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Unemployment is an ugly word.  Call it a mini-retirement, a funemployment, a break, or a sabbatical — if you’re not working today for any number of reasons, you’re certainly not alone.  So, what happens now?  Here are a few tips to get the most out of your time off.

Take inventory

First things first, take an honest look at your situation, your savings, your expenses, and figure out if you can afford to be without work for a little while or, if not, how much you honestly need to make to support yourself.  Then take a metaphorical inventory of what it is you’d like to do next, maybe a plan B and plan C too.  Make sure you have insurance.

The next logical thing is to apply for some jobs in your field, but that’s not what this article is about, so we’ll move right on.

Work on your surroundings

Yeah, you’re going to be spending some more time at home now, so make sure it’s a place you want to be.  If you’re like me, this means having a neat, well-lit, and comfortable workspace, a computer desktop that doesn’t stress you out, and a clean kitchen.  For other people, it might mean moving around the furniture to switch things up or putting reassuring fortune cookie sayings or magazine tear-outs up on the fridge. Do what you need to do to get yourself organized.

Get a routine

Avoid the trap of sleeping late, watching another America’s Next Top Model marathon, and wishing happy birthday to three acquaintances and two people you kind of remember from high school.  You’re welcome to sleep later than you did before, but get up at an hour when you still feel productive.  7:30-8:00 works for me.  Find things to do that you enjoy and things that are reasonably useful — like researching grad schools if that’s in your future, or doing some volunteer work (only a bonus if it leads to a job or career inspiration down the road).  Find free things to do in your area like parks and museums. Take time to try the things you never had time for when you were working.  Exercise, eat well, spend time with friends, and get out of the apartment to avoid boredom.

Get creative

Even if you’re actively on the job search, there’s no reason you can’t come up with some ways to make money in the meantime.  I have friends who’ve started their own jewelry business, sold homemade stationery on Etsy, or  worked on building a photography portfolio.  Have an idea?  Put together a business plan and see if you can get something going.  Who knows, unemployment could end up being the best thing to happen to your career.