Layoffs and the current jobless rates are frightening but they’re a reality for millions of people globally right now. While most people are dwelling on the gloom and doom of the 7.2% American unemployment rate, why not use the opportunity to reassess our lives?
Obama said, "As with the millions of jobs lost in 2008, these are working men and women whose families have been disrupted and whose dreams have been put on hold."
I say, what about looking at new dreams? Those ones you never took the time to make reality while entrenched in your work? These layoffs could encourage people to go after the other things that life is really all about.
This cluster is an example of the things that truly inspire, the things worth living for. Those dealing with layoffs would be far more optimistic if they took this time to play with their children, to create art, to get in touch with their spirituality. The cluster highlights things like gardening, DIY projects, fun photography techniques, social activism initiatives. It’s a time you can finally redesign your business card, start working out or try vegetarian cooking (trust me, it’ll save you huge bucks.)
When life throws you lemons, make lemonade!
24 Fun Things Layoffs Give People Time to Do

24
Recycling Garbage into Art
From Freaky Doll Chandeliers to Garbage Chairs

23
HDR Photography
The Secret to Mind-Blowing Photos
22
Pole Dancing Exercise
Sexy Movements Become the Latest Form of Exercise
21
10 Business Cards To Keep, Not Trash
20
Erotic Dancersizing
Get Sexy with Flirty Girls Fitness DVDs
19
Kids DIY Toy Kit
Make-My-Own-Monster by FAO Schwarz
18
DIY Solar Powered Electric Car
17
DIY Baking for Kids
Gourmet Cupcake & Ice Cream Sandwich Maker
16
Meet Yourself at the Osho Meditation Resort
15
Acro Yoga For Two
Couples Sport Boosts Sex Life
14
My Monopoly
Make Your Own Version
13
Adult Playgrounds
The Big Kidz Playground
12
BMW Bicycles
From Freeway to Bike Trail
11
Guerrilla Gardening
'Bloom' Seed Spreading by Bicycle
10
DIY Custom Cookbooks
Inkubook.com
9
Laughter Yoga
Hysterical Exercise
8
Design Your Own Moleskin
Custom Engravings
7
Make Your Own Wiki
Peanut Butter Makes it Easy to Make Your Own Wiki
6
Create Your Own Games
Playcrafter.com
5
All-In-One Instruments
Ovation iDea Acoustic/Electric Guitar is a Recording Studio Too
4
Build Your Own Search
Yahoo BOSS
3
DIY Home Produce Gardens
Hydroponics Is a Growing Winter Phenomenon
2
Language Learning 2.0
The Speaking Pen
1
Post-Its Against Violence
Hand-Written Guerrilla Street Campaign for Peace in Denmark
Related Ideas
Work-Friendly Beers
Creative Juice is a Low-Strength "Desk Beer" for Creative Problem-Solving
Humorous Brand Campaigns
The Ikea Rewards Program Embraces Its Late Arrival with Humor
Stress-Reducing Garbage Initiatives
The Hefty Brand Launches its 'Trash Time Out' Campaign
Productivity Management Tools
Effective To-Do Guide Organizes Tasks & Goals Without Burnout
Heartwarming Bank Campaigns
Chase's Next Thing You Know Campaign Captures a Full Life
Hug-Inspired Olympics Campaigns
Coca-Cola's Summer Olympics Campaign was Inspired by True Events
Uplifting Social Media Campaigns
Optimism Your Feed Helps Social Media Users Retrain the Algorithm
Purposeful Consumer-Focused Campaigns
IKEA's Sleepfluencers Campaign is a Clever Way to Give Back
Analog Creativity-Inspired Installations
Moleskine Presents 'Unleash Your Genius' at BASE Milano
Whisky-Filled Stockings
Fireball's Slappable Whisky Stocking Helps to Alleviate Holiday Stress
Meditative Trash Campaigns
Hefty's Trash Time Out Provides Support During the Holiday Season
Lighthearted Football Campaigns
Jim Beam x Keegan-Michael Key Present the ‘7 Stages of Defeat’
Art-Promoting Campaigns
Beige Billboards Spark a Bold Call to Save Charlotte’s Art Scene
Therapeutic Fidget Toys
