by Gil V

Created on: March 14, 2009

The job market is full of misfortunes and setbacks. We must all cope with what might feel like defeat. This is especially true today with the condition of the economy. How you respond to this set back will determine how you come out of it. Survival is key.

If you were recently laid off you probably have all kinds of feelings ranging from hurt to anger. You must remember that most layoffs today are due to the economy and are not a direct reflection of your performance as an employee. Keep a level head and exit the company with respect. You might even want to get a letter of recommendation prior to leaving. This will help you with your job hunt later on.

The first thing is to get all your affairs straight. You will want to sign up for unemployment. You will not be receiving what your salary was, average checks are around $300 weekly. This can be done either on-line or at your local One-Stop office. Remember to sign up right away. It might take a few weeks before your benefits start coming in.

Another big concern these days is health care. Your going to want to keep your coverage. It will cost you a bit more though. Look into a Cobra plan. with this it allows you to keep your coverage that you had when you were employed. Your going to be responsible for your payment and the amount that your employer paid, plus and administrative fee. Just be sure to compare different plans with the Cobra plan to help you save money.

Now take a look at your household expenses and spending habits. Your going to have find ways to cut spending and save money. Maybe a change in your cable or cell phone service. Drive less or take the bus if possible. More home cooking instead of the weekly meal at your favorite restaurant. What ever you choose, this is going to be the hardest step to complete. It will have the biggest impact on yours as well as your family's life.

Now its time time to find another job. Let everyone know that your looking for work. Tell your neighbors, friends, family and even former co-workers. You never know when or where the next job opportunity is going to pop up. You might even think about taking a class or two to improve your job searching skills. Depending how long you have been out of the market. Just remember to keep your head up and moving forward. You will get through this and be back where you started in no time at all.

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