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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.