What to Do When Unemployed: 20 Practical Tips for the Break

When you’re unemployed, the best thing you can do is balance rest with purpose. Use this time to recharge, reassess your career goals, and take care of your mental health. Building a simple routine, learning new skills, and reconnecting with others can help you stay grounded and productive. Volunteering, freelancing, or even starting a new hobby keeps you engaged while you search for your next opportunity. You don’t need to job-hunt 24/7 — just stay active, curious, and move forward one step at a time.

Unemployment’s on the rise — 4.2% as of April 2025 — and the job market’s still shaky. Whether you quit, got laid off, or just needed a breather, the shift from a packed schedule to total freedom can be jarring. One day you’re stressed about deadlines and office politics, and the next you’re wondering if brushing your teeth counts as being productive. 

Should you be job-hunting nonstop? Upskilling like your life depends on it? Or unplugging for a while? It’s tough to know what the “right” move is when everything feels uncertain — especially without a routine to anchor you. 

So take a breath. You don’t need to figure it all out today. This guide’s here to help you spend your time well — in ways that support your well-being and get you closer to whatever’s next. 

We’ll cover: 

• How to look after your mental health and build a routine that works for you. 
• Skill-building and learning that doesn’t feel like a chore. 
• Smarter ways to job hunt. 

Need resume help? Try the Rezi AI Resume Builder. For more job search support, check out: 

• How to Update Your Resume 
• Tips for Writing a Career Change Resume 
• 11 Steps of How to Survive a Layoff 
• When Will Tech Layoffs Stop? What to Expect & Do Next 

20 Things to Do While Unemployed 

In short: during unemployment, it’s important to recharge, reflect on your next move, and prioritize mental health. Take time to relax, explore new skills, and establish a routine to stay grounded. Consider temporary work or freelancing to keep active and earn. Update your resume, improve your LinkedIn profile, and engage your network. Volunteering, trying new hobbies, and managing your budget can also provide structure and balance while you search for your next opportunity. 

Not every second needs to be spent stressing about the job hunt, so here are 20 things you can do to stay sane, productive, and maybe even have a little fun along the way. 

1. Take a week to recharge 

If you’ve quit or lost your job, take a breather. Sleep in, zone out, and guiltlessly binge something like Temptation Island. Just give it a time limit (one week max). 

If you have savings, treat yourself to a quick getaway. Midweek flights are cheaper, and a change of scene might be exactly what your brain needs. 

2. Reflect on what’s next 

Take a moment to figure out what you really want to do next. If you liked the industry but not the role, it might be time for a change. If the whole thing didn’t feel right, consider a different direction. Don’t settle for something familiar — aim for something better. 

Ask yourself: 

• What did I love (and hate) about my last job? 
• Is there a dream job I’ve always pushed aside? 
• Would part-time, freelance, or contract work suit me better right now? 
• Am I after a full career change or just a different role? 
• What skills would give me an edge in my next move? 
• Is this the right moment to go back to school or start learning something new? 

3. Prioritize your mental health 

Being unemployed can mess with more than your bank account — it can also shake your confidence and sense of self. 

A global study published in December 2024 looked at data from 201 countries and found a strong link between unemployment and higher rates of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. The researchers also noticed that certain groups were more likely to experience issues like increased drug use and eating disorders when unemployed. 

Here’s what helps: 

• Talk it out with a friend, partner, or therapist. 
• Journal your thoughts (a sad playlist and a glass of wine might help you get it all out). 
• Stay social — even a quick coffee catch-up with a friend can help. 

Feeling off during this phase is totally normal. Just don’t bottle it up — give yourself the space to feel it and start healing. 

4. Stay active and eat well 

It’s easy to fall into the couch potato trap, but staying active and eating like a semi-responsible adult can boost your mood, energy, and give you extra motivation to job hunt. 

Here’s the plan: 

• Move your body: walk, stretch, hit the gym, or even just dance around. 
• Get outside, even if the weather’s bad — fresh air clears your head. 
• Ditch the frozen pizzas and aim for real food (the kind you have to chop). 

5. Let go of unhealthy habits 

Unemployment’s a good time to break free from habits that drag you down, like doom-scrolling, smoking, or late-night TV binges. But don’t go overboard — if you’re already stressed, tackle one habit at a time rather than overwhelming yourself. 

6. Spend time with family and friends 

It’s easy to slip into hermit mode, but this is the perfect time to catch up with friends and family you don’t usually see during the 9–5 grind. It’ll lift your mood, give you a sounding board, and remind you there’s more to life than job boards. 

7. Treat yourself 

Job hunting’s exhausting — it’s like a full-time job without the paycheck. So take breaks and do something just for you (guilt-free). And there’s no need to spend big — it’s about little joys that refill your cup. 

Try: 

• A solo coffee or bookstore run. 
• A walk with a podcast (or your own chaotic thoughts). 
• A no-phone movie night. 
• Something hands-on: paint, bake, sew, bike, or finally take that pottery class. 

