Coping with Being Laid Off
You’re not alone if you’ve been laid off recently. At the time of this writing, the national unemployment rate is 8.1% according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s nothing to be ashamed about, just be sure that you spend your newly-acquired time wisely. Here are a few tips on how to not only get back on your feet, but hit the ground running.
Cash in on your Unemployment Insurance
This should be the first thing you do. In fact, do it now! Visit your state’s website to apply online. Here is California’s Unemployment Website, but since it varies by state, you’re going to have to search for it if you don’t live in California.
Optimize your Job Search Efforts
There are many ways to optimize your search efforts, and the Internet will be your best friend during this mission. Here are a few options for you to help maximize your job hunt outreach. Depending on how technically savvy you are in this area, one option might be easier than another:
- Create a bookmark folder that contains saved job searched from your favorite job sites
- Create a Job Agent on your favorite job sites and have it email you frequently with updates
- Subscribe to an RSS feed on your favorite job search sites
Here are a few of my favorite places to look for jobs:
- If applicable: Your school’s recruiting network
- Indeed.com: A very comprehensive job search site that aggregates jobs from several popular search engines
- Dice.com: A good source to find technology-related jobs
- Ventureloop.com
- Startuply.com: An excellent website that contains jobs for startup companies around your area
Once you have this structure in place, searching for new jobs will be quick and easy. Every day when you wake up, dedicate at least 30 minutes to going through your optimized process on your favorite networks.
Capitalize on your Free Time
Sure you will finally have the time to do the things you wish you could have done while you had a job, but seriously, you’ll have a lot of free time. Additionally, if you’re getting unemployment insurance, the value of your time won’t be worth $0 like it usually is. The reality is that you will have free time, so make the most of it. Use it to pursue a hobby, practice finding deals, or follow another passion that you have; just don’t let it go to waste.
Your BudgeX Bargain: A printable coupon for a Free Thomas Train Engine at Toys R Us (expires 3/22/09)
