6 Things to Do While Still in Between Jobs
Even though being in between jobs is a normal part of being a working professional, no one wants to stay unemployed for too long. Job hunting is often an arduous task, and it’s easy for a jobseeker to feel unmotivated to keep trying if they’re unable to secure their next employment quickly.
The smart jobseeker, however, is one who recognizes that they could still be doing something in the downtime between their last job and their next one. If you’re currently unemployed and still looking through listings for job hiring in Manila or elsewhere in the Philippines, consider doing the following things to boost your confidence, keep your skills sharp, and broaden your career horizons:
1) Consider Taking Freelancing Jobs
Freelancing presents a great opportunity for currently unemployed professionals to leverage their skills and expertise while in between full-time jobs. Rather than waiting for the perfect full-time position to suddenly materialize, perhaps it’s the smart thing to do to accept various freelancing opportunities and to give yourself a means of generating income during periods where you’re not employed full-time.
The income that you make from a freelance engagement can help cover your living expenses and alleviate financial stress while you search for a permanent job. You may also enjoy the autonomy and flexibility that you have to set your own schedule and choose the projects you want to work on, which may have been absent from your life if you previously worked a 9-to-5. It’s not unheard of for traditional office workers to spend a year or two freelancing or even finding their next permanent engagement in fields like virtual assistance, IT, and online retail.
Another benefit of freelance projects is that each of them provides you a unique avenue for skill enhancement and professional development. You may have the chance to work on a variety of projects across different industries and sectors, enabling you to expand your current skill set and gain valuable experience that will matter to your next job.
2) Take an Upskilling Course for Yourself
While being in between jobs may initially feel like a setback, the time period may also be an ideal one for you to continue your professional growth and development. One of the most effective ways to capitalize on your waiting time is to invest in upskilling, which is the process of acquiring new knowledge or enhancing any existing skills you have that are relevant to your field.
Upskilling lets you stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your industry. Take the time to enroll in courses, seminars, workshops, or other similar upskilling opportunities that cover emerging topics or in-demand skills. This is so that you can ensure your skill set remains relevant and competitive in today’s job market.
The good news is, a number of courses with certifications are free to take or are otherwise quite affordable. You can also choose to upskill online or to go to physical events.
Your attendance and completion of upskilling courses, workshops, or seminars will, for one, enhance your marketability to potential employers. Today’s employers are often drawn to candidates who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to learning and professional development. Earn the credentials and showcase your newly acquired skills on your resume so that you can differentiate yourself from other jobseekers and perhaps even be qualified to land a higher-paying job.
3) Find an Internship in the Industry You’re In
If you’re a fresh grad or someone who wants to make their start in a new industry, you should also consider signing up for an internship to gain more practical knowledge in your field and to expand your network. The internship will provide you with hands-on experience in a real-world work environment, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. You’ll also gain valuable insights into your industry, develop relevant skills, and establish experience for yourself in that particular field—all of which will make you more competitive in your chosen job market.
4) Teach a Class
Even if you’re currently unemployed, you may possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise by virtue of your experience. If you’re confident enough to do so, why not teach a class or head a workshop or seminar to pass on a particular skill of yours?
Teaching a class can be a fulfilling way to share your expertise while also making the most of your time between jobs. This process of knowledge sharing can be deeply rewarding and can also reaffirm your own understanding and passion with regard to the subject matter. Don’t forget that you also stand to learn a lot from students from all walks of life.
5) Strengthen Your Professional Network
It’s essential for a jobseeker like you to remember that you’re not alone, even if job hunting can often feel like a lonely and isolating task. Many professionals are going through (or have gone through) unemployment, and connecting with them can provide you with invaluable support and open doors to new opportunities.
Through networking, you can tap into the collective knowledge and experience of your peers and colleagues and enrich your current prospects as a result. You may also get to engage in conversations, attend industry events, and participate in online forums that will give you just the push you need for career growth.
In addition, strengthening your professional network can help you get job leads or referrals that could land you your next permanent engagement. Even if you don’t initially see yourself as the networking type, it’s worth it to network (at least a little) to increase your chances of learning about hidden job openings or being recommended for positions that align with your skills and interests.
6) Pivot to a New Career
Lastly, unemployment can be the perfect time to reevaluate your career path and explore opportunities you may not have thought about before. Perhaps it’s time to leave your original field for a while and to pivot to a new career that matches better with your current interests, values, and aspirations.
A transition to a completely new type of career should begin with self-reflection and introspection. Take the time to assess your skills, strengths, interests, and values to gain clarity about what you want in your next career. If this journey of self-discovery leads you somewhere unexpected, welcome the change in your priorities and broaden your job search to include a new field, sub-field, or position. This approach may be what leads you to a new career that’s rewarding both financially and in other ways.
Things to Do While Still in Between Jobs – The Bottom Line
Try out any of these ideas to make the most of your time between jobs and to position yourself for future success and fulfillment in your career. Best of luck in your job hunt, and may you find the career opportunity that’s perfect for the person you are today.
And in case you have ever wondered, yes there are many excellent reasons why you should consider a career in sales!
Aim higher!
Susan A. Enns, B2B Sales Coach and Author
Schedule a free sales coaching strategy session with Susan here.
“… what I can tell anyone, is simply this – If you want to learn and understand sales, talk to Susan.”