8. Create a daily schedule 

When every day feels the same, it’s easy to lose track of time (and your motivation). You don’t need a strict schedule, but a bit of structure helps keep you grounded — and out of your pajamas by mid-afternoon. 

Here’s how to keep it together: 

• Set an alarm and get dressed — even if it’s just into sweatpants. 
• Block off time for job stuff: applying, updating your resume, researching, or just poking around LinkedIn. 
• End the day with something productive or feel-good, like a long walk, meal prepping, reorganizing a closet, calling a friend, or finally fixing that wobbly chair. 

Eugene, who’s currently job hunting in architecture, shares how he stays on track: 

“I spend about an hour a day in front of the screen — doing a course, applying for jobs, or browsing LinkedIn. Just having that in my routine makes it less overwhelming. 

I also write to-do lists and keep myself busy even with small tasks, like running errands or house projects. I’ve been painting, replacing floors, and gardening — stuff you never have time for when you’re working full-time. It’s been nice to finally get to do those things without the pressure of time.” 

9. Review your budget and finances 

The average person spends 23.2 weeks unemployed (that’s nearly six months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). It’s a good idea to assess your budget now and plan ahead to make your money last. 

Here’s how to stretch your cash without giving up everything you enjoy: 

• Track all your expenses (even the small ones). 
• Cancel or pause non-essentials (do you really need four streaming platforms?). 
• Cook more, impulse-buy less. 
• Set a simple weekly budget: cover needs (rent, bills, groceries), allow for a modest personal spend, and save a little extra just in case. 

10. Look into temporary work or freelancing 

Freelance gigs or short-term jobs are a great way to stay busy, earn some money, and sharpen your skills. Upwork and Fiverr offer projects in writing, admin, tutoring, or customer service, among others. 

Temporary work can also help build your resume, get your foot in the door somewhere new, and keep you active while you figure out your next step. 

Alison shares her experience: 

“I wanted a copywriting job straight out of college, but didn’t have experience. I took a different part-time job and worked on writing side projects on the commute and in my spare time. The pay was low, but it helped me build my portfolio and get experience. It paid off after two years when I got a job in the field I wanted to work in.”

11. Brush up on existing skills 

If there’s a skill you haven’t used in a while, now’s the perfect time to dust it off. Whether it’s coding, graphic design, or a second language, refreshing it can boost your confidence and give you something valuable to discuss in interviews. 

Where to learn: 

• Udemy, Coursera, or edX for affordable courses. 
• YouTube for quick tutorials to jog your memory. 
• Practice with mini projects to rebuild your confidence. 

12. Learn something new 

Pick up a new skill employers are looking for by skimming job ads in your field to spot the most common ones. Spending just an hour a week on it can make a big difference.

Here are some in-demand skills for 2025 (Upwork’s 2025 skills forecast): 

• Customer/Admin Support: Virtual assistance, data entry, digital project management. 
• Sales & Marketing: Social media marketing, SEO, sales and business development. 
• Data Science & Analytics: Data analytics, machine learning, data visualization. 

13. Try a new hobby 

Not everything needs to boost your resume. Some things are worth doing simply because they’re fun. Hobbies mix up your routine, reduce stress, and give your brain a break from job boards and cover letters. 

Hobby inspo: 

• Baking your way through a new recipe book. 
• Painting, sketching, or writing — with no pressure to be good at it. 
• Guitar, salsa dancing, woodworking, Mandarin, or chess. 

Still stuck? This Reddit user swears by language learning: 

14. Volunteer 

Volunteering helps others and makes you look good doing it. Whether it’s at a shelter, food bank, or community events, just a few hours a week can lift your spirits, grow your network, and fill that resume gap with something meaningful. 

15. Read and stay current 

Just because you’re between jobs doesn’t mean you should be out of the loop. Keep your brain active by reading the news, books, industry blogs, LinkedIn posts, or even joining in on trending discussions. It keeps you sharp, improves your interview small talk, and shows employers you’re still plugged in. 

Quick ways to stay updated: 

• Follow thought leaders and experts in your field. 
• Read at least one book a month. 
• Keep an eye on news from companies and industries you’re interested in. 

16. Apply for unemployment benefits 

Check if you qualify for unemployment benefits. States have different rules, but generally, you need to have worked and earned enough in the past 12–24 months and be actively job hunting. 

Here’s what you need to do: 

• Check your eligibility by looking up your state’s requirements on CareerOneStop. 
• Get your ID, work history, and wage info together. 
• Apply online or by phone in the state where you worked. 
• Submit your weekly or biweekly check-ins, and respond to any requests. 
• Keep an eye on your benefits as they come through. 

