Mackenzie Waldron is a writer focused on ensuring workers have the information and resources they need to thrive. She explores topics that come up on Empower Work’s free, confidential text line and brings research-backed approaches to support you.

A transition period between jobs is a challenging moment to navigate. Whether you’ve quit your job, been fired, or are going through other job changes, unemployment can be difficult. This period can last from weeks to months to maybe years for people. It can leave people feeling uncertain, burned out, financially unstable, and mentally drained. 

As one Empower Work help seeker shared: 

“I have had a period of extended unemployment despite numerous applications, unpaid work projects, and a previously successful career. I have pursued numerous solutions but without desired results.”

It’s normal to feel helpless, uncertain, and defeated during this time, but it’s important to remain hopeful and to stay motivated to find the next best steps. 

Revisit your career plans

Being between jobs forces you to pause, look around your environment, and revisit your current life—and your career plans. It gives you time to think. While this can be extremely overwhelming, you can also choose to look at this period as a time to organize your thoughts and ask yourself complicated questions: 

Am I happy in this industry? Was I treated the way I deserved to be treated at my old job? Do I want a different career? What am I good at? How do I get a job that I actually enjoy? 

These kinds of questions will have you thinking ahead while applying and interviewing for new jobs. This will help you find a job that values you. 

Apply for unemployment benefits 

While you’re between jobs, don’t leave your unemployment benefits on the table. Of course, there are different eligibility requirements depending on the state you live in, and there are certain criteria that you must meet—you must be available to work, have earned money through a job during a specific time period, and be out of work involuntarily.

Many people fail to apply because they believe that that they’re not eligible, which is often not the case. Unemployment can be your lifeline during a job transition period and can keep you on your feet while you work on attaining a new job. 

Build your skillset 

This time between jobs is an opportunity to take courses, learn new skills, and build your resume. Maybe you didn’t have the time to build your skillset during your last job, but this is the perfect time to evolve. This will not only help you get your next role, but it will also help build your confidence in yourself which will show up in your interviews. 

Take this time to revise and fine-tune your job search materials—your cover letters, resume, network connections, portfolio, LinkedIn page, etc. This will be appealing to recruiters and hopefully help you land your next job. 

Take care of yourself

Unemployment can be an emotionally draining period. It’s important to take care of your mental health during this time. Try to remain mentally stimulated by inspiring yourself and picking up certain activities that maybe your last job’s schedule didn’t allow for.  

There are many inspiring things you can do while unemployed—picking up new hobbies, volunteering, attending creative workshops or retreats, reflecting and writing about your past work experiences, developing unique skills that are unrelated to work, etc. It’s important to get out of your head and to not be too hard on yourself during this time. 

Reach out for support 

Finding work during an unemployment period is a difficult task for most people—you’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to your network and let people know that you’re looking for work. Talking to the right people can help you land your next job. Joining groups and message boards that include people with your shared experiences can also feel supportive and help you remain motivated to find work. 

If you’re currently between jobs and need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Empower Work’s peer counselors—text 510-674-1414 for free-confidential support in finding your next steps. 

*Note: Empower Work provides non-legal support for workplace challenges. This information, while authoritative, is not legal advice or guaranteed for legality. Employment laws and regulations vary by state. We recommend consulting with state resources for specific interpretation and decisions. If you believe you were discriminated against in violation of the law, we recommend you seek legal advice.