What should I do in all of this (unwanted) free time?

[folkblossom]

Not true at all under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Here are requirements for a "fair" internship according to the U.S Department of Labor.

I have held 4 unpaid internships since college and they are offered all over the place.

[L'Artiste]

You don't need to be in college to have an UNpaid internship . I got 3 at one time after graduation . What you do need is drive, almost to the level of stalking. You have to keep emailing , calling, checking on your status until they finally say come in( well that only happened with a fashion magazine the rest were relatively easy) and when you interview KNOW EVERYTHING about the company until you can finish the interviewers sentences . Now beware in certain fields or most . They are abusing interns instead of getting real employees so you might wanna find out before you spend 6-12 months hoping they'll hire you .

[dazeddude8]

aye you don't need to be in college for an unpaid internship. However getting an internship unpaid or not is very competitive, internships are the new "entry level" job. At my last interview for an unpaid internship (internship also in NY haha) I was told at the end of the interview that they have had people with 2-3 years of publishing expereince, people with master degrees all applying for the same UNPAID internship. So yea it internship is def. competitve.

To the OP stick with the job and volunteer on the side if you can, all the while still keep looking for that internship, that entry level work. Even if the retail job and the volunteer work is "not what I really want to do", it is something you can put on your resume. White space is death, get the references get the names of people who can back up your work ability.

[pastrychef]

OP, i used to live in NYC ( i know very expensive ), but i used a temporary staffing agency supporting cast. they were WONDERFUL ! located in mid-town, used to show up in the mornings even tho i didn't have an assignment (you can brush up on software or organize your calender). often within the hour they sent you to an assignment ( very prestigious companies ). u can meet new people quickly and who knows might get a real job offer. hope this helps !! good luck !!!

[pvande55]

Also get some education. Some free continuing education classes available, some through the Workforce Investment Act. Volunteer, work out. Visit free attractions.