by Laura Hinds

Created on: May 28, 2009   Last Updated: May 29, 2009

You've just been laid off from your job. Whether you loved your job, or hated it, this feels like a tragedy. It doesn't have to be a tragedy, but it certainly is a traumatic event in anyone's life. How you deal with it can make you, or break you. The choice is ultimately yours.

First and foremost, find out the rules and laws regarding collecting Unemployment Insurance in your state. Since things vary significantly from state to state, this article will not attempt to provide specific advice.

Next, take stock of your finances and set a new budget based on whatever income you can get from Unemployment. Also make sure you know where you stand as far as Health Insurance. It can be very expensive to purchase COBRA coverage, but some states and even the Federal Government are currently offering help.

Get that resume updated. You can find advice, and templates on line to help make yours current. Some libraries also offer services to residents to assist them with updating their resume.

Try to keep your resume to one page, and have a copy on your computer and on a CD so that you have the ability to email it to companies who prefer you apply on-line.

Rather than having job-seeking be a chore, look at it as a new project. It is, after all, your job right now, so treat it as such. Be goal oriented. If you find that the skills you have are out dated, consider re-training, and even consider training in another field where there are more job opportunities. At the very least, you will be learning something new; at best you'll be qualified for a better job!

Have a daily plan for what you will do. Make an hour by hour schedule and try to stick to it just as you would have to do at a regular job. This consistency in your daily activities will help ward off inactivity and possibly depression. Exercise and personal grooming should still be utmost in your mind. Getting your body moving is a wonderful intellectual and emotional motivator, and looking and feeling your best will be reflected in how you appear to others as you apply for jobs.

Network! Talk to everyone and anyone you know or meet. Sometimes a stranger in line at the bank or the grocery store may be just the person you need to get to know to find a job. Now I don't mean spill your guts or whine about your situation. Just try to find a conversational starting point and if the person is willing to engage, pay them a compliment and ask them about themselves and how the economy is effecting them. You may be surprised

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