In Between Jobs? Try these 10 Strategies to Best Use Your Time—and Develop a Healthy Mindset

By Crystal May, CCS, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, AAPC Approved Instructor

I recently had a conversation with a friend who is between jobs and struggling with what to do with their time other than the job search itself. So, I thought I’d share some things folks can do while on the hunt, keeping balance in mind.

1. Keep your skills sharp. Polish up that resume (of course) so you can be ready when it’s time to apply and if applicable, work on some of those CEU/CE requirements. Dedicate at least half an hour each day to career-based productive time (separate from the job hunt).

2. Read one (or more) of those books you’ve been meaning to knock off your TBR pile. Fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, or self-help. Whatever you choose.

3. Grow/foster your network. If you haven’t already, start making connections on LinkedIn, with your local chapter, and check in with old colleagues you may have lost touch with. Networking is everything, especially when you’re looking for your next opportunity. It’s a two-way street though—share information with others as well.

4. Spend time with your family. Now is the perfect time to make playdates, attend sports games and recitals, and have movie nights on the couch.

5. Create content. The more you post, share, and send info into the algorithms, the more visible you become. Post about your experiences, your plans, your accomplishments, your dreams. Whatever you want. Even better—post intentionally to help others who may be struggling as well.

6. Have coffee or lunch with an old friend and catch up. We all get busy and texts are nice for keeping in touch, but face to face conversations are better… even if done virtually.

7. (Remote) Clean and organize your office/workspace. When you start the new job, it’ll be nice to have that fresh and organized area ready for you on your first day! (Commuting) If you’re going to an office, clean/organize at home, meal plan, and/or detail your car to prepare for those first few super busy weeks in a new job when you may not have as much time.

8. Binge watch that show, movie series, or audiobook. Guilty pleasures are okay. You’re not lazy for taking a day to just exist as a lump under the covers with snacks. You’ve earned some mindless downtime.

9. Plan your path. Write out your goals. What do you want to accomplish? What is your dream position? A certain industry? Going back to school? Starting your own business? Whatever it is, close your eyes and picture it. Every detail possible. Now open your eyes, write it down, and claim it already yours. Start reverse engineering the steps you need to take to get there and get to planning.

10. Breathe and take care of yourself. Exercise. Rest. Laugh. Cry. Scream into a pillow. Journal. Go to therapy. Do whatever it is that you need to come back to center and be okay.

The right job for you is out there, you just have to find it among all the noise. Keep searching, growing, and moving … and don’t you dare stop until you find your dream. You’re worth it.

Like this article? Have additional strategies to suggest? Crystal would love to hear from you. Send her an email at crystal@norwood.com.