When writing about your hobbies and interests, choosing the right words can make a huge difference in how your message is received. Saying 35 other ways to say “in my spare time” is very common, but using thoughtful alternatives can help express yourself clearly while showing warmth, care, and authenticity. Whether you’re chatting with a friend, networking on LinkedIn, or sending an email, these 35 alternatives communicate your free-time activities in a way that feels personal, memorable, and meaningful.
From my experience, framing your activities with personal touches not only makes your descriptions more engaging but also leaves a positive impression. Highlighting hobbies or interests in your writing allows you to express yourself authentically, whether through a conversation, a note, or professional platforms like LinkedIn. Carefully selecting words for these moments enhances your message and shows genuine warmth and care, making even a common phrase like “in my spare time” feel unique and reflective of your personality.
Finding the right words can make a huge difference when expressing yourself in conversation or writing. Saying “in my spare time” is common, but using thoughtful alternatives can make your message feel more personal, memorable, and meaningful. Whether you’re chatting with a friend, networking on LinkedIn, or writing an email, these 35 alternatives will help you communicate your hobbies, interests, and free-time activities with warmth, care, and authenticity.
What Does “In My Spare Time” Mean?
“In my spare time” refers to the periods when you are not working or fulfilling obligations, allowing you to pursue hobbies, relaxation, or personal interests. It conveys leisure, free time, and personal engagement, and is often used in casual or professional conversations to discuss activities outside of formal responsibilities.
When to Use “In My Spare Time”
You can use this phrase in several situations:
- Describing hobbies in a resume, LinkedIn profile, or personal bio.
- Talking about interests in casual conversation or at networking events.
- Introducing yourself in professional settings when discussing work-life balance.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “In My Spare Time”?
Yes. This phrase is neutral, polite, and widely accepted in most professional and casual contexts. However, depending on your audience, using alternative phrasing can make your description feel more engaging and unique.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easily understood and widely accepted.
- Neutral tone suitable for professional and casual contexts.
- Conveys personal interests without being informal.
Cons:
- It can feel generic if overused.
- Lacks personality if not paired with specific examples.
In My Spare Time Synonyms:
- During My Free Hours
- In My Leisure Time
- When I’m Not Working
- In My Downtime
- Outside of Work
- During My Spare Moments
- In My Off Hours
- During My Leisure Moments
- When I Have Free Time
- During My Personal Time
- In My Off-Duty Hours
- During Free Moments
- When I’m Free
- In My Idle Time
- During Non-Working Hours
- Outside My Job
- During Leisure Hours
- In Moments of Free Time
- When I’m Off
- During My Own Time
- In My Free Periods
- During My Personal Hours
- When I’m Not On Duty
- In My Relaxation Time
- During My Hobby Hours
- When I Have a Moment
- In My Private Time
- During My Rest Hours
- When I’m Not Busy
- In My Time Off
- During My Free Slots
- When I’m Not Working
- In My Time Alone
- During My Hobby Moments
- When I Have Some Time
During My Free Hours
Meaning:
Refers to the time when you are not working or obligated.
Explanation:
Highlights periods of personal freedom and choice.
Example:
“During my free hours, I enjoy painting and exploring new music.”
Best Use:
Professional introductions, resumes, or casual conversation.
Worst Use:
Overly formal legal documents.
Tone:
Neutral, polite, and approachable.
In My Leisure Time
Meaning:
Focuses on free time used for enjoyment or hobbies.
Explanation:
Emphasizes relaxation and personal enjoyment rather than obligations.
Example:
“In my leisure time, I like reading historical novels.”
Best Use:
Casual and professional contexts describing hobbies.
Worst Use:
Academic papers require formal phrasing.
Tone:
Relaxed, friendly, professional.
When I’m Not Working
Meaning:
Specifies time outside of professional or obligatory duties.
Explanation:
Simple, direct, and easy to understand.
Example:
“When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking and cooking.”
Best Use:
Conversations, interviews, and personal bios.
Worst Use:
Highly formal writing contexts.
Tone:
Clear, approachable, straightforward.
In My Downtime
Meaning:
Time when you are resting or free from tasks.
Explanation:
Conveys a casual and relatable sense of free time.
Example:
“In my downtime, I like practicing yoga and gardening.”
Best Use:
Informal professional settings, networking, and personal profiles.
Worst Use:
Academic or legal documents.
Tone:
Casual, friendly, warm.
