How to Make the Most of Your Time Between Jobs As An Introvert

Despite the doom and gloom that often surrounds the topic of unemployment, there are still almost twice as many job openings as there are unemployed people in the United States. So even if you have been let go unexpectedly, be assured that it's only a matter of time before you land your next job. 

But between sending out resumes and going on interviews, what should you do with all that extra time?

The usual advice of networking, pepping up your personal brand on social media, and volunteering is great for Extraverts, but not so much for Introverts. Here are some more Introvert-friendly ways to make the best use of this time.

Focus on Self-Reflection

Introspection is a natural strength for Introverts, so use this opportunity to do some deep thinking about what you really want in your next job.  Ask yourself questions like:

• What kind of work makes me feel fulfilled?
• What skills do I want to develop or improve upon?
• How can I align my career with my personal values?
• What kind of company culture do I thrive in?

If you're struggling to answer these questions—and sometimes it is hard to see the wood for the trees when you have been working in one role or industry for a long time—tools like Typefinder for Career Planning and Career Personality Profiler can provide valuable insights into your strengths, preferences, and potential career paths. Use this time to really understand yourself and what you want out of your work life.

Keep Up with Industry Trends

Unemployed Introverts may feel disconnected from the professional world and worry that they're falling behind. However, you can use this time to stay up-to-date with industry trends and news. Make a focused effort to continue learning during your downtime, such as by reading industry blogs, attending webinars or conferences (even if they are virtual), and taking courses or certifications.

This will not only keep your skills sharp, but it can also give you an advantage in your job search—at the very least, it gives you lots to talk about and shows a go-getting attitude to potential employers.

Network the Introvert Way

Introverts almost certainly will find it easier to connect with others through one-on-one interactions rather than hitting up every networking event they can find. So, focus on building meaningful connections with relevant individuals rather than trying to make as many contacts as possible—grabbing a coffee with someone who could refer you to a dream job can be far more effective than collecting 100 business cards at a conference. You can also leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field and build relationships that may lead to future job opportunities, all from the safety and comfort of your own home.

The other thing to bear in mind is that other Introverts may be very willing to support you during this time, as they know how draining networking can be. Reach out to fellow introverted professionals in your network and offer to have a virtual coffee chat or brainstorm ways you could support each other in your job search.

Pace Yourself

Everyone's situation is different and you may be under pressure to find a new job immediately. But if you can take your foot off the gas pedal and pace yourself, do it. If you hit the job search with all the gusto of a sprinter in a race, you might end up burning out before reaching the finish line. You'll also miss an opportunity to decompress between positions which for you, introvert, is critical.

As you get deeper into job applications, try to keep the same steady pace. Don't apply to every job you find, but carefully choose the ones that align with your career goals and values. Setting manageable goals may help. For example, you could  aim to send out a certain number of applications per week or focus on one task related to your job search each day. This will help prevent overwhelm and allow you to stay focused and motivated.

Pick up Introvert-Friendly Side Hustles

An introvert's idea of a side hustle might differ from an extravert's, and that's okay. There are plenty of quieter or more solitary pursuits that can help bring a little money in while you are  job searching. You could:

• Offer freelance services that utilize your introverted strengths, such as writing, graphic design or data analysis.
• Start an online business selling handcrafted products or offering virtual classes or services.
• Become a virtual assistant for busy entrepreneurs or small businesses.
• Use your love of learning to become an online tutor or teach courses on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.

Not only can these activities help bring in some additional income, but they can also provide new skills and experiences to add to your resume. And who knows? Your side hustle might even turn into a full-time gig!

Put Some Boundaries Between Work and “Not Work”

One potential pitfall of being unemployed is that it can completely consume your day. Without a structured schedule and office hours to follow, it's easy for time to blend together and for you to feel like you're on the clock all the time. This can be especially draining for Introverts, who need dedicated alone time to recharge their batteries.

To prevent feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, make sure to set boundaries between your job search activities and your personal life. This could mean having designated work hours throughout the day where you focus solely on job applications, networking and professional development. After those hours are over, allow yourself to switch off from work mode and spend some time doing hobbies or activities that recharge you.

It's tempting to think of this in-between time as a hiatus from your usual routines, but it's actually an opportunity to establish the work-life balance that works best for you. Use this time to experiment and find a schedule that helps you feel refreshed, productive and fulfilled.  It might give you clarity on what kind of schedule you are and are not prepared to commit to once you do start working again.