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Things to do to boost morale during a job search:

- Spend a little bit of time job-hunting every weekday. Keep a diary of where you apply and what you need to do to follow up. If you're on unemployment, you'll need such a record in case you get audited.

- Look for freelance work - small projects you can do to earn a little money. For me, that has included building a couple of small Web sites and writing some articles; for someone else, it might be fixing a car or painting a house. Just getting to use your skills to do something of value is a morale-booster.

- Even though you may be feeling down, now is the time to reach out to friends, family members, former colleagues, and others. You have more time now to do (cheap) fun things with your friends, and anyone can become part of your network, potentially leading you closer to a new career.

- Tell everyone you know that you're looking for work, but be confident when you do it. Except with your most trusted friends, don't bad-mouth your old employer, but focus on your skills and what you have to offer.

- Make some time for fun things you won't be able to do once you're employed again. This can be as simple as taking an afternoon nap or planting new flowers in the yard.

- This is a stressful time for you, and if you have a spouse or partner, recognize that it's also a stressful time for that person. Find ways to express the support you can't express with money right now, and ask your partner what would be meaningful.

- If depression or anxiety is getting in the way of doing a good job hunting for a job, spend the money and get treatment.

- Consider signing up with a temp agency or freelance/consulting firm. They may have free training available which will let you boost your computer or other job-related skills.

Learn more about this author, Pat Washburn.
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