Every problem is an opportunity in disguise, and a layoff is no exception. No one wants to be out of work unexpectedly, especially in a job market like this. Obviously your number one priority should be to find a new job. Brush up your resume, comb job sites and go on interviews. But once you have that ball rolling you’ll find that you have some down time in your day. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to advance your education?

The obvious reason to go back to school is to update or advance your knowledge and skills in your chosen profession or to learn a new skill that will help you change careers. Anything that can make you look more attractive to employers is a good thing. When you’re working you may not have time for school, but now you have some free hours. Put them to good use.

Another reason to go to college at this time is to fill in that dreaded resume gap. This is especially important if you’re out of work for a while. This really has two benefits. First, when a recruiter reads your resume, there’s no dead time. Recruiters often shy away from unemployed candidates, thinking that the best candidates already have jobs. If you list college as your current activity, there’s no gap. This will hold true for a few years down the road when you need to list what you’ve been doing professionally over the last several years. Second, when you go on an interview, you’ll be able to talk about your accomplishments at school. What employer would choose someone who sat at home over one who got out and went back to school?

Discouragement is the hallmark of an extended job search. When a candidate doesn’t get a call back, the natural thought is that the potential employer doesn’t want them. The truth may be that they have way to many applicants or that this candidate wasn’t exactly the right fit. Rather than getting down on yourself, go do something that brings you up. You’ll be more positive in interviews.

Any human resources professional will tell you that the way to get a job is by networking. You’ll never meet someone who knows someone who’s hiring if you’re sitting at home watching television. If you’re taking classes, especially on subjects specific to your profession, you’re likely to meet others in the same industry. This is true whether you’re sitting in a classroom or taking a class online. Make sure to say hello to the person next to you or participate in class forums.

The cost of college may seem like a deterrent right now. How can you pay for school when you don’t have a paycheck? Actually since financial aid is based on your income, this might be the least expensive time to go. And if it helps you find a job quicker or helps you land a better job, it will be well worth the money. So apply for aid, get a student loan, use some of your savings or do whatever it takes to go to school while you have the time.

There are now many online colleges that let you take classes entirely online. If you get a job while you’re taking classes, you won’t have to drop out. At a minimum you’ll be able to finish up the classes you’ve started, because you won’t have to miss class to go to work. Many online degree programs are designed for working professionals. You may find that even if you find a job quickly you’ll still want to pursue that degree to enhance your career at your new company and into the future.