10+ Other Ways to Say “In My Spare Time” (Formal, Informal & Professional Alternatives)

Last updated: 2 August 2026

“In my spare time” is one of the first phrases people reach for on a resume, in an interview, or during small talk with a new coworker. It’s clear and correct, but it also shows up so often that it barely registers with the reader anymore.

I’ve reviewed hundreds of resumes and cover letters as an editor, and “in my spare time” is almost always the exact phrase sitting at the top of the hobbies section, word for word, across dozens of applicants. It’s not a mistake. It’s just a missed opportunity to sound like an individual instead of a template.

This guide breaks down 10+ strong alternatives to “in my spare time,” grouped into formal, informal, and professional categories, so you can pick the version that actually fits your resume, your interview, or your conversation with a friend.

Quick Answer: Best Alternatives to “In My Spare Time”

The best alternatives to “in my spare time” include “outside of work,” “during my free time,” “when I’m not working,” “in my downtime,” and “in my personal time.” The right choice depends on how formal the setting is and whether you’re writing or speaking.

What Does “In My Spare Time” Mean?

“In my spare time” is a prepositional phrase meaning during the hours when someone is not working, studying, or handling other obligations.

It usually introduces a hobby, interest, or personal activity, as in “in my spare time, I volunteer at the animal shelter.” The phrase functions as an adverbial, describing when an action happens rather than what the action is.

Grammar note: Use “in,” not “on,” before this phrase. “On my spare time” is a common error, since “in” pairs correctly with blocks of time like “in my free time” or “in the evening,” while “on” is reserved for specific days and dates.

Here’s a clean example of correct usage: “In my spare time, I like to read historical fiction and go for long runs.” Notice how the phrase sets up the sentence before the actual hobby appears.

Formal Alternatives to “In My Spare Time”

These fit resumes, cover letters, interviews, and professional bios where you want to sound polished without losing warmth.

Outside of work

Meaning: Referring to time spent away from professional duties. Tone: Formal, clean, widely accepted. Example: “Outside of work, I mentor first-generation college students through a local nonprofit.”

This is one of the most versatile formal alternatives because it reads naturally in almost any professional document, from a LinkedIn bio to a formal interview answer.

During my leisure hours

Meaning: Referring specifically to the hours set aside for rest or personal enjoyment. Tone: Formal, slightly traditional, polished. Example: “During my leisure hours, I restore old furniture as a way to unwind from long workweeks.”

Grammar tip: “Leisure” is often mispronounced and misspelled as “liesure.” Remember the correct order: l-e-i-s-u-r-e.

In my non-working hours

Meaning: Time outside of scheduled work responsibilities. Tone: Formal, precise, workplace-appropriate. Example: “In my non-working hours, I volunteer as a youth soccer coach on weekends.”

This phrase works especially well in formal bios and speaker introductions, where a slightly more structured tone fits the context.

Beyond my professional responsibilities

Meaning: Activities or interests that exist outside a person’s job duties. Tone: Formal, respectful, resume-appropriate. Example: “Beyond my professional responsibilities, I serve on the board of a community literacy program.”

Use this phrase when you want to highlight leadership or community involvement in a formal application, since it frames hobbies as meaningful commitments rather than casual pastimes.

During periods of personal time

Meaning: Time reserved specifically for individual, non-work-related pursuits. Tone: Formal, careful, slightly corporate. Example: “During periods of personal time, she completed a certificate in graphic design.”

This alternative fits well in formal HR documents, official bios, or written profiles where a more structured phrase is expected.

Informal Alternatives to “In My Spare Time”

These fit conversation, texts, casual social posts, and everyday chats with friends or coworkers.

When I’m not working

Meaning: A simple, direct way to describe time away from a job. Tone: Casual, conversational, friendly. Example: “When I’m not working, I’m usually at the climbing gym or trying a new recipe.”

This is probably the most natural-sounding option in spoken English. I use it constantly in casual conversation because it doesn’t sound rehearsed the way “in my spare time” sometimes does.

In my downtime

Meaning: Time set aside for relaxing or doing something enjoyable, often after a busy stretch of work. Tone: Casual, relaxed, modern. Example: “In my downtime, I’ve been spree-watching old mystery shows.”

Grammar note: “Downtime” is one word when used as a noun describing free or rest time. Avoid splitting it into “down time” in casual or professional writing.

When I have a break

Meaning: Referring to short or occasional stretches of free time, rather than an entire evening or weekend. Tone: Casual, everyday, conversational. Example: “When I have a break, I like to go for a quick walk around the block.”

This phrase works well for smaller pockets of free time rather than longer stretches, so it’s more specific than some of the broader alternatives on this list.

On the side

Meaning: Describing an activity done alongside a main job or responsibility, often as a hobby or small project. Tone: Casual, familiar, conversational. Example: “I sell handmade candles on the side, mostly for fun.”

