Whether you are between jobs, having a slow period at work, or simply have time on your hands, this is an opportunity to invest in yourself and your future. By investing your free time wisely, you will be able to build valued skills that improve your prospects and always keep you ready for whatever opportunities come your way.
Here’s how you can use downtime to improve your skills and make a permanent mark on your professional journey.
Make Learning a Priority
Learning should always be on top of your agenda during free time. Studying is a surefire way of being ahead of your game. With numerous available resources-online courses, certification-you name it-downtime is a great window to scale up on areas of your weakness.
You don’t have to commit to a long-term program. Many platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer flexible, affordable courses on everything from technical skills to leadership development.
Actionable Tip: Identify one skill you’d like to improve and find an online course that aligns with your career goals.
Strengthen Soft Skills for Any Role
Technical abilities are important, but employers value soft skills just as much. Skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are critical in every industry. During your downtime, you can focus on developing these transferable skills, which can give you an edge in any role.
You can practise communication by engaging in public speaking or joining online discussion groups related to your field. If leadership is an area you want to grow in, consider taking on mentoring opportunities or volunteering for team projects.
Actionable Tip: Choose one soft skill to focus on and seek out resources like books, podcasts, or peer feedback to help you improve.
Boost Your Professional Brand Online
Your online presence plays a significant role in how potential employers perceive you. Downtime is an excellent opportunity to update and enhance your professional profiles, especially on LinkedIn. Make sure your profile reflects your current skills and achievements, and take the time to engage with industry-related content.
Building a strong online presence doesn’t stop at updating your resume. Join relevant industry groups, share insightful content, and network with professionals in your field. A well-maintained profile demonstrates that you’re proactive and committed to your career.
Actionable Tip: Update your LinkedIn profile with recent achievements and updated skills; join at least one industry group for better connectivity.
Apply New Skills Through Projects
That is to say, theory is one thing, but it cannot replace practice. The implementation of your new knowledge in freelance projects, volunteer work, or extra tasks at your workplace makes for real learning. These projects allow you to test your knowledge and demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.
If possible, seek out opportunities to collaborate on projects related to your career goals. This demonstrates real experience, initiative, and an interest in the growth of others.
Actionable Tip: Engage in a side project or volunteer role to be able to apply your skillset in an actual environment.
Set Goals for Growth
The best way to maximize your downtime is with clear, achievable goals. With no roadmap, it is easy for time to slip away without progress. First, assess where you are in your career and where you go. Then, create a personal development plan that outlines the specific skills needed to get there.
Setting goals gives you direction and purposefulness in your relaxation time to ensure that you’re working toward your career goals.
Actionable Tip: Write out two or three key skills you want to improve and establish a timeline.
Downtime doesn’t have to be unproductive. In truth, it’s a gift-a time when one can take care of self-improvement and build up the skills that will launch them toward their career aspirations. By embracing continuous learning, softening your skills, building a strong online presence, gaining hands-on experience, and setting clear goals, you’ll make the most of your free time and position yourself for success.