5 Things to Do When You're Unemployed

There can be nothing more discouraging and disheartening than long periods of unemployment and it can be easy to sink into a malaise and do very little. Before you know it, months have passed and you've made little progress toward obtaining a new job.

Below are five things you can do to make the time during your unemployment more profitable for you in the long run.

1. Get clear about your strengths. Develop a focused understanding about what your strengths and skills are. Be able to concisely state what it is you would bring to an employer. If you're not sure, speak with an employment counselor or read some work by Marcus Buckingham to help you assess your strengths.

2. Stay social. It can be tempting to withdraw and isolate from others during a time of prolonged unemployment but be sure to maintain your friendships and attend social gatherings. Your friends can help you stay motivated, and can even provide leads to job opportunities.

3. Learn something new. You might not be able to afford to take a class while you're unemployed but there are many free classes available online, or through your local library. Speaking of libraries, reading a book can be a great way to acquire some new knowledge or understanding.

4. Set a schedule. Live as if you were working. Don't allow yourself to simply sleep in and watch TV throughout the day. Set an alarm and get up at a reasonable time, get in some movement or exercise, and plan some time for job searching or career development every day.

5. Stay positive. Finally, work at remaining positive. You can do this through a daily meditation practice and by surrounding yourself with uplifting media, messages, and friends throughout the day. An optimistic attitude will help you negotiate the difficulties of an extended period of unemployment.