The Unemployed Worker's Guide to Staying Positive

A lot of people who lost their dream jobs are now finding themselves with bills to pay and unemployment or compensation packages that are about to run out. It's depressing having to find work and then finding that no one is employing, but part of the battle is convincing yourself that finding the dream job should not be your only goal.

Yes, it is nice when you land that perfect job - especially at a time like right now when it seems as though no one is hiring. However, at a time like now when there are fewer job opportunities, being picky may not be the most financially sound thing to do. If you've got bills stacking up and it looks like incoming money is starting to dry up, it may be time to, not necessarily lower your standards, but be open to other options. Here is some advice on the matter from a person who has been in this type of situation.

Entrepreneurship: I just heard someone make the comment other day that now is the best time to start a business. Now this is pretty much contrary to what most people are hearing, but the general logic had more so to do with the fact that people are losing their jobs and being forced into entrepreneurship - it's not so much the fact that the barriers to start-up dreams have lessened as a result of the economy.

However, if you've got the drive, entrepreneurship could be for you, but you've got to do your homework and make sure that there is demand for the service or product you are offering and that you've got the capital to back yourself up should you not be able to meet sales goals right off the bat.

Lessen the Stress: By not being overly picky about where your short-term source of money is coming from you will help lessen the amount of stress you face wondering how you are going to pay for your expenses.

Getting the Right Mindset: A lot of people won't take a job because they feel it's beneath them or not what they went to school to do. However, if you maintain positive and constantly remind yourself that it's just for a short-terms means of funding, it will help you get over your pickiness.

It Won't Hurt Your Career: Some people who are unemployed and having trouble finding work are of the belief that taking any old job, will somehow damage their resume or their ability to get back into the game once the economy picks up. Therefore, they are more picky and selective about where they send their resume to. However, if you've got bills to pay and no one is hiring, any prospective employer is going to understand that. Plus, it speaks highly of your character by taking on a new job, and shows that you are financially responsible.

Cast a Wide Net: If you haven't done so already, talk to friends and family members. They may not be working in the field of your choice. However, they may know whether or not the employer they are at is hiring.

Part-time: If you need money right away, consider working part-time. At least, in this case, you will have a steady stream of money, and the time to still be able to look for a more preferred job. The only problem is that you may not have benefits, but again, remind yourself that it's only for the short term.

Temp Agencies: Temp agencies can be lifesavers. They tend to find you office jobs, but they're usually easy and don't require much experience. You basically go into the agency, fill out a form about what you can do, take a typing test and give your contact information. Within a short period of time the agency usually gets back to you about job openings. Oftentimes, they're only temporary positions, but that's the whole point. You're getting income and taking care of immediate expenses.

In terms of payment, the employer usually pays the temp agency and then the agency prints you a check. Make sure you understand how this payment situation works so as to ensure that you're not getting burned when it comes to your earnings.