One big problem about being unemployed is that there are a lot of hours in the day that need to be filled. This may not initially sound like a problem. However, after you’ve exhausted the riches of the Internet three or four times, you start to see a problem (at least I do.) So what can you do to fill the time?

There are the obvious answers, such as becoming a Rock Band star or watching every episode of every TV series in which you’ve ever been mildly interested. Staring at the glowing screen can get old after a while, and besides, a newly-published study reports that those of us who watch four or more hours of television a day are headed to our grave ahead of our non-watching buds. Better yet, how do you make good use of your time? Every second you’re alive will never come again, so you might as well make the most of it, instead of “killing” it. So I’ll offer you a few things that I do to keep myself occupied.

First, read. During my three years of law school I often wished that I could read for pleasure, but was so sick of reading at the end of the day that I plopped down in front of the couch and stared at Law & Order. I’ve used my long stint of unemployment to rectify that situation a bit. I think it’s an especially great time to read some light fiction. Let’s be honest: unemployment is depressing. So don’t feel like you need to read War & Peace (although that’s a great book to read.) Read those “guilty pleasure” books – in my case, the Twilight series, a new mystery series, and some P.G. Wodehouse (I started reading Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children back in November and still haven’t finished it, which shows how well the “read something serious” bit worked out for me.)

Second, start a new hobby. My mom crochets, and in desperation, I finally asked her to teach me. As it turns out, it’s a lot of fun! I’ve crocheted two afghans already (and am snuggled underneath one of them right now.) Pick up that hobby you’ve always wanted to try, or try one that you haven’t always wanted to try. It’s a skill, right, and it gives you some purpose to your day? Check. Plus, crocheting is a hobby that can be performed while catching up on favorite TV shows, which is a definite plus.

Third, volunteer. I started volunteering a non-profit legal shop back in October. It gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning. You get to meet new people. Plus, if you do something in your field, it allows you to build your skills, gain contacts, and hopefully get a recommendation for the future.

Fourth, write. How many people think, “I’d like to write a book,” and never get around to it? I bet there are a lot of them out there. When work is crashing down on you, you have responsibilities to family, and so on, it’s hard to find time to write something that you love. You’re just trying to hang on for dear life! Well guess what—you have the time now, so make something of it! Give it a try. Start a blog, write a book of poetry, write the Great American Novel.

Fifth, job hunt. This one is probably at the forefront of your mind, but keep trucking. It gets hard to keep looking for a job day after day. Guess what? You’re not the only one in that boat (as evidenced by those of us writing for this blog!) Apply for part-time jobs at retail stores or restaurants. Just keep going!

Readers, any suggestions on how to fill the day? Until next time . . .