Coping After You're Downsized and Out of Work

OK, you've just got laid-off or down-sized....either way, you're out of work. You think, now I can finally take a rest, spend time with the kids. That's yes, and no. You need to get back out there and look for work because you're probably not going to find one real soon, in these bad economic times. First thing that should be done, go sign up for unemployment and, don't be ashamed to get food stamps during this time, this will carry you through for awhile. Millions of other people are doing just this.

While the kids are in school, you look for work. What else do you have to do? You can't spend time with them while they're at school can you? There are lots of websites to post resumes and newspapers to run through online in your area. Looking for a job, is a job. Keep track of what websites you posted to, what newspapers you looked through and when.

School is out for the day, now is the family time. Get out and do things, help the kids with homework, and take the cell phone with you, if you have one in case a potential job might call.
Also, now is not the time to spend money on just anything. You have think how long am I going to be unemployed?

Take advantage of public help, save your money for the bills and house payments, at least for awhile. Truth is, you don't know how long you will be not working, and somewhere down the road, you might lose the house. This is not a good thought, but remember there are millions in the same boat, and the boat's getting bigger every week!

Turning Hobbies into Cash

What hobbies do you have? This goes for men or women too. Can they be done to make a little money? Do you really like helping kids with homework, maybe you can be a tutor. Do you tinkle out in the garage, maybe fixing the car, or dabble in woodworking. Think of a way to turn these into money-making ventures as you wait for that next job to come along. And who knows, maybe a hobby-turned-money making, will be the next job for you. Women have hobbies too, that might be converted to a money-making venture.

Flea-markets and rummages sales aren't just to buy things. Women, if your hobby is sewing....sew to your hearts content, and sell what you made in rummage sales or flea-markets when the season starts. Or whatever the hobby might be.

If you are newly unemployed, it might be easier to get started in something if you just get the basics and let your hobby get the rest of what you want, from the profits. Start slow, easy and simple. Besides, a hobby will keep you busy when your not looking for work during the day when the kids are in school.