I was recently unemployed for the second time in my career (one of the pitfalls of working at unstable startups). The first time was an absolutely awful depress

I was recently unemployed for the second time in my career (one of the pitfalls of working at unstable startups). The first time was an absolutely awful depressive hell. The second time, I ramped up my volunteer hours at a local Museum, going 2-3 times a week instead of just once a week. I happened to be working on a part-time master's degree program as well, and finished that up while I was unemployed. I spent just as much unemployed time between jobs both times (about 6 weeks), but the second time around was worlds better. I wasn't working full time, I had plenty of leisure time, but instead of using that time sitting around watching TV and wallowing, I had lunch with friends, I studied in cafes, after volunteering I took walks around the city, I went to bookstores -- it was awesome! I actually miss being unemployed. Having a "thing" you have to do during the day, instead of a vast blank schedule is an amazing psychological boost.