by Deborah Coshun

Created on: April 28, 2009

Lay Offs are hitting everyone in America. Times are tough! You have now just been advised that you are to join the millions of other unemployed. Now, you ask yourself, "How am I going to do to support my family?".

You need to file for your unemployment immediately to get some income coming to you until employment is again available. Find out if you are eligible for food stamps while income has been reduced. Get your job resume online and at your local unemployment office. Let all your friends and former employers know you're looking for work and type of work you are qualified to perform. If you have children in school, contact the school for application for reduced lunches. This is not a time for pride because it doesn't feed the family.

Once you get your basics above taken care of, sit back and take a look at the positives of being home and realize that once you go back to work you won't have this incredible opportunity again! Make the most of this time to enjoy your home and your family. Take a look at all those things needed to be done around the house that you have put off because you were always too busy working and get them done. Staying active in a positive manner will keep your spirits up.

You've wanted to take the kids to the park for ages but never had time because you were always working. You can now take the kids to the local city park and enjoy watching the ones you work so hard for and now be able to enjoy being with them. Oh, this time is important to you and them!

Did you know you have neighbors? Wow, now you can acutally take the time to meet them. Let your neighbors know who you are and that you're looking for work; might even find some yard work to bring in extra income during this time. The more people that know you're looking for work, the more ears and eyes you have out there being alert for news of work available.

Turn this into an adventure as if you were surviving on a deserted island. Find ways to make meals that are economic and will stretch. Learn to live without some of the comforts your used to having such as deserts, colas, munchie foods in front of TV, etc.. What a hoot, this loss of employment could really force that diet you've been putting off for years! If it's hot, hold off turning on that air condition and use fans; save the air for evening sleep. If it's cold, bundle up a bit more and keep that thermostat lower to save on your heating and air bills.

Now if you still find yourself unemployed, keep following up with the unemployment

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