Realistically, unemployment is not particularly fun. Job searching is stressful. Making sure I’m having a good hair day for in-person interviews slightly more-so.

However, as a person who relishes being incredibly busy at all times, I’ve found a few key hobbies to pass the time. I figured I could share and, if you’re struggling with mind-numbing boredom, you can turn off daytime TV and check one of these options out.

1. Write about what YOU want: When beholden to a job, not necessarily everything you put on paper or electronically is going to be something you truly love. As a writer, you always hope you can find a great job where you can feel like you’re making a difference and some sort of satisfaction in what you’ve put together. But, this is real life and you what the job requires of you. But, when on your own, you can pick and choose what to gab about and how to phrase it. Also, it’s not regulated. Sometimes, it’s just a lovely feeling to write about whatever is on your mind.
2. Catch up on reading: Thanks to the library’s stellar Libby app, I can download library books for free and read until my heart’s content. I am currently devouring “STIFF: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers” (Roach, Mary 2004). I am fascinated by anatomy and physiology. When I was little, my grandmother would let me pour over the pages of her mammoth Gray’s Anatomy book. Sitting cross-legged on the astroturf carpet of my grandparents’ front room, I’d read about how the human body is truly fascinating. I was also the weird kid that drew a human stomach at recess when we had to stay indoors due to snow.
3. Run really long distances: I am about to go pick up my packet for the Indy Women’s Half-Marathon in the morning. This will be my seventh half-marathon. With my days free, I’ve had more time to explore trails locally and get serious distance training. Because I am not what I’d classify as super-fast, distance takes time and focus.
   
4. Naps: Okay, I know I said this was a post about ways to pass the time. But, naps are fun and keep you going. I am a nap person and make no apologies for it.

   

5. Focus on what I truly want and pursue it: Yes, I’ve had many a rejection email thus far. However, the fact remains that my time to truly find a job I can put my heart and soul into is here and now. Being able to take a step back and assess what I truly want out of a role is something I am cherishing. Also, I learned what the word “gibbet” means. I’ll allow you to Google that yourself.

To see samples of my work, follow the link down the rabbit hole and check it out.