by Stephanie A. Smith

Created on: May 15, 2009   Last Updated: September 25, 2010

 Millions of people are laid off every month. Many of these newly unemployed people lose their jobs due to that job moving out of the country, or because of the rough economy, but there are many other reasons for losing your job. Whatever the reason for your layoff, the outcome is the same: You are now without a job, and it will be very difficult to get a new one. Here are some tips to help you survive financially and emotionally during this difficult time, as well as help you get a new job faster.

As soon as you can, preferably the day after your job ends, file for unemployment insurance benefits. If you were with that company for long enough, as long as you did not do anything to lose your job, there is no reason that you should not be able to receive unemployment benefits. This will not be as much money as you were making when you were working-and it won't last forever, but it is something, and in many cases, this can be just enough to pay the bills and buy groceries, but nothing too extravagant. Check your area's unemployment laws, as each state is different.

Because you will have less money coming in, you will have to change your lifestyle. Only buy what you absolutely need, and when you need something, try to buy off brand or used items. Get rid of the things you don't need: the extra channels on you cable or satellite package (or cable altogether), the extra car that you are still making payments on, eating out, and credit cards are great things to start with. As one of the newly unemployed, you will learn the meaning of frugality.

Get into a day-to-day routine. Get up at about the same time every morning, do various chores, and get things done just like you would if you still had a job. It is tempting to be lazy, but in the end, you are just wasting your time when you could be getting something done. Also, to receive your unemployment insurance benefits, you will be required to put in a certain number of applications or make a certain number of job contacts per week, so gettting into a job seeking routine is a really good idea.

This is the time to update your resume. You should add your most recent job(s), as well as the skills involved. Also catch up on your interview skills.

Look for training and grant opportunities. Taking advantage of these will help you better yourself and help you to get a better job. If you were laid off due to your job moving out of the country, you may be eligible for a grant to go to

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