So you’ve become unemployed for some reason, and while you’re looking for work you find yourself still having more time in your hands than you care for. Don’t despair, here are some tips on how to make your free hours productive:

Improve your network. Revive old contracts and make new ones. Since you’ve got time on your hands, you can try joining clubs, community groups, hobbyists, and other associations and organizations. Get acquainted with new people and get re-acquainted with the ones your already know. Spend time with friends, family, and loved ones. Within a network, you can brush up on your social skills. Who knows, you might even find someone who can refer to you a job opportunity.

Volunteer. Involve yourself in worthwhile endeavors. Be a volunteer for non-profit organizations. It may not generate income but it helps in personal growth. You also might get insights about life that may help you move forward in your future career.

Learn new skills. And brush up on forgotten ones. Maybe you used to paint. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to learn photography. Well this is your chance. Who knows, these skills might prove to open doors to a new career path for you.

The key here is to rediscover yourself in whatever activity you do. Just don’t mope around the house. Be productive. You’ve been given this opportunity to do some self-reflection so why not use it to your advantage? It will certainly refresh you in time for a new career.