Unemployment Survival Strategies

So you've been given the slip, the pink slip. Take a deep breathe and do the following:

You will need:

1. Unemployment Application
2. Job Posting Sites
3. revenue Streams- ways to bring in Money

Step 1 - If you haven't already, apply for unemployment, even if you don't think your are eligible. Studies show that people who are entitled to the right 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 usda.gov Also check home heating assistance from the low income home energy assistance program.

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 your back on your feet.
Stop buying food until your finish what you have, you can probably live off the contents of your cupboards and fridge for a few weeks without spending a dime.

Step 4 - Consider ways to bring in money that won't affect your unemployment check, like doing Free Surveys Online or selling what you can part with on Ebay.

Step 5 - When you're unemployed finding a job is your job, put in full days scouting leads and sending out resumes. Also try to get out of the house, make it a point to get some fresh air and exercise everyday.

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 - Try signing up with a temp agency, many of the positions lead to full time employment and in the mean time you will be earning about $12.00 a hour and perhaps learning new skills that will help you 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 sitting in front of the TV all day.