Being unemployed can be hard. Really hard. And if you give in to your worst fears, you can convince yourself you’ll never get another job. But don’t go there. Instead be your own best advocate.

Here are 5 things that will use your time productively and make sure you’re ready when that new job comes along.

1. Learn to Listen. New jobs do not come because you can articulate everything you’ve ever done. People get a job because a business has a need and an individual has the skills to fill that need. Research companies that interest you. Then on an interview, listen very carefully to the job as it’s being described. Ask questions about the challenges the department or company is facing. Ask what success would look like. Then present your experience in a way that meets their need. Be specific, be positive and be honest.

2. Learn something new. Don’t bemoan the fact that your industry has changed and you’ve not kept up. Get up to speed and don’t use money as an excuse! Expand your technical skills – go to the library and borrow a Dummies book, and learn anything from Excel to Home Decorating. Perfect your public speaking skills - join Toastmasters , or offer to speak at your church or the local Chamber of Commerce about something that interests you. Get certified in something that adds value to your resume. Presenting the same skill set job after job is not impressive. Your next employer will look on you more favorably if you show that your time away from work was used wisely.

3. Volunteer. Do you need experience to move into a new field but can’t figure out how to get it? You’ve got time – make the most of it! Volunteer and get to know the new industry and the type of work they really do. Meet the decision makers without the pressure of a job on the line. Volunteering build your resume and shows that you’re serious about a new direction.

4. Read. Thinking about making a change? Learn from someone else’s successes and failures. Many magazines feature articles about people who have changed professions. Reading about some else’s joys and the pitfalls will give a reality check to your dream while helping you take that leap with your eyes open.

5. Do somethings for yourself. Make a list of things you’ve never taken the time to do and do them. This could be a new hobby like learning to make fresh pasta or visiting a gallery you’ve never made time for. Or it could be spending more time at your kids’ school or any of the other things that get sacrificed when work gets busy.

Being unemployed may be hard. But if you use your time wisely, you’ll become an active member of your recruitment team and a real advocate for yourself. I ask you this. If you’re not looking out for yourself….who is?