Unexpectedly Unemployed Can Be a Disaster

Unemployment is not always a choice, sometimes it's an unfortunate turn of events. A turn which can leave you and your family high and dry with nothing to eat and no way to pay the bills. Bills which aren't paid have a tendency to be turned off. This can be frightening, frustrating and quite the inconvenience. Many people struggle paycheck to paycheck just to have enough money to take care of the current bills. Without that steady paycheck those current bills quickly become outstanding debt.

Sudden loss of employment can take place at any time. The unexpected stop of a steady paycheck will dent your pocket book in a heart beat. Choosing to purchase food or pay bills is an easy choice, but a choice which has consequences. Not everyone has an understanding landlord. Deciding to feed your family can leave you homeless, especially if your decision involves not paying rent. I say "decision," but truly being without rent isn't a choice. If the money isn't there, it isn't there. And that's that.

Should you find yourself unemployed immediately go to your local unemployment office. You can locate the number in the city directory in the phone book. Do not let the illusion of quickly finding a new job fool you. Go to the unemployment office and fill out the paper work. Get the ball rolling, it can take weeks for unemployment to come through. Follow the instructions the clerks give you; they are their to help. Ask questions, make sure you understand what they have told you to do, then do it.

Search for work daily. Keep records of contact people. The records of your searches may come in handy when dealing with the unemployment office. Write a resume (if you don't know how to write one the unemployment office should be able to help). If you do not have professional interview clothes go to the Goodwill (or your thrift shop of choice) and find appropriate attire. Jeans and a t-shirt are not appropriate for interviewing. I've seen people not get the job because of their clothing choices. The first 10 seconds of the interview can be considered judging a book by it's cover. You are the book and your clothing the cover. Choose your cover wisely.

If you interview well and find yourself hired, prepare yourself for the next struggle. The struggle of waiting for that first paycheck. This can be the hardest wait. Hard because you are now employed and still have no food on your plate. There are local resources that you can utilize to keep food in your house. The unemployment office should be able to help you to find the right resource.

Don't let pride stop you from getting assistance. Be upfront, let someone know that you are in a temporary situation and you need help. You will survive this tough time, that first paycheck will come, and you'll feel better. It is too easy to allow yourself to fall into a depression because of this unfortunate turn of events. Think positively and don't let depression win. Take each day one moment at a time. It's the best you can do.