Outside of Work
Meaning:
Highlights activities separate from professional duties.
Explanation:
Clearly distinguishes professional life from personal hobbies.
Example:
“Outside of work, I volunteer at local animal shelters.”
Best Use:
LinkedIn summaries, professional interviews, and casual conversation.
Worst Use:
Overly formal documents or research papers.
Tone:
Neutral, professional, approachable.
During My Spare Moments
Meaning:
Short periods of free time during a day or week.
Explanation:
Suggests flexibility and occasional leisure activities.
Example:
“During my spare moments, I enjoy sketching landscapes.”
Best Use:
Emails, conversations, and personal descriptions.
Worst Use:
Academic or technical writing requiring formal phrasing.
Tone:
Friendly, casual, approachable.
In My Off Hours
Meaning:
Refers to time outside scheduled work or commitments.
Explanation:
Suggests consistent free-time activities or hobbies.
Example:
“In my off hours, I like experimenting with new recipes.”
Best Use:
Networking, interviews, and personal bios.
Worst Use:
Formal legal documents.
Tone:
Neutral, warm, relatable.
During My Leisure Moments
Meaning:
Focuses on enjoyable and relaxing free time.
Explanation:
Emphasizes personal satisfaction and hobbies.
Example:
“During my leisure moments, I often play guitar and write poetry.”
Best Use:
Casual professional conversations, emails, and LinkedIn profiles.
Worst Use:
Academic or technical papers.
Tone:
Friendly, casual, approachable.
When I Have Free Time
Meaning:
General term for unoccupied time.
Explanation:
Clear, straightforward, and widely understood.
Example:
“When I have free time, I like exploring new hiking trails.”
Best Use:
Conversation, personal bios, informal interviews.
Worst Use:
Highly formal writing.
Tone:
Simple, neutral, friendly.
During My Personal Time
Meaning:
Refers to time dedicated to oneself, separate from work.
Explanation:
Highlights activities chosen for personal enjoyment or growth.
Example:
“During my personal time, I enjoy painting and meditating.”
Best Use:
Professional emails, networking, casual introductions.
Worst Use:
Legal or academic formal documents.
Tone:
Friendly, professional, approachable.
In My Off-Duty Hours
Meaning:
Time when you are not on professional or mandatory duties.
Explanation:
Highlights freedom from work responsibilities while indicating personal choice.
Example:
“In my off-duty hours, I like reading mystery novels and jogging.”
Best Use:
Networking, casual professional introductions.
Worst Use:
Highly formal documents.
Tone:
Neutral, friendly, approachable.
During Free Moments
Meaning:
Short periods of unoccupied time during the day.
Explanation:
Conveys occasional leisure activities without specifying duration.
Example:
“During free moments, I enjoy sketching and trying new recipes.”
Best Use:
Emails, casual conversations, LinkedIn bios.
Worst Use:
Academic or legal contexts.
Tone:
Casual, warm, friendly.
When I’m Free
Meaning:
General phrase indicating availability for personal pursuits.
Explanation:
Very flexible and informal, suitable for most contexts.
Example:
“When I’m free, I usually go for a bike ride or watch documentaries.”
Best Use:
Informal conversations, casual professional settings.
Worst Use:
Highly formal communication.
Tone:
Simple, friendly, approachable.
In My Idle Time
Meaning:
Time when one is not engaged in obligations or work.
Explanation:
Suggests unoccupied periods be used for relaxation or hobbies.
Example:
“In my idle time, I often play piano or work on creative writing.”
Best Use:
Casual professional discussions, personal bios.
Worst Use:
Formal corporate documents.
Tone:
Relaxed, friendly, neutral.
During Non-Working Hours
Meaning:
Periods outside of formal work commitments.
Explanation:
Clear distinction between work and personal life.
Example:
“During non-working hours, I enjoy volunteering at the local animal shelter.”
Best Use:
Professional introductions, LinkedIn summaries.
Worst Use:
Formal legal or technical writing.
Tone:
Neutral, professional, friendly.
Outside My Job
Meaning:
Highlights time unrelated to professional duties.
Explanation:
Focuses on personal activities distinct from work obligations.
Example:
“Outside my job, I like gardening and attending art workshops.”
Best Use:
Networking or casual professional conversations.
Worst Use:
Formal research or academic papers.
Tone:
Friendly, approachable, neutral.
During Leisure Hours
Meaning:
Times specifically meant for enjoyment and relaxation.
