How to Survive While on Unemployment

Unfortunately, many Americans are currently losing their jobs due to a tough economy. With the job market flooded with potential applicants, finding new jobs is becoming more and more difficult. For this reason, unprecedented numbers of people are finding themselves claiming often meager unemployment benefits.

This can be looked at as a curse or an extreme blessing. Think about it, you are being paid to stay at home. You still have all those hours to work with!

What follows are some ideas for supplementing your unemployment income.Step11

Use your time wisely.

"Lots of time, no money to enjoy it."

That is how people often describe being on unemployment. The beauty of this situation is you have the opportunity to make money in those free hours. Create a schedule for each day of the week. Force yourself to stick to it. Build in time for making extra money, time for job hunting, time for easing your spouse's burden, time for working on future goals.
Step 2
Consider odd jobs that are more common in a down economy.

Contact your local banks and realtors and see if you can clean or paint foreclosed houses. Contact local roofers or house painters and see if you can help them line up jobs, for a small cut, by contacting people whose homes obviously need their help. Mow lawns, shovel snow, cut wood, rake leaves, aerate lawns. Use your imagination and look for things you can see from the street during your travels.
Step 3

Consider sales.

A lot of people hate the idea of selling something. However, there are so many things out there that, with a little research, people can usually find a product they can get behind and believe in. Remember, you don't have to make a living wage. We are looking to supplement your income. When selling, look for a product that requires little additional effort after the sale on you part. Also, it is a good idea to find a product that encourages follow-up sales or residuals.

Step 4

Write.

Associated Content, Ehow, Xomba are all sights that have some type of pay structure for articles, or you can start a blog and work on attracting readers. The great thing is once these things are published, they continue to make you money with no additional effort from you. Set a goal of several articles per day, and stick to it. These don't have to be amazing, just things you do well in your day-to-day life.

Step 5

Educate yourself.

Make it your goal to be "over-qualified" for your previous position before you come off of unemployment. Take some courses. Enroll in school. Invest in you and your future.

**Unemployment rules differ from state to state. Check your state's rules to find out how much you can make without endangering your benefits.