25 Best Hobbies For Unemployed (Cheap & Productive)

If you’re looking for a way to keep your spirits up while looking for a job, here are some hobbies that can help. You will find a lot of hobbies for the unemployed in this post. Some may be familiar with certain activities while others might be a bit more of a surprise.

Losing a job can happen to anybody. When something ends there is always a new beginning, so maybe it’s now the perfect time for you to pick up a new hobby. I always started something new when I had no job and I recommend you do the same.

So, if you are unemployed and are on the lookout for some hobby ideas you have come to the right place. Below you will find hobbies that will help give you the stamina and focus it takes to find a new job. It might sound counter-intuitive, but you can find hobbies that will make money as well.

List of Hobbies for Unemployed

Cheap and Productive Hobbies

Nobody wants to spend a lot of money to start a hobby while unemployed, but everyone should look for activities that are productive. The following are a few cheap and productive hobby ideas for the unemployed.

Online Courses

Online courses can be one of the most productive hobbies for the unemployed. Online courses are a great option for those who want to improve their skills. They give you the chance to learn while staying at home. Maybe you want to improve your communication or computer skills, maybe you want to learn time management. Whatever your case may be, online courses can be an excellent way to increase your knowledge and skill set.

Jogging or Running

If you want to feel better start running, regular jogging can keep the heart-healthy, and reduce stress. Start with an easy jog around the block or around the park. Gradually increase the distance and pace until you are running a long distance.

Cycling

Cycling is another cheap hobby for the unemployed. It’s one of the best ways to burn extra calories and reduce carbon footprint at the same time. You don’t have to go to the gym or buy expensive equipment. Just a bicycle and a smile on your face will get you going.

Swimming

Swimming is one of my favorite summer activities, it’s always fun to visit an open beach or public swimming pool. . If you haven’t tried swimming yet, go for a free swim day at the local aquatic center. Or join a swimming club. Maybe you’ll enjoy being around others who are also having a great time in the water.

Walking

Go outside and experience fresh air, meet new people, see the world and even improve your health. Once you start walking, you’ll notice how the grass is always greener and bigger. Start small and work your way up, join the local walking group and discover the enjoyment and health benefits that walking can bring.

Start A Blog or Vlog

Do you wish to share your thoughts with the world about a topic you find interesting? Do you love writing? Start a blog and spread your wings, put your stamp on the online world and meet your audience. With the right approach and a lot of work, you can turn this hobby into a successful business.

Painting

Painting is one of those creative hobbies that doesn’t require a lot of equipment. You don’t need a large canvas or expensive tools. Painting can be as simple as pencil and paper, or as complex as detailed paintings. Whether you start with watercolors, acrylics, or pastels, there is something for everyone!

Cooking

Cooking is another indoor hobby for the unemployed. It can be a creative outlet very quickly if you start thinking about how to cook food yourself. You’ll learn what recipes are good and how to make them. You’ll also have fun creating your own meals like protein pancakes, or scrambled eggs with ketchup.

Fishing

Get out there and start fishing, it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. Taking a fishing trip or spending a day on the water could become your new tradition this year. Of course, you need the right equipment, but fishing isn’t a very expensive hobby.

Reading

I consider reading a book as one of the best hobbies you can imagine while you’re unemployed. Reading will give you a deeper understanding of the world and expand your vocabulary. Novels, poetry, news, blogs, everything you read will help you to understand different topics better. Reading is fun, and it can unlock new worlds of knowledge and imagination.

Writing

If you are looking for an outlet for your creativity, then writing could be the right hobby for you. Just pick a topic you enjoy, find a way to express yourself, write down a few thoughts in a journal and see how long you can keep going without getting bored.

Gardening

When you’re sad or discouraged about the state of your finances, think of gardening. It’s one of the best ways to increase your self-esteem. Sure, there are tv shows, movies, and books to read about the process, but the Internet is your best friend when it comes to information about gardening.

Playing an Instrument

Do you want to know how to hold a musical instrument, how to practice, and how to get the most out of your time? Learning music can open up new doors in your life. Just like with any other skill, also learning to play music takes time and practice to get good at it.

