Finding a job in this recession has become a long-term endeavor, that’s why job seekers need to be prepared for the long haul. Whether you became unemployed yesterday or 99 weeks ago, below are a few tips that can help you survive the long-term job search you may be facing:
Create a bare bones budget. This budget should tell you how much need to spend to survive with the bare essentials. Rent, food, utilities, car expenses, health insurance and other essentials should be included in this budget. Do not include things like cable TV, health club memberships or other non-essentials. It is recommended that you get on this bare bones budget immediately after becoming unemployed or even before you become unemployed if you know that a layoff is coming down the line.
File for unemployment insurance benefits immediately. Many people mistakenly believe that unemployment is a form of charity and it is not. You and your former employer have paid into unemployment, take advantage of this benefit immediately after becoming unemployed. Do not delay.
Try to reduce expenses for essentials such as utilities, insurance (life, health, car etc.) and food by shopping around and/or applying for programs targeted for low-income people. Once again do not allow your pride to prevent you from applying for these programs while you are unemployed. These programs will help you become better prepared to financially withstand long-term employment and to find a job that will be suited for you not just take a job out of desperation.