I'm in a similar place. I was recently laid off & I have stuff to do, but with no deadlines, etc. it's hard to get motivated.

Do you like kids?

"Inspiration exists, but you have to chase it with a hammer." (Or something like that).

So, some strategies that can help:

1.- Start an exercise routine with a specific goal in mind (it doesn't have to be extraordinary, just specific). This will develop/strength discipline and commitment and will boost your motivation.

2.- Volunteer for some organization or program. This will help you connect with people outside from your normal network and perhaps even broaden your horizons while giving you an emotional boost for doing some good.

3.- Think of your profession as a freelancer, search and sign for some courses to increase your skills/knowledge. This will give you a specific goal to strive for and perhaps even allow you to meet some colleagues that could be valuable in different ways (the course doesn't need to be something you pay for, there's tons of content available for free).

4.- Following on the freelancer mindset, think what could you do already to generate income with the knowledge and skills you have without depending on someone hiring you (e.g. tutoring students). This will force you to engage in the market and the economy around you, ideally boosting your creativity.

5.- The MOST important one: make yourself accountable. Tell one person you deeply care or look up to,that you are going to do one or all of these with specific dates and goals. This will prevent to fall into the trap of self-indulgence and rationalized excuses.

Hope this helps. Hope you are in a different place in a couple of months (maybe with a new job!)

When I was out of work I used the time to build my skills - online learning is cheap. For me, the most useful was advanced Excel skills including Macros, which make me seem like some sort of wizard amongst many of my colleagues. Python for automation is also very useful for my productivity

Also start attending any free or cheap events related to your career path. Meetups, hackathons etc. They’re great for networking and getting known as well as improving your knowledge.

Writing about your industry is also helpful to keep on top of your domain. I write on LinkedIn and Medium about new developments, latest research etc. I’ve won multiple consulting engagements from these over the years.

Volunteering is a fantastic option, especially if you can find something tangential or complementary to your desired jobs. For example, volunteering at a park or kids camp can count towards experience for getting a job in environmental advocacy or National Park Service, even if it’s in a different role.

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Start reading, something anything great will be your companion in this time. Then years from now when you’re successful you’ll look back fondly on that inspiration. One favorite I really look back on from that period in my life is creativity inc by ed catmull. Because he really take about his dream of digital animation and for all the way from college to the present. Hang in there!

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to write out these tips!!! I really really appreciate it and will be adding these to my routine 🙏

Ohh I see, thank you so much!!

Ohhhh that’s so true!! What a smart idea. I’ll be doing all of those things! I’ll start on Python. Thank you so much!

I hope we’ll get something soon 🙏🙏

Hmmm.. they’re ok 😭 I like babies and toddlers (I used to volunteer at an early years daycare) but not so much of the kids around 6-10 years old

Thank you so much, I’ll definitely start reading and listening to podcasts!!! Thanks for the suggestion as well, I can’t wait to check out that book!! 🙏