How to cope with the boredom

joolsybools

I have been unemployed for quite a while now and whilst I am actively seeking work (and getting interviews) I do seem to have too much time on my hands...

how do you cope with the boredom that unemployment brings?

sammyjammy

How about treating it as a study schedule for taking exams? Set yourself up periods of time when you will do things, 1 hour internet job search, 1 hour asking around local businesses, 2 hrs doing apps, 1 hour updating CV, 2 hours learning new skills e.g. Excel, Word or something related to what field you are looking for work in.

ScribbleNInk

From when I was unemployed and looking for work, I found it helpful to move around into different environments. I'd go a bit stir crazy just sitting in my room all day doing applications, so sometimes I'd go out and do some applications in a coffee shop or at the library. Or if you've got a friend who is also looking for work or studying you could hang out with them while you are working on apps.

I definitely think moving around helps to stop you stagnating! It's true, no matter how hard you're working at apps, it is pretty boring and solitary.

Hope you find something soon.

Donaway

I got a second hand exercise bike off gumtree for £30 when i was out of work and it was the best move that i ever made in my life AMAZING

In a few months i was out of the trap that is being unemployed and was back in work

Give it a go you have nothing to lose only excess weight and everything to gain from the benifits a exercise bike give you

Dunroamin

Voluntary work.

staffie1

Dunroamin wrote: »

Voluntary work.

Good idea. You can gain work experience and use this to support your job applications, as well as doing some good.

Rottensocks

Voluntary work.

Although gawd help you if you're "not available for work" because of it: they can (and will) stop allowance for that - or at least, they used to, as it happened to a friend once.:mad:

busy_mom_2

JCP do encourage voluntary work provided it is not the be all and end all. people must be prepared to see this as a filler not a way of getting out of looking for work. the work must benefit the community and support your job goals. look on here http://www.do-it.org.uk/

JCP fully supports this site.

soontobemrsg

I second the voluntary work. I'm employed part time but do 3 hours a week voluntary for a local charity too, it's very rewarding and can certainly enhance your CV particularly if you've been out of work for a while.

Depending on the organisation you volunteer for they sometimes also enrol you on courses, I recently renewed my First Aid certificate with mine.

Other than that have you considered short courses (Obviously if you found employment you may have to give them up depending on your availability).

306chris

Drink, drugs, sex, watch sky all day and then go for a takeaway at least that's what most Daily Mail Brigade think you are doing.

For me having two kids keeps me busy enough, I have my garden and have been growing all sorts of veg and plants. I like to get out on my bike as well although I think I'm pretty much clued up on every street now.
I did apply for voluntary work with BHF but they dont seem to want any help. When I was unemployed for a few months back in 2010 I helped a local hospice run its ebay shop which was great fun.

ChicaBonita

When I was unemployed I found it really disheartening...chin up though because I'm sure something will come your way soon!
I looked into doing some different courses (for example language courses) as many colleges do discounted rates for those on JSA etc. Also some gyms have discounted membership. I never actually got to do a course as I found a job before I could start one, but I was looking forward to learning a new language, especially as it would've been something else that I could've put on my cv!
I also second the voluntary work...some places can be really slow to get back to you though....I volunteered for a few things through the do-it website, and I'm still getting calls back from some of the things I applied for, and I applied back in September!