Coping with Unemployment
by
User:cmelgarejo @timeAndDate(1281622433)
It happens to the best of us. One moment, you've got a great job and everything is going well. You show up on time, you work hard, you even participate in office dodgeball games for "team building," whatever that is. You put your all into your job and then suddenly, someone hands you a pink slip. The company is struggling and they are cutting back. You don't know how to react. First you want to laugh, thinking it must be some sort of a joke. You know the associate manager loves to prank people, like the time he rigged the bucket of water to the top of the mail room door. Then you cry, because you just realize your paycheck is gone. Then you get angry, thinking of ways you could burn down the building...until you just reach acceptance. What's done is done. And in these tough times, you certainly aren't alone. But what do you do now?
Find Help With Funds
The first thing you need to do is get yourself some sort of income in the meantime, if you can't seem to find a regular job. You also need to learn how to budget what little you may have at this point; your lifestyle is going to be drastically different right now. No more daily Frappuccinos at Starbucks or movie nights out. Cutting costs in every way possible is going to make things a lot easier.
* '''Apply for Unemployment''': If you were laid off due to cutbacks or even a whole company closing, you are eligible for unemployment checks. It has to be because of a situation out of your control, not because you quit! You also have to be actively looking for and available for a new job immediately. Each state has its own website for unemployment services and it's easy to apply. Usually your first unemployment check will take about three weeks to arrive, so be patient. Having the extra income will give you money for basic needs and help you pay rent or bills as you interview.
* '''Cut Out Little Things''': Look over your daily spending habits and determine what you do and don't need. Cutting out small items like that morning bagel at the local deli can add up over time.
* '''Be A Thrifty Shopper''': I know, you love your awesome specialty cereal and those expensive
blouse for you next interview, try thrift stores. Not only are prices way lower than at the mall, but sometimes you can find original stuff no one else will be wearing. Being thrifty doesn't mean being out of style.
* '''Look for Focus Groups''': Searching for focus groups in my city was a life saver when I was unemployed. They don't take up more than an hour or two of your time, they usually revolve around fun topics, they get you out of the house for a little while, and they add funds to your nest egg. Search online for upcoming groups or find companies and sign up to be one of their contacts. They will call you first when something is available.
Job Search, Job Search, Job Search!
Books to Help You Get That Job
Sometimes we can't do it on our own. We might need a little guidance in writing our resume or some help with the right words to use to win over that recruiter. There are plenty of books out there to help you deal with all sorts of situations that may arise in your hunt.
How to Spend The Extra Time
Even after searching for jobs and whiling away cutting costs, there's still all this extra time left over. And while it may seem nice to just wake up late and watch Jersey Shore reruns until you pass out again, if you keep it up, you're eventually going to find yourself hitting a wall of depression. Take this opportunity to keep busy and productive, and you'll be much happier while you're between jobs.
Related Guides
*
Healthy Lifestyle
*
Cleaning and Organization
*
Craft Supplies
*
How To Be a Rockstar
*
Knitting and Crocheting
External Links
*
CareerBuilder.com: Post your resume and get job recommendations based on it.
*
LinkedIn.com: Networking events for various companies all around the world.
*
MeetUp.com: Meetup.com brings like minded people together. Find a networking group to get that job or a bunch of people who share a same hobby so you can meet new people and keep busy.
