Unemployment, Laid-Off Guide San Francisco Bay Area: Free Things To Do, Resources & More
Free things to do when unemployed San Francisco students, unemployment resources Bay Area, unemployed SF guide, free things to do laid off Bay Area
Last updated: April 22, 2025 12:57PM
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Being unemployed or laid-off can be stressful. Here are some tips I have collected over the years to help keep balanced, stay positive, keep busy and plan for uncertain times.
Related read: More Free Local Guides Here
San Francisco Unemployment Rate
https://www.sf.gov/data--san-francisco-monthly-unemployment
Things To Do When Laid-Off San Francisco Bay Area
Sign up for my free weekly email newsletter with events, things to do each week from:
free classes
free events
free networking events
free festivals/concerts
Seek Unemployment Benefits
It can take time to start it up, see the requirements for your state to see if you qualify.
Look up the amount you may qualify for
Be aware of the windows you have to collect benefits
Severance payments usually do not prevent you from collecting unemployment but look it up
Make sure to read directions carefully, as typos/mistakes can delay benefits
Education Classes San Francisco Bay Area
Free classes via CCSF
Online classes
Exercise Classes, Groups San Francisco Bay Area
See Eventbrite, Sports Basement & Eddie’s List for free classes
Do an internet search for specific classes i.e.
Free yoga class San Francisco
Walking groups San Mateo County
Networking Opportunities Bay Area
Be specific in what you seek
Update LinkedIn profile
Go to networking events (see Eventbrite, Lu.Ma, Eddie’s List)
Volunteer with organizations (see if you can get relevant skills in your area)
Make friends (classes, volunteering, social justice opportunities, become a regular)
Build community (ideally doing this before layoffs and always but start asap as it takes time)
Much of networking is what you can find, take but what you can offer. It’s important not to state what you are looking for but more so important to help others in need as well.
Invite people to events
Share resources like this with others
Introduce others in your network
Most importantly, try your best to be positive. If you are bitter, a downer, you will likely not be able to keep in touch and connect with others often. Outlook/mindset if often overlooked and the one thing you can control/influence right now!
Free Things To Do In San Francisco While Unemployed
Check out Discover & Go
Look up free movie nights, festivals, street fairs, art openings etc
See Eddie’s List for what’s coming up.
Look up free hours, days for museums and popular attractions
See this list and see my weekly email event newsletter
If you would like to support my efforts to create free, helpful guides like this for all, feel free to buy me a coffee.
What To Do When Unemployed In SF: Get NERT Certified!
In the event of a major disaster, San Francisco and other locations can be screwed. many of our first responders live outside the city and if traffic is backed up or bridges come down, it can be hours or days or longer until you receive help.
Free training through SFFD
Don’t be a liability/problem
Learn valuable skills, meet others, do good
Trade Services/Volunteer For Events
Some events/organizations offer free admission for event/activity volunteers.
i.e. La Pena Berkeley salsa events
Buy Nothing Facebook Groups San Francisco Bay Area
There are many, including:
General one for San Francisco
Neighborhood ones
Great things can be had/found if you are patient, persistent and follow rules for said groups.
Donate (Sell) Plasma Bay Area
Coming soon
Do Focus Groups
Some pay $150-$250+ or more a day to participate
Most are in-person in downtown offices during the week
Apply For EBT/SNAP Benefits
Seek Free Food From SF-Marin Food Banks
Most of local pick-up spots based on your address but you need to register first to be able to qualify/receive food distributions
Alternative Job Opportunities San Francisco Bay Area
Retail
Food Service
Hospitality
Event Staffing
Government Jobs (city, county, state, federal)
Staffing, Temp Agencies & Recruiters SF Bay Area
Temp Agencies San Francisco Bay Area
Robert Half
Nelson Staffing (Nelson Connects)
Job Shop
Recruiters San Francisco Bay Area
Career Group
80Twenty
Insight Global
Betts Recruiting
Other Helpful Funemployment Tips
Set-up a routine (get up early, exercise, eat well)
Run, walk, hike, bike-ride in nature, look for free dancing pop-ups (see Eddie’s List for opportunities each week, more so during April-October)
Clean your home
Go to places too crowded on weekends
Take some daytrips or travel within your means. A lot of people have a hard time planning ahead so use this time wisely if you can. Look up ways to do apartment swaps, couchsurfing etc.
Am I missing something? Have tips? Leave a comment below or contact me through the form located on the homepage.
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