[impulse]

Finding myself recently unemployed, I think the most difficult part is "filling in" all that extra time. Sharing a common sense strategy plan.

1. Get up early. I'm not naturally a morning person, but lends a sense of accomplishment. Fresh and alert in case someone calls to screen toward an interview.

2. Get out into the world. Take a hike or walk. Enjoy errands. Don't sit in the house for extended periods. Go visit retired relatives, or identify friends one can visit during the week if possible. Take short trips if necessary to have some company.

3. Meet people. Humans are social creatures. Especially if one's single...meet people! Find a local meet-up.com, go dancing, join a professional association.

4. Don't hide your status. We have a lot of company out of the workforce. You never know who might be able to help land that next opportunity. But you won't know, unless you're willing to be honest with others as to what's going on. People have instant empathy, because most of us have been there too.

5. Volunteer. Choose something that has something to do with your profession. ie. An IT person can fill a gap in a resume by volunteering their expertise to charities or retires. If not a possibility to do something professionally related, a soup kitchen is still a strong selling point. Showing one did something helpful and productive with their free time.

6. Grow Spiritually. Meditate, study a religion of interest, if you've been out of church for years. Might consider the possibility. If one can't nuture their wallet, nuture your sold.

7. Take classes. If it's not possible to regaister or you can't afford them, do some independant study. Look at CLEP credit, look at Certifications, take a seminar or workshop offered at Community College or University.

8. Get Fit! Go to they gym, improve your diet, walk, run, bicycle, push-ups, get a schedule and routine going. You'll not only feel better, you'll look better for the interview. Be more at ease, etc. Look healthier.

9. Cut down on television and internet or any other type of "black box" vice. We're all too young to retire yet, why not enjoy this time with self-enrichment? While we're still young enough to have a wider variety available to us as possibilities. Do you really want to return to work and only remember watching hours upon hours of TV?

10. Take up a musical instrument, or put one back into use. There's plenty of time, and there are a ton of benefits one might not readily consider in the simple act of playing.

This list won't help you find a job. But it may help you survive well, and avoid depression. Some of the suggestions might help you find a lead. Or open up a surprising new direction/possibility. Volunteering and classes/certifications are things you can put on your resume...that might actually help.

When out of the house. I've decided to leave my cell at home. Why have the added anxiety of focusing on the wait of a call? The reminder oh, why is my phone not ringing? The voicemail will be there when you get home. You'll have a surprise to greet you.

Good luck people! Hope these thoughts help.

[Koko2]

I'm doing a lot of #10 musical instrument. Being unemployed has given me a chance to practice, practice, practice.