Make the Most of Your Time: Stay Busy During Your Job Hunt

Fall is here, and the time of year when festivities and fun begin is upon us. Halloween is right around the corner, closely followed by Thanksgiving and then, suddenly, it’s Christmas! If you are unemployed though, you might be wondering “what’s next?” for you and your family. This time of year can be hard if you don’t have steady employment and income. For many people the holiday season means carefully planning vacation days from the office, shopping for gifts and special food, and preparing to celebrate the season with the ones you love. Without employment, none of these things are possible, and the holidays can lose some of their spark. The waiting game of searching for a new position can seem endless, especially now that kids are back in school, and you’re left staring at reminders that the holidays are coming and you still don’t have a job.

PHR Staffing Solutions’ goal is to find the position that is perfect for each applicant that comes through our door. Unfortunately though, that isn’t always an “instant” fix. Sometimes it can take a little time to get through paperwork, applications and interviews, and jump through various hoops that are specific to each opening. So, while you wait, what can you do?

Here are some ways to stay productive and busy until you are back in the work force this season:

Hustle at Home. Use your days at home, while you aren’t in an office or dealing with seasonal and holiday busyness, to get your house ready for when you do have a job taking up your time each day. Take care of jobs you might not have time to do during your routine cleaning checklist, like exterior window washing, cleaning out and organizing closets, or wiping down baseboards. By getting rid of clutter, and having your environment clean and tidy, you’ll be better prepared when employment comes knocking on your door. Another perk? It will be easier, and much more enjoyable, to put out all those holiday decorations!

Fit and Fabulous. There is no better way to use your “free” time than by taking care of YOU. Use this waiting period of job searching to make time for exercise. Physical exercise helps with stress, helps you clear your head, and has a plethora of health benefits including lower blood pressure, weight loss, and improved heart rate. Walking, running, biking, swimming, yoga…whatever form of exercise you choose, being fit will definitely help with making your more successful in whatever you do, especially when jumping into a new career! It’s also helpful in managing your weight and health as the holidays (and all their food) approach and offer plenty of temptation.

Give Back. Volunteering is a great way to spend your days when unemployed, and it allows you to give back of your time even when you can’t financially give to programs. It can also benefit your resume. Look for volunteer opportunities with lots of community connections, or volunteer in the field which you would like to pursue for your career. Not only can it aid in you finding permanent employment, but it is also a rewarding way to use your time for the greater good of others in your area. Food banks, clothing drives, relief programs, shelters, etc. are all great ways to give back to your community while you have some extra time on your hands.

Reinvent Yourself…or At Least Your Hobbies. Take your time off work to learn a new skill! Sewing, knitting, cooking, crafting, painting, singing, sports, and more can help you stay occupied and mentally active while waiting for the perfect job to present itself. Another great perk? Some of these hobbies can actually be turned into gifts as the holidays approach. It’s a win-win!

As you wait, let us do the hard work for you. PHR Staffing Solutions takes care of the job searches, applications, interviews, and more to make sure you find the best job for YOU in as little time as possible. We work closely with you and local employers to provide top-quality results all the way around. Give us a call to get started or apply online!