Top tips for things to do when unemployed

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Hi folks! As more and more of us face life after losing our jobs I think it's important to discuss what we all do to make what is a stressful time more positive. I've been unemployed for about 2 months after a contract I had ended, I'm going to give you some ideas that I've employed to get through the stress and be positive and I'd like you to add your own techniques and suggestions for the same. My tips: 1) Make a weekly plan: don't just let the days slip by, make a plan of things you are going to do that week. For instance, Monday, email employers, search for jobs. Tuesday, tidy the house etc. It's best to do this for Mon-Fri, leaving the weekend free just like a regular job. 2) Catch up with all the jobs you have been putting off due to work: Redecorate that living room, study for new skills or a new language, get fit. We miss out on so much because of the 9-5 nature of work. 3) Keep a journal: Not only will it fill your time you can use it to track which jobs you applied for and what response you got. Sometimes you apply for so many jobs it's hard to remember! 4) Release your creative side: I'm currently writing an e-book (slowly!) but you can do lots of creative and rewarding things like painting, photography, singing or dance. You never know, you might even find you have a hidden talent that you can make money from. 5) Catch up with old work colleagues: Not just from your last employer but from previous ones, you never know who may have an opening that's not widely advertised. 6) Speculate! Don't wait for job opportunities to come to you, email companies asking what's available, or as in my case (I used to manage a pub) visit the establishments and get chatting to the proprietor. So that's my top tips, now it's your turn. What do YOU do to turn the negatives into positives? Mike