17. Update your resume and cover letter 

Refine your resume and cover letter to make sure they’re polished and aligned with the job you’re applying for. Many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and 88% of employers think strong candidates get filtered out due to poor formatting or missing keywords (Select Software Review). Focus on highlighting your skills, experience, and any results that demonstrate your impact. 

Quick checklist: 

• Tailor your resume by using keywords from the job description. 
• Emphasize achievements on your resume that showcase key skills, especially problem-solving and teamwork, which top the list in NACE’s 2025 Job Outlook survey. 
• Customize your cover letter for each position. 
• Update your references list (and get permission first). 
• Refresh your personal website or portfolio if relevant. 

Top skills employers want: 

18. Improve your LinkedIn profile 

Give your profile a quick makeover: update your headline, summary, and experience, add a fresh photo, and use keywords from the roles you’re applying for. Highlight your wins, connect with people in your industry, and switch on #OpentoWork. A quick post about your job search could lead to some helpful DMs too. 

If you don’t have a LinkedIn yet, start here: How to Make a Good LinkedIn Profile. 

19. Reach out to your network 

Let your people know you’re looking — you’d be surprised how often jobs come through a friend-of-a-friend. Even if they don’t have leads now, you’ll be top of mind when something does come up. 

Here’s how to start: 

• Reconnect with former colleagues, managers, or classmates. 
• Engage (casually) with posts on LinkedIn. 
• Join industry groups or attend networking events. 
• Send a friendly message telling people you’re job hunting. 

20. Start applying for jobs 

Be strategic with your job hunt. Don’t apply for everything — focus your energy and time on the best opportunities. 

What you should do: 

• Set up job alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, and company websites. 
• Always message the hiring manager when possible. 
• Double-check the company’s careers page before applying elsewhere. 

• Use Rezi AI Job Search to find open positions and company websites to apply to. 

And when you’re not applying, make the most of your free time, like this Reddit user suggests: 

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Break 

Unemployment isn’t just about job-hunting — it’s a rare chance to reset. Stay productive, but don’t burn yourself out trying to do everything. Take a breath, enjoy the break, and use the time with intention. 

As Eugene wisely put it: 

“I’m also really trying to enjoy it, because I know my next job will probably last a long time, and I won’t get this kind of time off again. So I’m exercising, going to the beach, challenging myself, and just having a great time.” 

Summary 

Here’s a recap of what to do when unemployed: 

• Take time to rest, recharge, and clear your head before diving into job hunting. 
• Think about whether you want a new role, a career change, or to further your education. 
• Prioritize mental health and talk to friends, journal, and stay social to manage stress and stay resilient. 
• Exercise and eat healthy to boost your energy and motivation. 
• Create a routine: set alarms, get dressed, block time for job hunting, and end each day with something productive. 
• Track your spending, cut unnecessary expenses, and create a budget to make your savings last. 
• Take on freelance or temporary work to stay busy, earn money, and build your resume. 
• Brush up on skills like coding or design to feel more confident in interviews. 
• Take online courses in high-demand fields like data science, marketing, or customer service. 
• Reconnect with contacts, engage on LinkedIn, apply to jobs that align with your goals, and update your resume with new skills or experiences. 

FAQ 

Can I work part-time and still receive unemployment benefits? 

Yes, most states let you work part-time and still get unemployment benefits, though it depends on where you live. You’ll need to report your earnings weekly, and your benefits will usually be reduced based on how much you make. As long as your earnings stay below your state’s cap, you can keep getting partial benefits. It’s a great way to earn extra income and show employers you’re staying active in the workforce. 

What should I say when asked about my unemployment?

Keep it honest and forward-looking. Say something like, “I was part of a company-wide layoff, but I’m using this time to upskill and explore new opportunities.” Focus on what you’re doing now — like taking courses, freelancing, or volunteering — not just why you’re out of work. It shows you’re proactive, motivated, and ready for what’s next. 

What to do when your partner is unemployed? 

Be there for them — emotionally and practically. Offer encouragement, talk openly about finances, and work together on job search ideas. Find simple ways to have fun together to ease stress and stay close. Remind each other that this phase is temporary and you’re in it together.

What to do when pregnant and unemployed? 

Look into programs like Medicaid or food assistance to help ease the pressure. Ask your doctor or local clinics about community resources. Plan ahead by exploring affordable childcare and flexible job options for when you’re ready to return. Most importantly, prioritize your health and rely on your support system. 

What if I am not eligible for unemployment benefits? 

If you don’t qualify, don’t worry — there are other options. Check out programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or local nonprofits that offer support with bills or job placement. You could also try gig work, freelancing, or temp jobs for income while you search. And reach out to your network — it might lead to unexpected opportunities. 

What are some fun things to do while unemployed? 

Unemployment is a great time to explore hobbies you’ve been putting off, like hiking, reading, or learning something new online. Volunteering is rewarding and great for your resume. Joining local clubs or groups is also a good way to meet new people and stay social. A little fun and self-care can give you the energy boost you need for your job search.