What To Do When Unemployed: 10 Action Items

Unemployment sucks! We aren’t here to tell you it doesn’t.

But, we are here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be all bad. In fact, you can use your unemployed time to make great things happen.

For some of us, unemployment may even come as a relief. Or maybe you’re still shocked about what happened. Feelings of grief, shock, and even relief are all natural reactions to finding yourself unemployed. Whatever you’re feeling is absolutely okay! It’s a huge change so let yourself feel all things.

As you start to think about your next steps, we recommend using this free time to think about your future and setting yourself up for upcoming career opportunities—whatever they may be.

In this guide, we share 10 things you can do when you’re unemployed and want to make your next steps thoughtfully.

1. Pause and reflect

If you’re unexpectedly out of a job and wondering what to do when unemployed, it can feel like a shock to the system. Give yourself time to pause and reflect.

Instead of diving straight into a search for your next job, consider taking some time to think about what’s next for you. When we’re busy with work, it can often be challenging to find the time to process and reflect on life (and work). Being unemployed can be an opportunity to take stock of your personal and professional life.

Consider asking yourself important questions, such as:

• Are you happy with your work-life balance?
• Is a career change on the cards?
• Do you want full-time employment, or is freelance work an option?
• How do you feel about reducing your hours and working part-time?
• Would you prefer to work remotely, go into the office, or pursue a hybrid role?
• Should you take this time to return to school or learn new skills?
• How do your finances look? Maybe you need to find new ways to increase your income?

Remember, not all career paths are linear, and that’s okay. If you feel this is the time to do something different—embrace it. Use this time to rethink what you want to do with your personal and professional life.

2. Develop in-demand skills

Being unemployed can be a good time to upgrade your existing skill set, or maybe even learn something new. Focusing on in-demand skills can help your job prospects, but also taking time to focus on something you enjoy might take your career to new and exciting places!

If you’re considering a career change or are looking for a work-from-home career option, using your time while unemployed to learn new skills can help you make the switch. Even if you’re not changing your field of work, upgrading your existing skills will make you a more valuable candidate.

You could also consider going back to school. Online courses can be an excellent option while you figure out what your next steps should be. Check out 30 of the best online learning sites, offering a mix of free and paid classes, courses, training, certificates, and much more.

Not sure what to focus on? This guide highlights some of the best skills to include in your resume. Research the most in-demand jobs and skills to start with. Then, figure out where your interests lie and focus on what will help you work in that field.

In addition to upgrading your technical, job-specific skills, this may also be a good time to invest in some personal development. After all, a successful career isn’t built on hard skills alone. Learning and developing essential soft skills is also going to be crucial for thriving in the future of work. It doesn’t matter what industry you work in, skills like communication, flexibility, and critical thinking are always valuable.

And finally, don’t forget that the world of work is rapidly changing, and we must evolve with it. The BBC says that “learning new skills to remain competitive is touted as the most important way workers can future-proof themselves against workforce disruptions, such as automation.”

3. Update your resume

Before you start sending out job applications, take the time to think through and update your resume. Include all recent and relevant work experience, educational background, volunteer work, and contact information.

Not really sure how to start a new resume from scratch? Our guide on how to write a great resume will walk you through the steps. You can also use resume builders as a template to get started. Tailor your resume to the specific position to catch a hiring manager’s or potential client’s attention.

In addition to your resume, you should also work on updating your list of potential references and cover letter. If you haven’t applied to a new job in a while, you may also want to brush up on your interviewing skills.

While updating your resume, don’t forget to update your LinkedIn profile and your website (if you have one) as well. If you’re planning to become an independent professional, get started with an Upwork profile too.

4. Build your network—online and offline

Networking is a crucial aspect of the job search puzzle. And no, it doesn’t have to feel icky if you don’t let it!

Networking can help you meet and connect with new people who may be able to offer you work. Did you know that, according to a survey from LinkedIn, as much as 85% of all jobs are filled through some sort of networking?

Great networking can happen in a number of ways, in person as well as online. For example:

• Attend industry or networking events in your local area to meet people.
• Connect with recruiters or hiring managers on LinkedIn.
• Use social media to create new connections. Join professional Facebook or LinkedIn groups to learn from others in your industry and potentially make new connections.
• If you meet people in real life, follow up by connecting with them on LinkedIn.