Speks Magnet Balls Offer a Distraction from Everyday Stressors
Block-Building Botanical Workshops
The LEGO Botanicals Le Florist Flower Truck Boosts Connection
Creativity-Centered Workshops
Gap's Workshop Initiative Empowers Local Makers in San Francisco
Pizza Box Resumes
Pizza Hut's "ResZAmes" Support Job Seekers During the September Surge
Feel-Good Ad Campaigns
Pella’s 'Make Life Brighter' Campaign Celebrates Home and Comfort
Creativity-Inspiring Kids Campaigns
Cra-Z-Art Inspires Young Creative Beauty-Focused Campagn
Longevity-Focused Clubs
Love.Life Provides a One-Stop Immersive Health Experience for Members
Self-Care Festival Activations
Tree Hut Set Up a Remix Your Self-Care Experience at Lollapalooza
Self-Care Spa Parties
Lush Spa Parties Make an Event Out of Pampering & Wellness
Digital Nomad Lifestyle Insights
Work, Wealth & Travel Podcast Offers Tips for Digital Nomads
Eclipse-Inspired Beer Campaigns
DAVID Miami Creates the Global Corona Lime Light Campaign
Mindfulness-Promoting Walking Clubs
Self Space's Walk Club is an Exercise in Mindfulness
Productivity-Focused Ai-Powered Pcs
HP Canada Addresses Productivity Challenges Faced by Workers
Empowering Fashion Campaigns
Coach's Spring 2025 Campaign Celebrates Personal Time Management
Custom Inspirational Quotes
Muse Combines Quotes with Creative Themes for Social Media
Mental Health Board Games
MindScape Promotes Understanding and Awareness
Outdoor-Themed Summer Sweepstakes
CLIF BAR Encourages More People to Spend Time Outdoors
Dream-Centric Toy Guides
The LEGO Group Calls Attention to Its Dream Crafting Concept
Sleep Quality-Focused Employee Initiatives
BBVA Wants to Enhance Sleep Quality of Employees
Californian-Inspired Office Space
Studio Paul Toney Designs the Maximum Effort Office Space
Game-Changing Staffing Platforms
Marketplace by Coach360 Addresses Staffing Shortages
Wildfire Relief Initiatives
Beauty Together is A Collaborative Effort for Wildfire Relief
Early Retirement Communities
The Cantinas by Taco Bell Invites Young Adults to Live Like Retirees
Music Icon-Supported AI Campaigns
Music Stars Spotlight Workday's AI-Powered Enterprise Solutions
Branded Creativity-Focused Workshops
The LEGO Group Unveils Its 2025 Creativity Workshop Series
Anxiety-Alleviating Election Campaigns
The Election Escape Powered by Sensible Weather is Clever
Women-Centric Accelerator Programs
Marshalls Has Introduced the Good Stuff Accelerator Program
Health-Aware Schedulers
Lifestack Optimizes Schedules Using Health Data for Smarter Productivity
Cheeky Recliner-Focused Campaigns
The Lovesac Company Changes the Social Image of the Recliner
Artful Illusory Ads
giffgaff's Large-Scale Illusion Artwork Challenges Inattentional Blindness
Menopause-Mindful Workplace Initiatives
LifeSpeak Inc. Marks Women's Health Month
Community-Focused Movie Screenings
'Join or Die' Screenings Aims to Foster Real-Life Connections
Stress Relief Communities
Feel So Joy Offers Space For Users Can Connect with Like-Minded People
Retailer Mental Health Initiatives
L.L. Bean's 'Be An Outsider' Challenge Encouraged Time Outdoors
Content Idea Generators
Spin The Wheel and Capture Content Ideas Based on Your Online Presence
Pizza Box Resume Deliveries
Pizza Hut's ResZAmes Optimizes the September Surge of Job Opps
Social Connection-Focused Initiatives
Meals on Wheels America Combats Loneliness Among Seniors
Youth-Focused Mentorship Programs
Career Accelerator Aids Queer Youth with Career Development
Hourglass-Shaped Phone Concepts
Eduardo Gouffran and Andrea Fanelli Designs the METI Concept
Resilient Play Platforms
Hot Wheels' Challenge Accepted Fosters a Growth Mindset in Kids
Startup-Friendly Calendar Tools
Viva Executive Assistants Aims to Enhance Time Management
Personalized Side Hustles
MyHustleAI Suggests Side Hustles Based on Your Interests and Skills
