by Joyce M. George-Knight

Created on: April 03, 2009

Certainly the current economic recession has sent waves of panic throughout the entire world. You've received a pink slip indicating you have been laid-off. However, it is no surprise that your employer can no longer afford the costs of your paycheck, insurances, overhead, etc. The first step in coping with this job lay-off is to relax. Sure, it's easy for me to say because I've been there more than once. Take some comfort in knowing that you are one among the millions, who have been thrust into the percentage of unemployed reported on the nightly. Long lines at the Unemployment Offices are further evidence of this fact.

Take inventory of the positive aspects of your life. Perhaps you have a home, a family and you are all relatively healthy. If you are single, you have a place to live, family and friends who love and care about you. For these, give thanks to the Lord, to Universal Energy or to whatever entity in which you place your faith. During this thanks, surrender your trust, promising to remain open and objective to opportunities that will be placed before you.

Riding the waves of panic only distorts a person's vision of the world around him. Like a horse wearing blinders, that individual views part of the opportunities spread out around him. Steer clear of those caught in that wave, for it will only bring negative energy that will thwart your job-finding efforts.

As the days and weeks pass, it becomes tempting to let down your optimism. If you allow this to occur, self-esteem will drop and hope will diminished. Before this scenario takes a grip on your life, get involved as a volunteer in organizations that interest you or in which you believe there could be eventual job openings. Organizations are hurting during this economic recession. They sorely need more volunteers to carry out their missions. The biggest benefit to you is a boost to your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Volunteering could provide entertainment for you and your partner, if you volunteer together. Community theaters often have unpaid ushers, who have the benefit of viewing the shows at which they volunteer. Organization listings can be found in newspapers, on some television channels, and, of course, on the Internet.

By attempting to maintain as routine a life as possible, the disruption to your family is lessened. Children soak up the worries of their parents, whether or not they say anything. They will not be fooled. To have a frank discussion with them concerning the economic limits,

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