I hope you never have to use this checklist. I hope you are able to get a job you love (and keep it). But just in case, know that this is there for you.

These are just suggestions and, honestly, I’m largely writing them to remind myself to do them. Recently I’ve been finding unemployment very frustrating and lonely when actually it’s a time I will probably (hopefully) never get back again. A long stretch of time with no boss, no obligations (apart from to find a job… and survive) and nothing to do. Freedom!!

So here are some recommendations…

1. Try to get up at the same time every day. It doesn’t have to be super early but try before 10. A sense of routine helps and stops you from being lazy. I always find the longer I lie in, the more difficult it is to get up, shower and feel like a human. Answering the door at 3 o’clock in your pyjamas feels baaaaaaaad.
2. Aim to spend time with someone every day. Believe me, you’ll regret it otherwise. Don’t make unemployment a more lonely thing than it already is. Offer your help to whoever will take it, visit family, help out friends, go out for a drink….
3. Teach yourself a new skill or make something! I’m teaching myself calligraphy by copying pictures off Pinterest. I’ve also got a lot more into painting and started this blog. You have the time to spend on something you’ve always wanted to do, so don’t deny yourself. It would be great to look back at this time with a sense of accomplishment and fondness eg “That was the time I taught myself Spanish/origami/Tuvan throat singing (Google it)” or “That was the time I wrote a book/poem/song/recipe book” or “That was when I read 10 books (so far, yup!)”.
4. Don’t be too hard on yourself. So much easier said than done but taking rejections to heart and beating yourself up over them is damaging and painful. So try not to do it. Let friends tell you how great they think you are, and even ask if you’re brave enough! Remind yourself of all you have achieved already. You are amazing and will get through this.
5. Similarly to the third point do something that makes you proud. For me, it was publishing my blog post on depression. That took guts and it spoke to a lot of people so I’m proud of it. At the end of a good day at work, you would naturally feel pride at what you have achieved. When there’s nothing set for you to do, you have to create the opportunity to make yourself proud. But it will seriously help your self-esteem.
6. Be honest with other people when you’re finding it hard. There’s no benefit to putting on a brave face and shoving your feelings down when you’re struggling. Find a trusted friend and let. it. out.
7. Obviously, apply for as many jobs as you can and when you think you’ve applied for enough, apply for more. Let people know you’re looking for a job and ask them to keep you in mind. Check out your local council, local charities, education websites etc etc. Sign on to recruitment agencies. Tryyyy not to hold out or pin everything on one job. Please. It may just end up breaking your heart. Emotionally, keep jobs at a reasonable distance until you get an interview, or the job itself, even.
8. Take the time to think about what you really want to do. Do some research, try things out, ask people already in the job… This is something I need to get better at.
9. Make sure you eat well and exercise. You have the time, so use it well. Go for a run, do a Zumba workout via You Tube, go swimming, teach yourself yoga. Not only will it make you feel better, it will stop you from turning into Homer Simpson.
10. Lastly, enjoy the time off. As I said, you may not get this opportunity of a long time free from work again (unless you’re a student). Some days you’ll be super productive and will have applied for three jobs by lunch, cleaned the oven and alphabetised your books by dinner. Some days you will spend entirely in your pyjamas in front of the telly. Embrace it. Let yourself rest and recover from the reason that you’re unemployed. This may be redundancy, being fired or not being able to find a job since graduating (been there, and it sucks too), or others! When you’re eventually in full-time employment, you’ll probably look back at this time with rose tinted glasses and longingness. Make the most of it while you can!

So, those are my suggestions. But I’d be really intrigued to hear any suggestions you have for keeping sane while being unemployed. I could do with them!

Finally, I trust in God and in his plan and in his goodness. That’s not to say I’m finding this easy, I’m not. But I know that there will be a time when I will look back on this and will be able to say “Ah yes, that’s what that was for…” That may not be for a few years, or even decades, but God is faithful and always has his reasons. He is working in you whether you can feel it or not and he is going to use this time for his glory. If by going through this experience I am able to help or offer hope to anyone out there who may be facing something similar, then I am willing to bear the burden.

^” Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope”- Romans 5:3-4

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”- Proverbs 3:5-6 (never have I leant on this verse more)