Funemployed

What does it mean to be Funemployed? Funemployment, is a temporary state that usually occurs just after the completion of an educational course. As opposed to being unemployed, funemployment is a term used by millennials to describe a period in their lives where they can take a break from work or study to enjoy life and do things that are fun and important.

The key to being funemployed rather than unemployed, is to use the free time you are given as time to do things that matter. Visit friends and family you haven’t seen in a while, take a course in something you’ve always wanted to do or do a bit of travelling.

Use the time productively and limit yourself to a few months at most. It will work wonders for you if you aren’t 100% sure what direction you want your life to go yet. Or even if you are, it’s good to have a little decompression time to yourself before you start climbing that career ladder.

Here are our tips on how to make the most of your Funemployment:

Realise it is temporary – This is not a long-term lifestyle, or an extended holiday. You are taking a bit of time to better yourself and find your direction. Don’t use it as an excuse to do nothing and realise that it is very much impermanent.

Embrace it – Yes you will need to go back to work, and you’ve probably got a touch of ‘the fear’ but don’t let it ruin your personal time. Yes take time to apply for jobs, but have some fun with the free time you do have. Don’t waste it worrying about silly things.

Start with a plan – Start each day by making a plan of what you’re going to do. Maybe you’re going to look up some courses, or teach yourself a new skill. Perhaps you want to have three jobs applied for by 2pm so you can enjoy a hike with your friends completely guilt free. Write them down, seeing them on paper and ticking off your tasks will help your stick to your aims.

Get Dressed – It sounds extremely obvious, but every morning get showered and dressed as if you were going to work or meeting some friends. Slobbing about in your pyjamas all day will demotivated you and make you feel lazy and all you’ll want to do is watch Netflix on the sofa. This is not the aim of funemployment.

Get Outside – Confining yourself to your home like a prisoner will not do anyone any favours. Even if you do have to apply for jobs or courses, getting out of the house will make it ten times easier to focus on. A change is as good as a holiday as the say, so make sure your scenery keeps changing.

Be Patient – You won’t get the first job that you apply for, you may not even get the 20th, but you will get a great job that is meant for you eventually. So keep trying and keep going and don’t be hard on yourself. Everyone has been here at some point.

Find a Release – Find a new hobby that doesn’t include applying for jobs to break up the monotony. You might learn a new skill and you might find a new passion that you love. Take up painting or join a running club, write down whatever is spinning around in your head or learn to play an instrument. Whatever it is, make it constructive.

Broaden your horizons – Do a bit of exploring, even if its somewhere quite close to you, it’s always good to see somewhere new and see something new.

Spend time with the people you love – Our family and our friends are our support network. Without them we would be lost, even if we are independent as people. They are our emotional and mental lifelines, so give them back the time they’ve invested in you. Go to the shops with your aunt or cook your best friend dinner. They will appreciate it more than you know, and you’ll enjoy yourself immensely.