When you’re in-between jobs, it can feel like the world is ending. We’re so conditioned to having steady sources of income that when there’s a lull, it feels like the most terrifying experience imaginable.
But if you’re in this place, there’s something you should know…
There’s a lot you can do to improve your life while you’re in-between jobs. In many ways, this time off is a blessing. Not only can you survive while in-between jobs, but you can actually thrive.
In this post, we’re going to explore a few of the many ways you can survive and thrive while in-between jobs.
Realize What’s Important
When you first tender your resignation or get laid off or fired, it’s a good time to reset your priorities. When you’re working every day, it’s so easy to get caught up in the stresses of work that you forget about what’s really important in life.
When you’re in-between jobs, you can spend some much-needed time with the people you love. Think of it as an extended vacation. And if you can keep stress to a minimum, you may even enjoy it.
Educate Yourself
While you peruse the want-ads and job websites, this is the ideal time to make yourself more marketable. And while you might not want to spend a lot of money on education, you might be able to take a targeted certification course that will look great on your resume.
If you can balance the investment with the added appeal, you may be able to make it easier to find a new, and possibly better paying, job. This way, you can get a job fast, and it’ll be one you actually might enjoy.
Start Healthy Habits
While you’re in-between jobs, try to avoid the common pitfalls of sleeping till noon and becoming a couch potato. You may want to enjoy this in your first few days of unemployment, but before long, you should start implementing some habits of highly successful people, and this means becoming a morning person. Whether you were one before or not, you should know that morning people are more successful in general; it’s more than just a cliché.
Network
As soon as you leave your old job, it’s a good idea to start calling on some old contacts from previous jobs. They may know someone who knows someone who could get you a job. And even if they don’t make a connection right away, it’ll be helpful to let them know you’re looking.
Additionally, you can join Meetup groups in your area and meet other people in your industry. The more you expand your professional network, the easier it will be for you to find a new job. And oftentimes, these gatherings won’t cost more than the price of a drink or two.
When you’re in-between jobs, don’t let your current situation get you down. There is so much opportunity ahead of you, and you can use this time to get clear on your priorities. You’ll be in a new job before you know it, so make the most out of this time.