by Virginia L. Allen

Created on: April 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 19, 2009

"One in six Americans (are) now unemployed or underemployed;" so reported the website www.democracynow.org. That's "a total of 5.1 million jobs loss in the past fourteen months;" the report continued.

With job lay-offs at an all time high, how do those who find themselves in such a situation, successfully cope during these already dire economic times?

* Stay Composed.

Learning that you've been laid off is a horrible blow to one's psyche. Overwhelming emotions of disbelief, anxiety, fear, and anger often follow in tow. Therefore, it's vital that one maintains his/her composure in order to keep his/her sanity.

* Maintain Your Focus.

You've been laid off, now what? Maintaining your focus will enable you to immediately compose a game plan, regarding your new financial circumstances.

* Communicate.

If there ever was a need for open and honest communication, now is the time. Establish open communication with your family, explaining what your financial situation is, and how it will affect the family as a whole.

Remaining open and honest, will allow the family to see the true gravity of the situation. Getting everyone on board will make surviving this time a family affair.

* Make a Reduction.

Immediately cut back on non-essentials such as; cable, magazine subscriptions, and any other luxury items or amenities that aren't necessary for basic survival. Focusing on the necessities of life, will make your available finances stretch further.

* Enlist Financial Help.

Since it can take several weeks for the benefits to kick in, immediately file for unemployment benefits. This will provide a measure of income that can offer some financial relief.

Don't be afraid to look into safety net programs provided by the state. These programs provide ways to help relieve food and health-care costs.

* Reinvent Your Job Search.

In addition to job lay-offs, are the extreme lack of available employment. Thereby, making it extremely hard to find work. Reinventing the way you look for a job is essential at this point.

Creating your own personal network of friends, family, previous work colleagues, and acquaintances, get the word out that you are available for work, and make your qualifications known.

Avail yourself to on-line sites such as http://jobangels.org. This site provides an on-line community of sorts for those in search of employment.

* Get Creative.

If you have any hidden skills, put them to work for you. Using your hidden talents, create an alternative form of income for yourself.

* Keep Busy.

Stay active. Remaining busy will keep your mind focused on keeping your finances afloat.

* Stay Positive.

Maintain a positive frame of mind. Often, it is the way we deal with stressful circumstances, that affect the outcome far more than the circumstances themselves.

* Be Grateful.

Be grateful for what you already have. Keep in mind that there are those in far worst situations than your own. Be grateful for your family, friends, your measure of health, and future prospects.

Sadly, at this juncture, job lay-offs may continue to rise. However, with the use of these tips, coping with these circumstances, and finding your way back on the path of employment, may be a short one.

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