I was laid off two weeks ago from my role and currently on a 60-day garden leave. My manager has been supportive and we continue to meet weekly, as he’s advocating for me to find another role within the company before my time is up. Reflecting on my situation, I remembered my next-to-last layoff was 21 years ago, and during that time, I didn’t utilize my time well. My manager shared that he experienced a nine-month layoff and regretted not making better use of that time. He wished he had traveled or engaged in fulfilling activities instead of just hunkering down and saving money. Now, I’m pondering how to maximize this time outside of job searching. I’ve started taking care of personal matters I had neglected, like scheduling doctor appointments before my insurance runs out. I also want to focus on my mental health, exercise, and reconnect with nature. I’m considering how to balance enjoying life with the uncertainty of my job search. I’d love to hear how others have made the most of their time during layoffs.