How to Survive Unemployment.
So you've been given the slip -- the pink
slip.
Take a deep breath, and do the following.
You will need An unemployment benefits application
Job-posting sites Ways to bring in money Professional
courses and temp work.
Step 1.
If you haven't already, apply for unemployment,
even if you don't think you're eligible.
Studies show that many people who are entitled
to collect don't even apply.
Step 2.
Investigate benefits that may be available
to you in addition to unemployment, like food
stamps from the United States Department of
Agriculture (see "www.fns.usda.gov":http://www.fns.usda.gov)
and home heating assistance from the Low Income
Home Energy Assistance Program (see "www.liheap.org":http://www.liheap.org).
Step 3.
Look for creative ways to slash monthly expenses,
like raising the deductibles on your insurance
policies.
If you’re a two-car family, get rid of one
car until you’re back on your feet.
Stop buying food until you've finished what
you have.
You probably can live off the contents of
your fridge and cupboards for a few weeks
without spending a dime.
Step 4.
Consider ways to bring in money that won't
jeopardize your unemployment check, like selling
whatever you can part with on eBay.
Step 5.
Consider your new job to be _finding_ a job.
Put in 9 to 5 days scouting leads and sending
out resumes.
Don’t become a hermit.
Make it a point to get some fresh air and
exercise every day.
Step 6.
Think about what skills you have that might
translate to another field.
Consider making yourself more employable by
updating your expertise through courses or
training, or by learning a new skill.
Step 7.
Consider signing up with a temp agency.
Many of the positions lead to full-time employment,
and in the meantime you'll be earning about
$12 an hour and perhaps learning new skills
that could help with your job search.
Volunteer work is another route to consider;
it sometimes leads to paid employment.
Step 8.
Watch out for signs of depression, like letting
your personal hygiene slip or zoning out in
front of the TV all day.
When that new job finally arrives – and
it will – you’ll need to be ready to jump
back into the workforce.
Did you know The average person who was unemployed
in 2007 collected benefits for 15.2 weeks.
