From the article: Can Unemployment Benefits Run Out?
The job market is tough right now. Many people have been laid off and they are struggling to survive in a very competitive job market. What have you done to survive a layoff and come out on the other end? How have you dealt with emotional and financial problems surrounding a layoff? Share any tips to help others do the same. Share Your Tips
getting depressed
- I was looking and putting resumes out everyday. Don't do what I did, get depressed.it made things very bad. Stay busy and active and have friends around. I had to take a job making a lot less so I could support my kids.
- —Guest tammy
I Volunteered
- It sounds crazy, but the thing that helped me the most was the time I spent volunteering in a nearby homeless shelter. I was already spending one morning a month volunteering, but when I had the extra time on my hands I started going in twice a week. It kept things in perspective. I also cut my spending and looked for a job every single day. It wasn't easy, but when I was helping at the shelter, I didn't get as discouraged as on the days I just stayed home.
- —Guest Tony
Cutting Back Right Away
- The day I was laid off, I stopped spending unnecessary money. I canceled the satellite, cut my cell phone plan back, and stopped eating out. I also put my student loans on deferment. Then I spent every morning looking for a job. I spent the afternoons doing other stuff, just so I didn't drive myself crazy. It was tough, but I was so careful with my money that I made it on unemployment until I found my job.
- —Guest Michael
Staying Positive
- The toughest thing I dealt with was getting discouraged and depressed. When I was getting too down, I took a break, either an afternoon or a whole day to just relax and stop thinking about my job search. This allowed me to step away from all panic and realize that things were going to be okay.
- —Guest Holly