Use this phrase when the activity has a slightly entrepreneurial or project-based feel, rather than a purely relaxing one.

Professional Alternatives to “In My Spare Time”

These fit LinkedIn bios, networking emails, and workplace conversations where you want to sound approachable but still polished.

Outside of the office

Meaning: Referring to time away from a specific workplace or job setting. Tone: Professional, friendly, modern workplace. Example: “Outside of the office, I organize a monthly book club with former coworkers.”

This phrase feels slightly warmer than “outside of work,” which makes it a strong choice for networking bios and internal company profiles.

In my free time

Meaning: A neutral, widely understood way to describe time not spent on work or obligations. Tone: Professional, simple, universally appropriate. Example: “In my free time, I write a small newsletter about local hiking trails.”

This is the safest, most flexible alternative on this list. It works in almost any professional context without sounding stiff or overly casual.

As a personal interest

Meaning: Framing an activity as something pursued for enjoyment or growth, separate from professional duties. Tone: Professional, thoughtful, resume-friendly. Example: “As a personal interest, I study urban planning and often tour redeveloped neighborhoods.”

I like recommending this phrase for cover letters, since it signals genuine curiosity rather than simply filling space in a hobbies section.

Formal vs. Informal vs. Professional: Quick Comparison

Situation	Recommended Phrase	Tone
Resume or cover letter	Outside of work	Formal
Formal bio or speaker intro	In my non-working hours	Formal
Chat with a friend	When I’m not working	Informal
Casual social post	In my downtime	Informal
LinkedIn profile	Outside of the office	Professional
Interview answer about hobbies	In my free time	Professional

Why Rewording This Phrase Actually Matters

“In my spare time” isn’t wrong, but it’s one of the most predictable openers in resumes and interviews, and reviewers notice patterns fast. A more specific phrase can make a hobbies section feel like it belongs to an actual person.

I once reviewed two resumes from the same graduating class where both hobbies sections opened with the identical sentence: “In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with family.” Neither one stood out. When one candidate rewrote it as “outside of work, I run a small book club for local teens,” it immediately read as more specific and more memorable.

That’s the real reason to build a wider vocabulary here. It’s less about avoiding repetition for its own sake and more about giving the reader something concrete to remember you by.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t write “on my spare time.” The correct preposition is “in,” as in “in my spare time” or “in my free time.”
• Don’t follow the phrase with vague hobbies. “In my free time, I like doing things” gives the reader nothing to hold onto — always name a specific activity.
• Don’t overuse the same alternative across a document. If a resume mentions hobbies in two sections, vary the phrase instead of repeating “outside of work” twice.
• Don’t force a formal phrase into a casual conversation. Saying “during periods of personal time” to a coworker at lunch will sound stiff and out of place.

Other Ways to Say In My Spare Time to Someone

The phrase “in my spare time” means the activities you enjoy when you are not working, studying, or handling responsibilities. While it is a common expression, using different phrases can make your writing and conversations sound more natural, professional, or engaging.

Whether you’re writing an essay, introducing yourself in an interview, or chatting with someone, these alternatives help you avoid repetition.

Here are some common alternatives:

• In my free time
• During my leisure time
• Outside of work
• When I have some free time
• In my downtime
• Off the clock
• In my off-hours
• Whenever I get the chance
• Between my daily responsibilities
• When I’m not busy

Examples in Sentences

• In my free time, I enjoy reading historical novels.
• During my leisure time, I like gardening and photography.
• Outside of work, I volunteer at a local animal shelter.
• Whenever I get the chance, I go hiking with my friends.
• In my downtime, I listen to podcasts about personal development.

Choosing the right phrase depends on your audience. “In my free time” works well in everyday conversations, while “during my leisure time” sounds more formal and is suitable for academic or professional writing.

Free Time Synonyms for IELTS

In the IELTS exam, using varied vocabulary can improve your lexical resource score. Instead of repeating free time, use different expressions that fit naturally into your speaking and writing responses.

Here are useful IELTS-friendly synonyms:

• Leisure time
• Spare time
• Downtime
• Free hours
• Personal time
• Time off
• Off-duty hours
• Recreation time
• Relaxation time
• Non-working hours

IELTS Speaking Example

Question: What do you usually do in your free time?

Answer: During my leisure time, I enjoy reading books, watching documentaries, and spending time with my family. These activities help me relax after a busy day and improve my knowledge.

IELTS Writing Example

Many people spend their leisure time using social media, while others prefer outdoor activities that improve their physical and mental well-being.

Tips for IELTS

• Use a variety of vocabulary naturally.
• Avoid repeating the same phrase several times.
• Match formal vocabulary with writing tasks.
• Keep your speaking responses fluent and confident.

Using these alternatives demonstrates a broader vocabulary and creates a stronger impression during the exam.

Spare Time Meaning

Spare time refers to the period when you are free from work, school, household duties, or other obligations. It is the time you can spend doing activities you personally enjoy or find relaxing.

