Being between jobs: Time to kill or time to invest?

This current month, I’ve been living between jobs. It has been a period that, despite anticipating some of its contours, has indeed surprised me with some unforseen advantages - besides being the real vacation that I haven't had in over a decade!

Being between jobs is much more than having "time to kill", which nowadays is already a luxury, that many would kill for. It's "having time full time", without being conditioned or pressured, without being interrupted. Time just for myself if I want it, time to breathe and reflect, time to plan and focus, time to switch on and off at my own pace. Time for choices.

“Time is the wisest counselor of all” – Pericles

However, this is also a period that we can (should!) take advantage of to capture many of the possible benefits. And there are so many! I would highlight the following that mean the most to me:

1. Time for #SelfReflection : an opportunity to evaluate my career goals, skills, and interests. A real chance to think about what I truly want in my next job (or just make sure what I already knew).
2. #SkillEnhancement : use this time to start acquiring new skills, read a lot more, trying to continue to evolve as a professional and as human being.
3. #Networking : continue building and strengthening my professional network, now that I have time to attend events, connect with former colleagues, and even reach out some of my mentors.
4. Personal #Growth : it has been definitely a period for personal development. Working on my mental health, practicing work-life balance, and reducing stress.
5. Physical #Wellbeing : I have been able to make the most of my available time to practice sports and get in touch with nature. Surfing trips, going to the gym regularly, to swim or play golf and even try paddle tennis with friends. It does not get better than this.
6. #Exploration : evaluating, through research, different industries or job roles. At this stage in my life is critical not to neglect new passions and opportunities that I might not have considered otherwise.
7. Freelance #Consulting : in order not to remain completely at a standstill, I decided to move forward with independent consultancy initiatives, sharing my accumulated know-how and gaining additional experience (and income).
8. #FinancialPlanning : time also to review the already existing financial plan, revising some of its goals and evaluating different investment strategies.
9. Side #Projects : investing some time pursuing personal or passion projects.
10. Reduced #Stress : although unemployment could be potentially stressful, the truth is that I’ve been facing it with great confidence. It has been a fantastic break from more than a decade of always-on pressure and high intensity, allowing me to recharge and reduce burnout.

In short, my job transition has been until now, for sure, a positive, transformative experience. I will always cherish this absolute freedom to choose how to use my time effectively, in order to not only advance my career but also pursue my personal development. Clearly some relevant lessons learned facing the future that I wanted to share with everyone in a similar context. Now, bring it on!