Explanation:
Emphasizes recreation and personal satisfaction.
Example:
“During leisure hours, I enjoy painting landscapes and reading novels.”
Best Use:
Casual and professional descriptions of hobbies.
Worst Use:
Overly formal or structured contexts.
Tone:
Relaxed, warm, friendly.
In Moments of Free Time
Meaning:
Short periods when one is unoccupied.
Explanation:
Suggests occasional engagement in hobbies or personal interests.
Example:
“In moments of free time, I enjoy solving puzzles or practicing calligraphy.”
Best Use:
Informal professional settings, emails, bios.
Worst Use:
Academic or technical writing.
Tone:
Friendly, approachable, casual.
When I’m Off
Meaning:
Indicates time when you are not working or engaged in duties.
Explanation:
Direct and easily understandable phrase.
Example:
“When I’m off, I like hiking and experimenting with new recipes.”
Best Use:
Conversations, networking, casual professional contexts.
Worst Use:
Formal academic or legal documents.
Tone:
Simple, friendly, neutral.
During My Own Time
Meaning:
Emphasizes personal choice in leisure activities.
Explanation:
Highlights ownership of time and freedom to engage in preferred hobbies.
Example:
“During my own time, I enjoy painting and listening to jazz music.”
Best Use:
Personal bios, casual professional conversations.
Worst Use:
Highly formal or structured writing.
Tone:
Friendly, approachable, neutral.
In My Free Periods
Meaning:
Short intervals when not occupied with work or duties.
Explanation:
Suggests regular but flexible personal time.
Example:
“In my free periods, I practice yoga and write short stories.”
Best Use:
Emails, LinkedIn, and casual professional contexts.
Worst Use:
Formal documents.
Tone:
Friendly, approachable, casual.
During My Personal Hours
Meaning:
Focus on the time reserved for oneself.
Explanation:
Indicates choice-driven engagement in personal interests.
Example:
“During my personal hours, I enjoy cooking new dishes and reading.”
Best Use:
Networking, interviews, and personal profiles.
Worst Use:
Legal or formal corporate documents.
Tone:
Neutral, friendly, professional.
When I’m Not On Duty
Meaning:
Time outside of scheduled obligations or work.
Explanation:
Suggests personal engagement or relaxation when off work.
Example:
“When I’m not on duty, I enjoy swimming and hiking in the mountains.”
Best Use:
Informal professional discussions or emails.
Worst Use:
Academic papers or official formal documents.
Tone:
Friendly, approachable, neutral.
In My Relaxation Time
Meaning:
Periods specifically for unwinding and personal comfort.
Explanation:
Highlights leisure activities aimed at relaxation or stress relief.
Example:
“In my relaxation time, I enjoy meditating and reading novels.”
Best Use:
Casual professional and personal bios.
Worst Use:
Formal or highly structured contexts.
Tone:
Warm, friendly, relaxed.
During My Hobby Hours
Meaning:
Time specifically devoted to hobbies.
Explanation:
Shows personal interests and engagement outside work.
Example:
“During my hobby hours, I practice photography and play guitar.”
Best Use:
LinkedIn summaries, emails, casual introductions.
Worst Use:
Formal legal or academic papers.
Tone:
Friendly, casual, professional.
When I Have a Moment
Meaning:
Occasional free time available during the day.
Explanation:
Emphasizes flexibility and short periods of personal time.
Example:
“When I have a moment, I enjoy journaling or sketching.”
Best Use:
Casual professional conversations, emails, bios.
Worst Use:
Formal or structured documentation.
Tone:
Friendly, approachable, casual.
In My Private Time
Meaning:
Periods meant for oneself, not public or work-related.
Explanation:
Suggests privacy and personal engagement.
Example:
“In my private time, I like reading and gardening.”
Best Use:
Personal descriptions, casual professional communication.
Worst Use:
Formal corporate or legal documents.
Tone:
Warm, friendly, neutral.
During My Rest Hours
Meaning:
Time designated for resting or unwinding.
Explanation:
Suggests relaxation-focused leisure activities.
Example:
“During my rest hours, I enjoy listening to music and meditating.”
Best Use:
Informal professional settings, personal bios.
Worst Use:
Academic or legal formal writing.
Tone:
Friendly, warm, relaxed.
When I’m Not Busy
Meaning:
Time available when not occupied with obligations.
Explanation:
Simple, widely understood, and neutral phrase.
