---
title: "Unemployment Ain’t All Bad"
description: "Close to half of all Americans who spent some time unemployed during the recession say they enjoyed not having to work for a while."
date: "2010-08-10"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2010/08/10/unemployment-aint-all-bad/"
categories:
  - "Recessions & Recoveries"
  - "Unemployment"
  - "Unemployment"
---

# Unemployment Ain’t All Bad

A survey of Americans who are currently unemployed or who were unemployed sometime during the recession found a list of problems experienced by those out of work, from fretful nights to family fights and dwindling self-respect. But not all experiences during unemployment were bad. In fact, close to half of Americans who spent time without a job (45%) said they enjoyed not having to work for a while. This could be because the time away from a job gave most unemployed Americans time to focus on more enjoyable pursuits. Three-quarters of unemployed adults spent more time with families. Another 69% did work around the house, while 56% took the time off to pursue hobbies and interests. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/1674/poll-impact-long-term-unemployment)