People often use their spare time to pursue hobbies, exercise, learn new skills, travel, or simply rest.

Examples

• I usually read novels in my spare time.
• She spends her spare time painting landscapes.
• He uses his spare time to learn new computer skills.

Why Spare Time Matters

Having spare time is important because it allows people to recharge physically and mentally. It also creates opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and stronger relationships with family and friends.

Benefits of using spare time wisely include:

• Reduces stress
• Improves mental health
• Encourages creativity
• Builds new skills
• Promotes a healthier work-life balance
• Increases overall happiness

Rather than seeing spare time as “doing nothing,” it can become an opportunity to invest in yourself and enjoy meaningful experiences.

Leisure Meaning

The word leisure means freedom from work, duties, or responsibilities, allowing someone to relax or enjoy recreational activities. Unlike “spare time,” leisure often emphasizes relaxation and enjoyment rather than simply having available time.

Leisure can include activities such as:

• Reading
• Travelling
• Playing sports
• Watching movies
• Listening to music
• Cooking
• Gardening
• Painting
• Spending time with loved ones

Example Sentences

• Leisure helps people maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Reading is one of my favourite leisure activities.
• Many families spend their leisure hours visiting parks.

Leisure in Daily Life

Modern life is often busy, making leisure increasingly valuable. Taking regular breaks and enjoying leisure activities helps improve concentration, reduce burnout, and support emotional well-being.

Leisure does not always involve expensive hobbies. Even a short walk, listening to music, or enjoying a cup of tea can be considered leisure if it helps you relax.

Leisure Time Meaning

Leisure time is the period when a person is free from work, study, or household responsibilities and chooses activities for enjoyment, relaxation, or personal development.

Unlike mandatory tasks, leisure time is voluntary and can be spent however an individual prefers.

Common leisure time activities include:

• Reading books
• Exercising
• Playing games
• Watching television
• Learning a language
• Photography
• Writing
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Spending time with friends and family

Example Sentences

• I enjoy cycling during my leisure time.
• She uses her leisure time to improve her cooking skills.
• Leisure time helps people recover from daily stress.

Importance of Leisure Time

Making good use of leisure time offers many long-term benefits:

• Improves physical health through active hobbies.
• Supports emotional well-being by reducing stress.
• Encourages lifelong learning and creativity.
• Strengthens social relationships.
• Increases productivity after returning to work or study.

Maintaining a healthy balance between responsibilities and leisure time is essential for overall happiness and quality of life.

Word Counter

A word counter is a tool that calculates the number of words in a piece of text. It is widely used by students, writers, bloggers, marketers, journalists, and professionals to ensure their content meets specific length requirements.

Besides counting words, many word counters also provide additional statistics such as:

• Character count
• Sentence count
• Paragraph count
• Reading time
• Speaking time
• Keyword density
• Average word length

Why Use a Word Counter?

A word counter helps writers stay within required word limits while maintaining clarity and structure. It is especially useful for:

• Academic assignments
• Blog posts
• SEO articles
• Social media captions
• Business reports
• Email writing
• Essays
• Research papers

Benefits of a Word Counter

• Saves editing time.
• Improves writing efficiency.
• Helps meet submission requirements.
• Supports SEO content optimisation.
• Tracks writing progress.
• Makes content easier to plan and organise.

Many online writing platforms and word processors include built-in word counting features, allowing writers to monitor their progress as they write. For SEO writers, checking word count also helps create well-balanced articles that thoroughly answer readers’ questions without becoming unnecessarily long.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Say I Do in My Spare Time?

When talking about your spare time, you can mention hobbies, interests, or activities that reflect your personality and skills. For example, you might say, “I enjoy reading, exercising, volunteering, learning new skills, or spending time with family.” These responses sound natural and make conversations more engaging.

What’s Another Word for Spare Time?

Some common alternatives to spare time include free time, leisure time, downtime, personal time, and time off. Each phrase refers to the period when you are free from work, school, or other responsibilities and can relax or enjoy personal activities.

What Can I Say Instead of “During My Time”?

Instead of saying during my time, you can use phrases like while I was there, throughout my experience, in my role, during that period, or over the course of my work. These alternatives often sound more polished and fit both professional and everyday conversations.

What Is a Better Word for Spare?

A better word for spare depends on the context. You can use extra, additional, available, unused, reserve, or surplus. Choosing the right synonym helps make your writing more accurate and natural.

What Is Spare Slang For?

In slang, spare can describe someone acting strangely, awkwardly, or out of place, especially in British English. It may also refer to something unnecessary or an extra item kept as a backup, depending on the conversation.

Conclusion

“In my spare time” isn’t broken, but it’s become background noise in resumes, interviews, and everyday conversation. Swap in a phrase that matches your setting, whether that’s a polished resume line or a casual chat with a friend, and follow it with a specific detail that actually sounds like you.