24 hours is too much time in a day

In college there is no time for downtime. Class, homework, campus involvement, work, internships, and the millimeter of a second for a social life is all you have. But when you graduate all that changes. You begin to miss not having time to sit and watch hours of television, or not having a fixed schedule. Once college is over your life becomes routine. You wake up everyday knowing you have nothing specific to do. 

You should realize that you now have time to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Don't get accustom to routine now that college life has ended. While looking for work, invest time into new things. Here are some suggests on how you can get your "mojo" back while waiting for that "career" opportunity.

1). Read-- I know that reading is not for everyone, but there are a variety of genres and topics to read about. While in school, there is limited time for leisure reading. But now this is the time to catch up on some best sellers. Also stay abreast in current events. Take time out to read newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc...you never know what ads you may find advertising that perfect job.

2). Travel--if your like many, (including myself), you may not have the income to travel. But if you do, or can scrap together a little bit of money, now is the perfect time to travel. I've talked to several professionals who said after college they took a map, closed their eyes, and whatever city their finger landed on, they went. Many left with less that $500 in their pocket, now they work for major publications. 

3). Volunteer--Don't just sit around in the house. Get out. By volunteering you stay abreast with current issues in your community. It's also a great way to network. 

4). Explore--One of my favorite things to do is act 'like a tourist in my own city.' You'll be surprised at all the discounts and freebies your town has to offer. Go to museums, plays, comedy shows, parks. Explore what your city has to offer. Again you never know who you'll meet.

5). Take on a new hobby--I haven't quite figured out what my new hobby is, but some ideas that have come to thought: take a class in  dancing, cooking, poetry. I don't know, whatever floats your boat. I did cook over the holidays and it was relaxing and fun.

6). Stay Fit--Use some of that extra time to join a gym. The time spent eating and sitting in bed applying for jobs, with limited mobility will soon catch up to you and when summer comes you will regret those extra few pounds. 

There is much more to do with your downtime. These are just a few. Remember my fellow post grads even though college has ended, your life has just begun. I know these are difficult times and money is scarce, (especially for those not working yet). The excessive time you have now is time you probably wont see again for a while once you land a job. So use it productively. Live life, enjoy life, become life. 

D