What can I do to keep myself busy during my job search? (Charlotte: transporting)

[faith9898]

Does anyone have any suggestions for things I can do while I look for a job?

I devote six hours a day to networking and applying for jobs, but now realize I need to do something during my "off" time...so that I don't lose my mind (or get depressed).

I attempted to volunteer but was told I couldn't unless I could commit to volunteering for at least six months. Weird? Very! Especially since I have a background in PR and fundraising. Most nonprofits value those skills.

I'll be checking with other nonprofits in the area, but anyone have any other suggestions?

I'm just so bored.

[Jake Ryan]

Originally Posted by faith9898

Does anyone have any suggestions for things I can do while I look for a job?

I devote six hours a day to networking and applying for jobs, but now realize I need to do something during my "off" time...so that I don't lose my mind (or get depressed).

I attempted to volunteer but was told I couldn't unless I could commit to volunteering for at least six months. Weird? Very! Especially since I have a background in PR and fundraising. Most nonprofits value those skills.

I'll be checking with other nonprofits in the area, but anyone have any other suggestions?

I'm just so bored.

Where in the world did you try to volunteer and they told you about committing for 6 months? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and I suggest you look below!! There are a lot of places that would love to have volunteers in Charlotte that would love for you to devote any time that you have to give. I did a quick Google Search and came up with the below:

Volunteer Opportunities in Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

The Carolinas Medical Center Volunteer Services Department in Charlotte, N.C., has more than 100 service areas where you can volunteer. Below is a partial listing of our volunteer opportunities:

Adult volunteer opportunities include:

Greet patients, family and visitors. Assist in transporting and discharging patients
Provide information about services and resources to patients
Provide assistance in nursing units, Emergency Department and Childlife
Help with clerical duties, running errands, and answering telephones
Serve customers, sell merchandise, check prices and price new merchandise in the Gift Shop
Deliver flowers and magazines to patients
Staff waiting rooms
Become a bilinguel Volunteer

United Way of Central Carolinas (http://www.uwcentralcarolinas.org/volunteer/index.cfm?fuseaction=vol_item&id=1 - broken link)

Volunteer Opportunities This is a retirement community, where I'm sure the elderly people would love to have someone visit, play cards with, or just hang out with them!!

Special Olympics North Carolina: Volunteer Opportunities at the Special Olympics NC. North Carolina Donations and Charity Volunteers (http://www.sonc.net/contact/staff.asp - broken link)

Should I go on? If any of those don't work, you may want to get involved with a local church that works with outreach programs in Charlotte or volunteer at the church itself, if outreach isn't your thing.

I wish you luck in your job search!!!

[resident]

get a parttime job? Waitressing, bookkeeping, temping? Employed ppl usually find work easier.

[faith9898]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'm definitely going to look into the other nonprofit organizations. I thought the six-month requirement was just odd.

As for registering with temp agencies...I've done that...things are just slow right now. Just need something to do in the meantime.

[Linkin2100]

Check out Habitat for Humanity ! They have work during the week as well as the weekends ! All you need are a couple tools and a few other items. Goodluck! Im in search of a job as well!!! I am now resorting to going to the businesses and dropping off my resume.

[pinkpocketbooks]

i would look for a part-time job that is flexible. you never know where you'll network with professional contacts.

or learn something new, like a hobby. you could always take a class at CPCC. this is a good time to broaden your experience for that next job you're looking for.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Check Craig's list for part-time jobs, temp jobs, etc. I have found 2 good helpers by advertising there.

[brokensky]

Here is an awesome thread that was constructed on volunteer opps in our area.

Arts and Civic Volunteer Opportunities