Connective Remote Working Platforms
Creare Helps Find Inspiring Remote and Creative Work Locations
LGBTQ Employee Programs
Intuit India's Partnership with Leading With Pride Supports LGTBQ Workers
Community Behavioral Health Campaigns
Comprehensive Healthcare Debuts a New Recruitment Campaign
Personal Cubicle Concepts
Ma. Camilla Isabel Reyes Designs a Personal Working Pod Concept
Skill-Focused Career Apps
Delaware Has Introduced Career Moves to Address Workforce Shortages
Smartphone Detox Lockboxes
The Conceptual 'Back to Reality' Smartphone Lock Box Reclaims Time
AI Life Management
Sparky Helps Track Habits, Moods, and Tasks for Personal Growth
Community-Harnessing Workplaces
CLB Architects Helps in Creating the New EMIT Technologies Office
Youth Movement Competitions
The PLEZi Absurdly Good Games Encourages Summer Activity
Slacking Support Tools
Office Slacker Helps Workers Pretend to Be Busy
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
Personality-Packed Snack Filters
Jack Link's Created Bold "Flavor Filters" for Gen Z Job Seekers
Startup Growth Strategies
Do Things That Don't Scale Offers Startup Tactics for Growth
Emotional Short Films
Johnson & Johnson’s New Emotional Film Sheds Light on Severe Depression
Wisdom Journaling Tools
Life Note Let's Its Users Journal with History’s Greatest Minds
App-Based Wellness-Oriented Challenges
Life Time Launches the Everyday Well Challenge on Its App
Ball Game-Promoting Urban Initiatives
London Sport and Saatchi & Saatchi Run 'More Ball Games'
Career Reflection Journals
'Being Honest by Ignacio' Offers Real Advice for Work and Life Growth
Personal Efficiency Optimizers
8020.in Everything Maximizes Results by Focusing on the Key 20%
Joy-Focused Intentional Programs
Marie Kondo Has Introduced the KonMari Club
Creative Kid's Drawings
Joyful Outlines Inspires Creativity in Kids with Fun, Educational Themes
Friend-Finding Dinners
Timeleft Fights Big-City Loneliness by Matching Strangers for Dinner
Digital Dependency Awareness Campaigns
Trapped by the Screen Uncovers Hidden Costs of Screen Time
Real-World Business Ideas
People Problems Discovers Real Business Opportunities From Daily Needs
Redirected Movement Campaigns
Asics' 15MinuteWeightLoss Challenges Rapid Weight Loss Content
Happiness Task Trackers
BlissCompass Let's You Rate and Align to Tasks You Enjoy
Homelessness-Supporting Blanket Designs
LANY's Paul Klein & Sackcloth & Ashes Debut a Chic Blanket
Supportive Virtual Co-Working
Shimmer Body Doubling Recognizes Key Motivators for Adults with ADHD
Gamified Office Worker Exercises
Crouch Beat Encourages Workers to Get Up and Moving
Displaced Families Initiatives
The HOPE Foundation Supports Those Affected by Wildfires in LA
ADHD Task Managers
Llama Life is an ADHD-Focused App for Managing Time and Completing Tasks
Connective Men's Wellness Apps
'Find a Men's Group' Helps Men Seeking Community and Support
Job-Themed Obstacle Courses
Mike's Jobstacle Course Challenges People to Experience "Easy" Work
Outdoorsy Branding Initiatives
REI Co-Op Continues Its Tradition of Closing All 190 Locations
Resilience-Focused Children's Books
Savvy Suzanna Inspires Young Entrepreneurs with Creativity
Youth-Targeted Finance Campaigns
Little Learners, Big Earners Teaches Money Basics to Gen Alpha
Effective Productivity Strategies
64Hacks Takes a Community-Driven Approach to Streamline Workflow
Inspirational Content Libraries
Quotes: Inspire & Reflect Delivers Daily Motivation and Insights
Time Awareness Tools
Life: Just One Helps You Visualize and Value Your Finite Time
Progress Tracker Tools
Journal Calls Helps Track Goals, Reflect, and Stay Motivated Daily
Career Reinvention Guides
Life After Tech Helps You Explore New Career Paths Beyond Tech
Craft Starter Kits
Noah Makes It Easy to Begin a New Hobby
Goal Progress Trackers
