Unemployment Survival Guide

Depending on whose statistics you believe about one in 10 Americans is without work. It seems like it’s a lot more than that. Unemployment has become the latest fad. So what if you have been laid off how you survive? The competition for jobs is fierce. It is easy to become discouraged.

First off don’t take it personal. It is likely that your unemployment is due to economic and financial conditions more so than your ability to do your job. It is natural to be bitter, to be angry, and to be depressed. Hopefully this lasts only a few days and you will  get it out of your system.

As hard as it’s going to be to realize try to look at this as a positive. If you’re like most people you didn’t like your job anyway. Look at this as an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Most people change careers or professions six or seven times over their lifetimes. This may be your chance to get it right.

After collecting your last check, your new job is finding a new job. You need to put as much effort into this process as you did any job you’ve ever had. The motivation to look for a new job will not be great. Especially if you got comfortable in your old job. Start with updating your resume. This will not only help with the process, but define clearly who you are, and what skills that you possess.

File for unemployment benefits. You may have never been on unemployment in your life. That doesn’t mean you will be now however you need to prepare for the worst. Unemployment compensation usually takes weeks to process in most states.

You’ll want to check on your health insurance coverage. If you are married it is possible to be carried on their plan. If that isn’t an option you might be eligible for COBRA coverage, which allows terminated employees to continue insurance for a time under their former employer’s health plan. You have 60 days to decide. Covers general last 18 months and may last longer under certain circumstances. COBRA coverage is by no means cheap. Keep that in mind.

Determine what skills you have that may transfer over into another industry. For instance, an administrator in a business office, can easily transfer into another industry. Call on connections you’ve made in the past. You may find that all the networking you did in your previous job, will help you find a new one. Connecting with other unemployed friends can help with support. You must maintain a positive outlook and attitude to be successful in your job search. Don’t let fear be your daily enemy. You have talent, you have skills, and you are needed.

Dislike Your Job , Maybe Time For A Decision

Far too many people hate their jobs or careers. Many drag themselves through each day and try to make eight hours. Life is too short to live this kind of existence, yet the majority of Americans fall into this category. Spending a third of each day miserable is not worth the pain. It does not matter what life stage you are in presently, nor does it matter how old you are, or aren’t. You have two options and both are easily attainable if you are motivated. You can quit your present job or you can get training for a new job. Sounds rather simple does it not?

Most people who don’t like their career choice cannot really identify why. Perhaps you don’t like the people you work with. Maybe the work itself is pure drudgery. Before you decide on something else, make sure you have exhausted all your efforts to trying to make it work for you. Be willing to change. Often when people examine the whys and why nots of a career, they discover it is really not that bad after all. You can choose to like your job, just as you have chosen to dislike your job. Weigh all the costs, purpose yourself to a different attitude and you might just find your career choice was right after all.

This change of heart won’t work for everyone. What if you just can’t get satisfied with your job? Then it is time to make a change. Ask yourself what it is you want to do. Do you need further training to accomplish your career change? There are many online training programs for virtually any career choice at your disposal. Put forth the effort to decide what it is you desire for a career and make it happen.
These really are your two choices when faced with an unhappy work environment. Determine if your job is really that bad and can you change to make it better or decide to change your career and be willing to do anything necessary to accomplish that goal

Planning for Unemployment

Somehow everyone knows when they‘re about to be unemployed.  Whether its downsizing, being fired, or being laid off you have a feeling it’s coming.  This can wreck havoc on your personal finances if you don’t plan ahead a little.

The moment you know you’ll be losing your job starting looking for a new one.  If it’s possible to look for a job while still employed, do so.   Already being employed looks very good and gives you credibility.  You also get negotiating power when it comes to salary.  In your plan for unemployment it’s important to know that a job search takes 3-6 months.  Unless you have six months worth of savings, you need to find a new job.

Now is also the time to update your resume.  You shouldn’t rush through this since this is what employers will use to determine your worthiness as a job candidate.  Send your resume to anyone who could possibly help you find a job.  Posting your resume online can help too.

Your plan for unemployment must include minimizing your expenses and outgoing cash flow.  Now is the time to save as much as possible and not spend anything that isn’t absolutely necessary.  Cash flow is likely to be tight once you lose your job so you need to get a headstart when you can.  One thing you shouldn’t do it dip into your retirement.  You put that money away for a reason, don’t lose it now.

When the axe finally does come down, be sure to ask about a severance package.  You need to know when you get your last check, whether you get paid for unused days off, and any other benefits you’re entitled to, and get a letter of reference.  Finally, plan for next time.  Build up your savings and be careful about your spending.  Make sure any skills and certifications pertaining to your field are always kept current.  If necessary you can even set up a second job in your spare time just in case.