Example:
“When I’m not busy, I enjoy hiking and baking.”
Best Use:
Conversations, casual professional communication.
Worst Use:
Highly formal documentation.
Tone:
Neutral, friendly, approachable.
In My Time Off
Meaning:
Periods off from work or duties.
Explanation:
Highlights personal engagement and leisure.
Example:
“In my time off, I like reading, hiking, and exploring new places.”
Best Use:
Emails, casual professional interactions.
Worst Use:
Legal or academic writing.
Tone:
Friendly, approachable, neutral.
During My Free Slots
Meaning:
Short, available periods in the day.
Explanation:
Suggests occasional engagement in hobbies or relaxation.
Example:
“During my free slots, I enjoy photography and sketching.”
Best Use:
Informal professional settings, emails, bios.
Worst Use:
Formal or technical writing.
Tone:
Casual, friendly, approachable.
When I’m Not Working
Meaning:
A general phrase to describe free time outside work.
Explanation:
Direct, simple, and versatile.
Example:
“When I’m not working, I enjoy reading novels and hiking.”
Best Use:
Casual professional conversation, bios.
Worst Use:
Formal academic or legal writing.
Tone:
Neutral, approachable, friendly.
In My Time Alone
Meaning:
Periods dedicated to oneself.
Explanation:
Suggests privacy and personal enjoyment.
Example:
“In my time alone, I like journaling and listening to music.”
Best Use:
Personal bios, casual introductions.
Worst Use:
Formal documents.
Tone:
Friendly, warm, approachable.
During My Hobby Moments
Meaning:
Short periods dedicated to hobbies or interests.
Explanation:
Highlights engagement in personal pursuits.
Example:
“During my hobby moments, I enjoy painting and photography.”
Best Use:
Casual professional settings, emails, bios.
Worst Use:
Academic or legal documents.
Tone:
Friendly, casual, approachable.
When I Have Some Time
Meaning:
Flexible, general phrase for free periods.
Explanation:
Can refer to occasional or regular free time, flexible in usage.
Example:
“When I have some time, I like exploring new trails and cooking.”
Best Use:
Informal professional interactions, emails, and personal bios.
Worst Use:
Highly formal writing.
Tone:
Neutral, friendly, approachable.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right words to describe your free time can have a surprisingly strong impact on how others perceive you. While “in my spare time” is clear and widely understood, exploring alternatives lets you express yourself with warmth, authenticity, and personality. By selecting phrases that reflect your hobbies, passions, or interests, you make your descriptions more memorable and meaningful.
Using alternatives such as “During my leisure hours”, “In my free moments”, or “Outside of work” allows you to convey your interests in ways that feel personal, professional, or casual, depending on your audience. Thoughtful phrasing communicates not only what you do in your free time but also your attitude, energy, and approach to life.
In professional settings, these alternatives can enhance your LinkedIn profile, resumes, and personal introductions, showing initiative, creativity, and balance. In casual conversations, they make your statements more engaging and relatable, helping build connections with colleagues, friends, or potential collaborators.
Ultimately, taking the time to carefully choose how you describe your spare time is about more than words-it’s about creating an impression. By experimenting with these 35 alternatives, you can confidently express yourself, make your interactions feel more authentic, and leave a lasting impression, whether in professional communications or personal storytelling.
FAQs
What does “In my spare time” mean?
It refers to periods when you are free from obligations or work, allowing you to pursue hobbies, relaxation, or personal projects. It is a neutral and polite way to describe free time in both professional and casual contexts.
Can I use alternatives in professional emails?
Yes. Phrases like “During my leisure hours” or “Outside of work” are professional, polite, and suitable for resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and networking emails.
Are casual phrases like “When I’m free” acceptable?
They are acceptable in informal professional or personal settings, but in highly formal contexts, it’s better to use neutral alternatives like “During my personal time.”
How do I choose the best alternative?
Consider the context, audience, and tone. Use professional alternatives for resumes and interviews, casual phrases for friendly conversations, and expressive ones for personal storytelling.
Can using alternatives make me more memorable?
Yes. Thoughtful phrases that reflect your personality and hobbies show authenticity and can leave a positive impression in both professional and personal interactions.
Hi, I’m Johnny Peter, the voice behind Grammarwaves.com – a platform dedicated to making English grammar simple, clear, and easy to understand for everyone. With years of experience in language education and a deep passion for writing, I break down confusing grammar rules into everyday English that anyone can grasp.
