If you suddenly had lots of free time but not much money what would you do to occupy yourself?

[PrincessDando]

I recently left a job that turned out wrong, and am looking for my next move but prepared for this to take some time as I want to get the right thing. So I may be out of work for a few months... it's impossible to tell.

Meanwhile, I have loads of free time but not loads of money... i'm trying to be frugal but can spend a little from savings so as not to be completely bored.

I want to use this period of time off as best I can, apart from job hunting does anyone have any ideas for what I can do that won't cost a fortune.

I live in a big city (Manchester suburbs) but also not too far from countryside.

Would love to hear your ideas!

I'd sort all of my photos out. Put the printed ones in albums and organise and print the digital ones.

I was just about to mention sorting out photos but TwoGin got there before me. It's one of those things I'm always planning to do when I get some free time.

Long bike rides/walks
Baking/cooking
Writing some proper old fashioned letters to people
Visiting any museums/galleries that are free entrance
Nature reserves
Crocheting
Colouring in
Watching a nice film or an old series like BBC's Pride & Prejudice in the afternoon (somehow feels like a luxury in the daytime)
Last minute, cheap mid-week break somewhere if you can afford it
Decorating a room
Proper spring clean
Go through all digital photos and select some to print and put in an album

Read
Listen to podcasts
Meditation
Run
Yoga

Hiking
Biking
Gym classes/time if you’ve got membership already
Potter down to the market and buy cheap veg and do lots of nice cooking. Stock the freezer.
Reading with a cup of tea and the cat.
Declutter some things and have another go at my wardrobe as it’s been 2 years since I last went through it.
Sort out household DIY jobs I’ve been putting off.
Meet friends.
If you need money you could spend some time matched betting.

If I had some free time I would

Research my family history/ tree.
Do the annoying little diy jobs I never have time to do.
Declutter the house.
Do couch to 5k
Visit the local free museums and galleries (that my kids think are boring !)

Online course - Open University have loads of free ones on Open Learn.
Read all the books in the library (heaven)
Couch to 5k or start a new sport
Painting / drawing / language adult ed class.
Sort through the house & declutter.

Loads of galleries,exhibitions and
museums for me. Most are free. I'd also learn to crochet and run more often.

Surprised not too many have said volunteer, that would be top of my list. Give something back to a local charity, most are crying out for volunteers. You may even learn a new skill in the meantime!

We have a junk food project near us, so I'd volunteer for that. Combines my passion for cooking without having to fork out for ingredients and my passion for being organised (which happens rarely these days) along with giving back to the local community.

I'd also walk a lot more, I have a dog but I could take him for long 3/4 hour walks round the other local villages whilst doing a bit of window shopping.

I'd sort my drawers out at home. Get all my ironing done. Rearrange my kitchen cupboards. Batch cook.

Go to the upcoming free concerts at local churches, join WI.

Watch films, catch up with friends.

I'm a sahm mum to a very relaxed (meaning I get a lot of free time) 5 month old. When I'm not playing / feeding him, I read, do home workouts, watch TV and do music (could be any other hobby). I also make an effort to go out walking. I don't have much money so often find myself bored and will set tasks to do around the house or creative crafts and things. I definitely don't just watch tv all day!

^ meant to say playing with him.

Organise all my digital photos.
Volunteer at my local dog rescue to walk and socialize/train the dogs
Help more with the local beach clean ups which run regularly
Make my own candles (I have all the stuff just no time!)
Do some online courses

Sleep, pamper, draw, paint, read, watch TV and luxuriate.

Start doing yoga on YouTube at home every day or a daily class but YouTube is free. Try a few different people until you find one that suits you. All you need is a cheap yoga-gym mat, leggings and a t-shirt. You could even do 2x 30 mins: morning and bed time. Heaven - wish I didn't work so I could do the same. I manage during school hols though.

Read library books and draw.

BorrowMyDoggy if you're into dogs.

Free concerts (there will be loads in churches, etc leading up to xmas), exhibitions, talks, etc., tv/radio show audience (free tickets), painting, reading (library), writing (prose or poetry - join a group?). Research your family tree.

Another one here who would go on a methodical cleaning spree.
Also reading.
Maybe bingewatch some netflix shows whilst doing the cleaning.
Depending on how little money I actually had - if I could afford a small downpayment on components, I would start a small etsy store selling something I already enjoy making on a hobby level - just make up a small stockpile and then see if/how it sells. Nothing world changing, but something creative and productive.
I'd also start taking long and luxurious baths. Current life means it's a quick shower or nothing. I long for a deep, warm bath.

eBay all my unwanted things

Go bargain hunting with any profits and eBay the bargains

I do this as a hobby anyway. My best month so far netted me £900

Learn to code :) Loads of free tutorials out there. If you are creative and logical it's huge fun

Pinterest is good for craft ideas.
I'd redecorate a room

Make some cushions

Complete my Dcs never finished baby books from too long ago to nention

Dec litter and sort photos and old letters

Visit museums/galleries in the vicinity

Take part in one off events in the community

Have some long weekends away visiting family or friends

Take my dog on more interesting walks

You could do free online courses (MOOCS) like on FutureLearn. Library. Learn to cook new things. Do local walks and look up interesting facts about the places. There's that Borrow My Doggie (and others similar I'm sure) website if you want to walk someone's dog which is good if you're free weekdays. Drawing. Declutter your house (take stuff to the charity shop). You can do yoga at home with a DVD if you have space. Write letters to friends you haven't seen in a while (or just message if you prefer). Do some volunteering (like beach litter-picking days but it could be anything you're interested in).

Go to free/cheap events like local history society talks, university talks and the like. If you're in Manchester, there's sure to be lots going on. Oh and you can go to all the free art galleries and museums in the week while it's quiet.