5. Search for job opportunities

Once you’ve had the chance to think about your next steps and are feeling ready, it may be time to start looking for new job opportunities.

Start the job search process by getting very clear on the type of job you’re interested in. Think back to some of the points we discussed in the first section of this article. Write down your criteria if necessary so you can keep referring to them during your job hunt.

Depending on the type of job you’re looking for, you may want to set up job alerts on LinkedIn or other job boards. If relevant, you should also reach out to recruiters to let them know you’re open to new opportunities.

Once you’ve identified a job opening that’s right for you, start putting your job application together, which will include your resume, cover letter, and maybe even a portfolio if the role requires it.

6. Create an online portfolio for creative work

Some jobs may require you to submit a portfolio along with your job application. A portfolio is a collection of materials that showcases your work experience and skills to potential clients and employers.

Creative roles such as web design or writing often require portfolio submissions. This helps your potential employers or clients really get a feel for your work and what you’re capable of creating.

A portfolio can be beneficial if you’re transitioning from a full-time job into freelance work. In fact, most clients prefer seeing a portfolio of your work over your resume.

Creating a professional portfolio doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re a freelancer, you can start by creating a portfolio on Upwork. You can also create a basic website to showcase your work to potential clients.

7. Find freelance work

Not quite ready to return to a full-time job—now or maybe ever? Freelancing may be the path for you. Check out this guide on transitioning from full-time work to freelancing.

You could even decide to go back to work part-time while you build your solopreneur freelance business. Once your business takes off, you can quit your job and become a full-time freelancer.

Not sure where to start? This guide on how to become a freelancer is the perfect place. Don’t forget to create your profile on Upwork as it’s the perfect place for freelancers to find work and connect with clients. Here’s everything you need to know about getting started on Upwork.

If you’re curious about what kind of work you can do as a self-employed, independent professional, check out these resources:

• Top 15 Self-Employed Jobs
• 15 of the Best, Highest-Paying Freelance Jobs

Learn more about how Upwork works for freelancers.

8. Consider internships and temp jobs

For those of you considering a career change, remember that a new career can take time to build. Consider applying for internships or temporary work via a temp agency to get your foot in the door.

These jobs can help you build up your experience in new areas of work and could also lead to new opportunities. Temp jobs also add credibility to your resume and can act as stepping stones toward your new career.

Temporary jobs or seasonal work can also be helpful if you need to make an income while you figure out what you should do next or await your next job offer.

9. Volunteer locally or online

Volunteering at a local organization or charity could be another way to continue building your work experience even while you’re employed. You could even search for online volunteering opportunities that you could do from home, if they suit your skill set.

Volunteering allows you to use (and expand) your skills to provide value to an organization. It’s also an opportunity for growth as you work with and learn from your co-workers or co-volunteers.

Plus, the volunteer work on your resume may help you stand out from other job candidates during the job search process. The work both demonstrates you putting your skills to work, and also shows potential employers that you’re giving back to your community.

10. Work on self-care

When you’re unemployed, you may suddenly find yourself with a lot of time on your hands. While you will naturally spend a lot of time securing a job interview for your new position, don’t let it become all-consuming.

Use this unemployed time to also work on self-care. While this may not seem like the most obvious career advice, hear us out. The most successful and productive professionals don’t simply spend all their time working. All work and no play leads to burnout. In fact, spending some time looking after your mental health or developing new hobbies outside of work could actually improve your work performance.

Instead, focus on building a better work-life balance. A balanced life allows you to enjoy and make the most of all aspects of your life—not just work. Prioritize your physical and mental health, take vacations, learn a new language, play a sport, or simply do whatever it is that makes you feel like you’re taking care of yourself.

In summary

Unemployment can be a difficult time. Take the time you need to process your feelings about your situation. Then, the best thing you can do for yourself is to use this time productively.

Whether you choose to spend your time learning a new skill, volunteering, or deciding to switch careers is entirely up to you. We hope our suggestions will help you despair less and instead focus on all the good things that you can make of this unemployed time.

You may even find this is your eureka moment and decide to give freelancing a shot!  We’re so excited for you and are here to support you every step of the way. Get started with the Upwork human and AI-powered work marketplace—check out the freelance jobs available on the platform.