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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask what would you do with too much free time?!

88 replies

MoiraRoseIsMyQueen · 12/03/2026 16:08

I’ve been made redundant, and so won’t have a job as of the end of the month, and am on gardening leave currently. Obviously having all the usual panics about money and the seemingly insurmountable task of finding a new job in this market 😫But, my main worry at the moment is having nothing to do! I know this might sound like a nice problem to have, but it’s sending my anxiety through the roof. I have two kids and a lovely husband, so only school hours are free - but the thought of potentially months of this is panicking me, there’s only so much cleaning and baking I can do!

So, what would you do - with potentially a couple of months of free time, and very limited funds?!

OP posts:
Leo800 · 12/03/2026 16:17

Look at local adult ed courses if you have a college nearby. You could learn a craft or a language. I’d work on my health & fitness. Swim, hike, play tennis. Cook healthy meals. Plan days out to different places nearby or short breaks & holidays.

GodSaveTheClean · 12/03/2026 16:14

Sorry also meant to say there’s an app called Team Kinetic you can download to look for volunteering opportunities near you

partytime50 · 12/03/2026 16:13

Padel
Bridge
Walking especially now weather good. Plenty of walking groups around you could join.

GodSaveTheClean · 12/03/2026 16:13

No advice as in the same boat. I’ve looked on the Volunteer Action Network website and signed up for two very part time volunteer roles.

Otherwise house jobs, gardening and walking. But it’s hard to relax and enjoy the time whilst having the looming threat of not being able to pay the mortgage in a few months. DH also wfh so not very relaxing trying to not disturb him. The various
threads about the awful job market are scaring me so avoiding those..

An unmumsnetty solidarity hug for you.

DaisyChain505 · 12/03/2026 16:13

Do some online courses.

Start an exercise regime like running or even walking and see how far you progress in the time.

Do jobs you’ve been putting off around the house. De cluttering your wardrobe etc.

Order some books and take yourself out for coffee shop dates.

You don’t need to fill every minute and you deserve to take some downtime and relax. It’s ok to binge a few series on Netflix etc.

noidea69 · 12/03/2026 16:12

Gym, meal prep, batch cook.

I mean the obvious one is look for a new job.

ReignOfError · 12/03/2026 16:11

Gardening, either my own, my adult kids, or volunteering at a community garden.

Walking, preferably in hills or near water

Learn a new skill or language, or both

HelloCheekyCat · 12/03/2026 16:11

I would fill my time with exercise, bit of gardening (for me that's only planting seeds though!),.meeting up.with friends for coffee and walking their dogs, walking to buy.milk/bread/any top up food, Watching inane crap on TV.

GOODCAT · 12/03/2026 16:10

Get fit

Arlanymor · 12/03/2026 16:10

Tink3rbell30 · 12/03/2026 16:09

Volunteering.

First post nails it.

MoiraRoseIsMyQueen · 12/03/2026 16:10

Tink3rbell30 · 12/03/2026 16:09

Volunteering.

I’ve been looking but I can’t find anything locally! I might post on my local facebook page to see if there is anything.

OP posts:
Dobequiet · 12/03/2026 16:09

Sort my house out!

Tink3rbell30 · 12/03/2026 16:09

Volunteering.