extra assistance that can help with a tight budget.
For example, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to help families keep food on the table. Check your state government website to see what is available.
If you are experiencing temporary unemployment, you may be spending most of your time looking for jobs, honing critical employment skills, and updating your resume.
While these tasks are beneficial, it is also important to explore your hobbies or interests.
Working on passion projects that you never had time for can increase joy and help prevent depression. It can also show employers that you have hobbies outside of work and are a well-rounded individual.
It’s easy to get caught up in your current job, especially if you have been there for many years. But when you lose that job, you may struggle to figure out where to go from there.
Self-reflection is key to moving forward and finding a new path. As you collect UI benefits, take some time to reflect and reevaluate your long-term career goals and decide where you see yourself in the future.
Consider positions or careers you never thought about before. Map out a strategy that can get you there within five years.
You can start by setting small goals. Then, take the time to learn the necessary skills to get you there.
