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Whether you’re unemployed by choice or not, it’s important to stay productive while not working a full-time job. The worst thing you can do is sit around and lament your situation.

If you’re looking to get back to full-time employment as soon as possible, you should be spending multiple hours a day looking for that full-time job. Some people, on the other hand, aren’t looking to get back into the workforce right now; maybe they’re raising a small child or going back to school full time.

Whatever your situation might be, there are still things you can do in your spare time to advance your career. Consider the following ways to be career-productive while unemployed.

Freelance

Even if you’re dead set on finding a full-time job, there’s nothing wrong with looking for freelance work. Among other things, it can help pay the bills until you find the position you want. Considering the costs associated with job searching, including buying interview attire and commuting to interviews, a bit of extra cash can be quite useful.

In addition to being a source of income, freelance work can fill in an employment gap in your resume and expose you to new career possibilities.

Volunteer

It may not be the most profitable move, but a volunteer job can be a great mental boost, experience for your resume, a networking opportunity and a work-history stopgap. A volunteer job can also provide you with a sense of what it’s like to work in a different industry or different job in the same industry.

Most of all, volunteering can provide you with a fresh viewpoint on your current career situation, and make you recognize how fortunate you are compared to people who are down on their luck.

Take a class

Learning something new is never a bad idea, especially when the learning material can prove useful in your career. Therefore, jumping on the chance to take a class while you’re not committed to a full-time job can help you stay engaged with your career and remind you of the reason why you like your career in the first place.

Taking a class is also a great way to meet other like-minded people, which can unlock new networking possibilities for you. If you can find a way to work your class into your resume, so much the better.

Attend networking events

Networking is one of the best actions you can take while you’re unemployed, as it’s among the best-proven techniques for finding a new job.

It is critical to walk into a networking event with a positive attitude. If you make a half-hearted effort at a networking event, you’re likely going to walk out empty-handed. However, if you go in with an open mind and a friendly smile, you’re far more likely to come out with some new career possibilities.

At Action Group Staffing, we regularly connect unemployed professionals with best-fit career opportunities. Please contact us today to find out how we can help your career.


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