Free or cheap ways to enjoy the weekend.

After a week of job hunting it is very important to take some time at the weekend to open your mind to other activities, to catch up with the world and what is going on and get back in circulation, job hunting is in itself a job...looking for a job is a job.

To keep an interest and awareness of other things that are going on makes you seem interested and aware and so more attractive as an employee, remember the old saying...All work and no play...It is also good for you, everyone needs a break from stress and job hunting is stressful. Another point to remember is that you may well be desperate to get a job but to look desperate actually won’t help you appeal to people you meet or talk to who may be able to help you .

Check out free art shows or local fairs, local ones are often free or local streets have art shows and other specialist fairs

Parks are always free, if the weather is good go to a nice park and enjoy the open air and take a picnic and ball games etc. for children, or a good book for yourself. Even if there is not a park nearby, take a walk into town and see people and if you can, stop for a coffee.

If you do not have a Kindle it is quite likely that you are unable to afford one as they are not cheap, especially when you are unemployed and buying one is not a priority spend. However, you do not need a Kindle to read the many free kindle books that are available as you can download a reading application for your PC, tablet or even phone.Though since originally writing this article Amazon have produced their new lower priced Fire Tablet .

Instead of spending the money it costs to go to see a film , check out the free films and TV programmes that can be found online, have your friends round and don't send out for Pizzas etc., have a bring and share !!

If you have a PC and internet access at home chill out and enjoy the loads of free music you can listen to online like Spotify

Rather than wishing you could afford a spa day check out your toiletries and smellies and creams and indulge yourself with a pampering day at home...it works for men too !!

Speak to your neighbours. , invite them for a cup of tea and get to know them. Mention that you are job hunting, but don’t be a job hunting bore …. Enjoy the weekend!!

Valerie Hartland