Fnsh_it Helps Track Long-Term Goals And Optimizes Your Productivity
Career Platform AI Features
LinkedIn Introduces a Slew of AI-Powered Enhancements
Digital Life Path Coaches
My Life Quest Empowers Individuals to Uncover Their True Passions
Resume Analytic Tools
Resume Intelligent Analysis Provides Insights Into How Resumes are Perceived
Stress Relief Tools
Nervy Uses Simple Mind-Body Exercises To Lower Stress In 60 Seconds
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Stress-Reducing Activity Apps
Interlude Allows Users to Pass Time with Puzzles and Blocks
Job Search Toolkits
Resumed.work Simplifies Your Job Hunt with Resume Building & Tracking
Beginner Artistic Inspiration
Drawing Prompts Helps Artists Develop a Consistent Practice
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Intentional Online Experiences
Slow Internet Takes Users Back to a More Enriching Online World
Weekly Happiness Newsletters
HappyLab Offers Weekly Tools And Insights To Boost Happiness
Application Optimization Tools
Resume Workshop Tailors Resumes to Fit the Jobs You’re Targeting
Hidden Job Opportunities
Growth Job Unlocks Hidden Data Roles & Helps You Apply Early
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Humorous Losers-Focused Campaigns
Miller Lite Introduces the League Losers Billboards
Life Management Tools
Organize Goals, Finances, and Tasks in One Hub With 360 Life Mastery
Kiln-Free Pottery Kits
The Sculpd Pottery Kit Fosters Creativity and Calms the Mind
Employee Engagement Platforms
WAYUT Boosts Team Connections with Employee-Led Activities
Daily Inspirational Quotes
'Be Better' Injects Positivity into Your Home or Office Life
Daily Self-Improvement Record Keeping
The Book of Life Helps People Grow and Reflect Over Time
Personal Storytelling Tools
Thyme & Tell Creates Personalized Stories to Capture Real-Life Moments
Self-Transformation Frameworks
Shadow Work Helps Overcome Limiting Beliefs and Break Old Patterns
Collaborative Word Games
Wordle Remake Invites Players to Solve Words Together with Friends
Refugee-Supporting Workplace Initiatives
IKEA is Extending its Refugee Employment Pilot
Gamified Productivity Apps
Get Productive Turns Phone-Free Time into a Game with Rewards
Energizing New Years Menus
Chop Shop Has a New 'New Year, New You, New Chop Stop' Theme
Paternity Leave Advocacy Campaigns
The Dad Shift Highlighting the Inadequacy of the Current System
Creative Hollywood-Themed Games
'Greenlight' Tasks Players with Pitching Ideas to Studio Heads
Daily Inspirational Quotes
Models of Life Offers Real, Inspirational Quotes and Narratives
Freelancer Time Management Tools
Turnip Helps Freelancers Track Their Time Effectively
Connective Remote Work Experiences
Open Studio Works as Airbnb for Home Offices for Remote Workers
Life Event Portfolios
Build and Share Life’s Key Moments With Milestones’ Curated Event Portfolio
Employee Leave Guidance Tools
Employee Leave Planner Helps You Understand Your Legal Leave Options
Bite-Sized Daily Wellness Actions
BlissList Approaches Holistic Wellness Through Small Steps
Workplace Learning Tools
Lifeskylls is a SaaS Product That Helps Young Professionals Learn Skills
Weekly Wisdom Newsletters
Little Almanack Delivers Short, Impactful Lessons from Influential Doers
Gamified Productivity Boosters
Focus Dash Uses Rewards and Fun to Help You Stay on Track
Engaging Productivity Timers
The 15 Minute Timer Helps in Achieving Better Work-Life Balance
Surprising Romantic Inspiration
Love Fuel Offers 450 Ideas to Liven Up a Relationship
Business Experience Trackers
Log Cabin Tracks Experiences And Offers Insightful Data Analysis
Digital Productivity Trackers
Time Squeeze Tracks Activity, Improves Focus, And Supports Billing
Goal Planning Systems
The Year End Sprint Notion Template Achieves Growth in 13 Focused Weeks