Learning a Language

Many people dream of going abroad and learning a foreign language. The reality is that most people cannot learn a language quickly or easily, but if you have the determination and drive to learn It is totally possible. Speaking a foreign language is a very important skill you can use in your job search.

Volunteering

The best ways to discover new things are through working for non-profit organizations. Not only this, volunteering will help you make new friends, which is important when you are on the lookout for a new job. Volunteering is one of the greatest ways to help others and yourself as well, so it’s a great hobby for the unemployed.

Hobbies That Can Turn Into Careers or Business

Maybe you are looking for hobbies that can make some money on the side. If you are passionate enough you could even turn your hobby into your new career or business.

Photography

Photography is a lot of fun and something that anyone can get into, it’s also a hobby that can lead to a rewarding career. Becoming a photographer isn’t as hard as you think, but it requires patience and dedication as well as a lot of practice. So, as long as you have a passion for photography, there is no limit to how far you can take it.

Graphic Design

Graphic designing is another good hobby for the unemployed. Logo, a website, or a product… If you are passionate about graphic design and want to turn your hobby into a career, then graphic design is the way to go. The best way to start is learning it by taking classes or by watching online tutorials.

Fitness

Are you motivated by a desire to improve yourself physically and mentally? Well, if you’re looking to change something about your life then you should start with fitness exercises. Working out will give you a sense of accomplishment and taught you how to take care of yourself physically.

Illustration

Are you looking for an outlet for letting your imagination run wild? An illustration is a great hobby to express yourself and connect with others, it can also make great gifts for your friends, family members, or co-workers. Just go with something that you are comfortable with, it may be an adorable drawing of a cat, a drawing of an airplane, or a famous face.

Brewing Beer

Brewing beer is another good hobby that can make money. Over the last few years, many people have been inspired to start brewing their own beer. If you decide to try it yourself, you can even take it one step further and learn how to turn this hobby into a career. But remember, being a brewer is not as easy as you might think. No matter how much you read about it, there will be always something more to learn about.

Woodworking

Have you always wanted to make a table or chair out of wood? Maybe you’re interested in hobbies that involve building things. Well, making things from wood takes skills and project management, but it still provides the opportunity to make some money while you learn skills. Oh, and you will need some essential tools if you plan on working with wood.

Makeup

I have to confess, make isn’t really something I think about every day, but I realize that makeup is a big passion for many women. If you’re one of them, consider makeup, it’s a great way to earn extra cash on the side as well. Even if you don’t have the best tools, you can learn new skills and experiment with new looks in no time.

Tattoos

Tattooing might be a perfect artistic hobby or it might be something you do on the side to make extra cash. It’s also a great way to meet new people and expand your network. Whatever the case, it’s something you can’t get bored with. But there is only one thing to remember; always practice safe tattooing techniques.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy has been used for centuries, it’s the oldest of all art forms and one of the most versatile. You can create beautiful invitations, stationery, wedding invitations, thank-you notes, postcards, or you can create artwork for t-shirts and other products. Don’t know where to start? Well, learning through online classes or apps is an excellent place to start.

Tech Tinkering

What if I told you that if you tinker with the tech for long enough you will come up with an invention that will change the world? Well, you never know where or how far you’ll take it until you try! Every day is a new opportunity to learn, build and tinker with technology. Learn through tutorials, hacking challenges, or even playing games.

YouTube Channel

Start making videos about tennis, cars, makeup tools, or whatever topics interest you. YouTube channel can be a stepping stone to creating a career or business out of a hobby. But there is not just sun and flowers, becoming a successful YouTuber doesn’t happen by accident. Be aware that the YouTube channel requires action, persistence, and dedication.

Conclusion

I hope that you found my list of hobbies for the unemployed helpful. I’m aware that these are just a few hobby ideas, so I’m sure there are more hobbies that the unemployed would enjoy. If you miss some, you are more than welcome to share hobbies that the unemployed should know about.