Unemployed and not sure when I'll be back in work - how to fill my time?

[Metabigot]

I have been unemployed since March and have always been able to pick up short term work quite quickly before but due to the pandemic and the massive glut of candidates on the market at my level, this is not happening as quickly as in the past.

Please hit me up with your ideas for how I can fill my time... I'm open to trying new ideas. I like books, film and art but also desperately need to lose my lockdown stone (or two) so anything sporty is due a try.

I have 2 school age kids so a lot of free time in the school day.. I don't have much money but have some meagre funds I can tap in to for budget activities. Unfortunately DH was not the main earner, I was, so we've been mega stressed but I'm trying to make lemonade out of lemons here and use my time off wisely.

I live on the outskirts of a big city if that makes any difference, and at least it is summertime now and things beginning to open up a bit!

Is it worth looking at what you can do to increase your chance of employment? Ie extra qualification, a MOOC, new language, new programming language, write something in your field in a blog, start a business, write a book etc?

If you do want to fill time: meet friends for walks, read, knit, sew...

@MinesAPintOfTea

Is it worth looking at what you can do to increase your chance of employment? Ie extra qualification, a MOOC, new language, new programming language, write something in your field in a blog, start a business, write a book etc?

If you do want to fill time: meet friends for walks, read, knit, sew...

ot really as I'm fully trained in my field and not looking to change career at this stage.

Was wondering more what to do to make the best use of the time outside of worky stuff, but thank you for your suggestion

There are probably loads of volunteering opportunities in your area. I don't work and usually have 2 or 3 different volunteer roles on the go. An outdoor conservation or gardening one would be good for fitness.

Could you work in a restaurant or cafe during the day for the brunch/lunch service? That would keep you on your feet and active, earn some money and keep you occupied. I've just been reading about the giant shortage of workers in hospitality and the golden hellos that are being offered. Last night we were wandering around looking for somewhere to eat and every restaurant and cafe had signs up saying help wanted.

Can you code? Always an exceptional skill to have.
Learn a language?
Learn a new hobby?
Learn nature identification - birds/flowers/trees?
Marie Condo the house
Volunteer

Lots of our charity shops need volunteers - previous elderly or vulnerable ones being unwilling to return to work ATM

Do you like animals? You could foster for a rescue.

I'd make myself a bit of a timetable so theres a structure to the day - so something like: drop kids off, do an hours walk (or couch to 5k plus walking if you have running shoes/sports bra already). 10-11 job stuff 11-12 decluttering and putting stuff on FB marketplace (a job I never get round to doing) 12-1 lunch/dishwasher/washing machine 1-2 Duolingo (or any other free learning package that you can feel some progress with) 2-3 (depending on when kids finish school) cleaning/gardening. Walk the long way round to pick kids up, go to park after school.

Check out your local authority gyms and pools. They're excellent value for families anyway but have good concessions for unemployed and monthly membership plans
Library too maybe? You can get audiobooks and magazines as part of membership
Update your CV?
Volunteer in something you could branch into?
Sell/ upcycle and sell stuff you've grown out of/ don't use

Deep clean and de clutter the house, charity shop or eBay stuff.

Learn sign language.

Foster a guide dog puppy.

Learn to cook a new rota of recipes.

Vaccination volunteer?

Not really as I'm fully trained in my field and not looking to change career at this stage

You dont necessarily need to change careers, but surely picking up some work (any!) is better than being on the bread line.

I'd be really annoyed if my dh became unemployed and only looked for jobs in his chosen field. I wouldnt do it either. Work is work.

You’d have some good laughs working in hospitality I bet, particularly over the summer.

Also second the ‘get fit’ suggestion. Gives the days some structure and makes you feel great.

Good luck.

Lots of restaurant/cafe work available, needs must and all that.

@NeilBuchananisBanksy

Vaccination volunteer?

I was going to suggest volunteering at Vaccination Centres (not as a vaccinator, but as a steward). I’ve been doing this for the last 6 months or so, and it’s hugely rewarding and good fun too. Plus it’ll look good on your CV too.

I was going to say learn sign language! There is a website called future learn that do some free online courses, one of them might be interesting. If it was me though I think I’d clean my cupboards and read some books and make the house organised ready for the chaos of going back to work. Hope something crops up and it’s not too stressful