What to do if you find yourself unemployed?

So, what happens yourself unemployed? Than you are possibly one of millions Americans that are facing the same problem. After reading article after article everyone has a say on what you should do and what you shouldn’t do. The one thing I haven’t found is the article that tells you to relax and take it easy. Take some time to gather your thoughts, and think about the direction you want to go in.

Here is my advice to you of what to do if you find yourself suddenly unemployed.

1. Stop spending money!! Seriously, don’t be an idiot cut out the bars, starbucks, bookstore, movie subscriptions, etc… Most people who become unemployed might just keep living the same lifestyle they lived before. Stop!! Conserve your money, file for unemployment (currently there are extended benefits.), get roommates (if your single and don’t have a family), and make a budget!

2. Cut your expenses – First, use the unemployment to pay your rent, and other expense (don’t stop paying your credit cards you don’t want to get bad credit too), any additional expenses that can’t be pulled from unemployment, should come from whatever money you may have saved. If you don’t have any money, or very little money saved than look for additional ways to cut money (get rid of the cell phone, sirius, netflix, gym, magazines, online services, tivo, internet, telvision, etc.) Remember if there is something you need like internet to look for a job, than see if there is a service you can downgrade to, if they say no tell them you need to cancel your plan and they will send you to the rentition department and give you an incentive to stay. If you end up cancelling sign back up chances are they are running a special especially during this economic down turn. Just make sure that if you sign up again there wont be any set up fees that way you are having to spend more money than necessary. Did I mention DO NOT EAT OUT!

3. More ways to cut cost, negoitate with your creditors, see if you can lower your monthley minimus, call the electric program see what kind of hardships they can offer you. Make meals on a budget (spaghetti, rice dishes, sandwhiches, ramen, you remember college right.)

4. Behonest with people. Don’t lie to your husband, or wife and act like nothing is wrong. Let them know so that they can help you cope not only with your job lost but the financial changes that are going to need be made.

5. Tell your friends! I know its embrassing, and it sucks but suck it up and let them know. That way they can spread the word that you are looking for a job. If they happen to know anyone hiring they can tell you possibly even help you find your next job.

6. Work on your resume. Don’t know how get online research it, talk to family and friends. Go to a temp agency they will help spruce up your resume so that they can get you hired. If they do this make sure you have a copy .

7. Get out of the house. If you have a gym membership use it while you still can. Connect with old friends, do things that you have been to busy to do. Lots of cities have free places to go (museums, etc). That way you can relax so that when you do get a new job you won’t already be burned out, and looking for a job is highly stressful especially with rejection.

8. Relax! There is no need to stress yourself. Look for a job pace yourself, take on a part time job if you must will you are looking but, don’t forget to relax and take care of yourself.

~ by sarahgw on January 31, 2009.