If you were laid off from your job, you should actively be searching for a new one.  Unfortunately, the search may not go as you had hoped.  Millions of Americans are unemployed.  All of those people are looking for jobs.  The competition is fierce and the number of available jobs is limited.  What should you do if you keep hitting roadblocks? What should you do if you haven’t found a job after actively searching for months?

Don’t get stressed and do not panic.  Job layoffs are scary.  An income is lost.  Many Americans qualify for unemployment benefits and some receive good severance packages, but they do not last forever.  After searching four months for a job, panic is likely to set in.  You may wonder how you will pay the mortgage or how you will put food on the table.  Panic will not do any good.  In fact, it just makes the situation worse.  If you haven’t already, work on reducing expenses at home.  Shut off your cable or satellite television, even just temporarily.  Save money any way that you can.

Don’t give up.  If you have been actively searching for a job for four months, you could have easily attended 100 job interviews.  However, you are still unemployed.  Talk about depressing.  Nothing feels worse than having 100 people basically say you are not good enough for the job.  You may want to stop looking altogether, but don’t.  Keep your head held high.  Layoffs influence many.  You may have had 20 years experience working as an auto mechanic, but they may have hired someone with 30 years.  It does not mean you aren’t good enough for the job, someone just had more experience.

Slightly lower your standards.  If you worked as a retail district manager, you held a high position.  You were in charge of store managers, who were in charge of their employees.  The poor economy has impacted retail stores all across the country.  Companies are downsizing and closing many stores.  Now is not the best time to find a well-paying job as a district manager.  For that reason, consider slightly lowering your standards.  Apply for store manager or assistant manager jobs.  You are more than qualified.  Yes, the pay is less, but at least it is a job.

Look for part-time work.  After a job layoff, many Americans want to get back to work.  Unfortunately, everyone wants the same type of job with the same type of pay.  This is full-time work, as it provides better pay and benefits.  Full-time positions have the most competition.  Keep applying for these jobs, but consider using a part-time job to fill the void.  If unemployment was denied or if those benefits are running out, you may not have a choice.  Luckily, part-time jobs don’t have to last forever.

Do odd jobs around your community.  Before getting laid off, did you work as a construction worker, landscaper, or in another similar field?  If so, you provide a service.  These services are always in demand.  You may have experience building schools, but why not help an older woman in your community rebuild her garage?  You may have been a landscape designer, but why not mow lawns for extra cash?  Odd jobs are not steady, but they will bring you much needed money.

Consider starting your own business.  With the poor economy, you may think now is not the best time to start a business.  It depends.  Some communities have skyrocketing unemployment rates, while others only saw a slight increase.  If your community was one, you could easily start a business and see profits.  The key is to choose your location wisely, as well as your business.  Do not start a dollar store if your small community already has one.  Do not start a lawn mowing business unless you intend to charge fair and reasonable prices.  As previously stated, odd jobs are a great way to put food on the table.  They are a great way to test the waters for starting a new business.

Waiting Until Your Unemployment Benefits Run Out:  The Pros and Cons

Were you recently laid off from your job?  If so, you should have two choices.  Laid off Americans are eligible for unemployment.  You can collect your weekly unemployment benefits or find a new job.  If given the choice, many Americas would collect their unemployment benefits and try to find a new job once they ran out.  This seems like a good idea, but is it really?

The Pros of Waiting Until Your Unemployment Benefits Run Out

You are guaranteed money.  States have different standards for unemployment.  Either way, you know exactly how much you will get each week and for how long.  The amount should not change.  For the preset time determined by your state, you are guaranteed money.  It will be less than your former paycheck, but it is still money.  This money can help pay your mortgage and put food on the table.

You have the freedom to make choices.  Receiving a layoff notice is a huge blow.  For many, it causes emotional, physical, and financial problems.  You will go through many emotions and likely start with anger.  Over time, you may realize the unique opportunity a job layoff presents.  You get a clean slate.  Have you wanted to go back to college or change careers?  There is no better time than the present.

You need to save money.  This may seem like a downside to waiting until your unemployment runs out to find a new job, but it has benefits.  You make less, so you need to cut expenses.  You may get rid of your movie channels, buy a cheaper car, lower your cell phone minutes, eliminate unnecessary purchases, and use coupons at the grocery store.  Either way, you save money.  What you also do is practice good spending habits.  They will start to happen naturally.  If you keep these healthy habits after returning to work, you will find more money in your pocket.  You can save that money, prepare for another layoff, or take a vacation with your family.

The Cons of Waiting Until Your Unemployment Benefits Run Out

The money is less.  As previously stated, you should get unemployment benefits.  These are nice, but they rarely come close to what you were making before.  Although it is money, is it enough?  Even with cutting costs and saving money, some still find themselves short.  If you do not qualify for large unemployment checks, consider your alternatives.  Don’t deplete your savings or get into debt.  Instead, start your job search sooner.  The quicker you find a well-paying job, the quicker you overcome the financial problems that plague the laid off.

Others are on the same schedule as you.  Say your employer laid off one thousand workers.  All will apply for unemployment benefits at the same time and all will lose it at the same time.  This means the same thousand people may be looking for a similar job at the same time.  This increases your competition.  Get a head start.  At the very least, collect unemployment for one or two months and then start the job search.  Just don’t wait until the last minute.

It leaves a gap in your resume.  Right now, layoffs are occurring all across the country and no industry is immune.  Companies know this.  A business owner interviewing you for a job will not look down at you because you were laid off.  They know it is an unpleasant fact and due to the poor economy.  A small gap in your resume due to a job layoff will not look bad, but a long gap will.  Just by knowing the state’s rules and restrictions for unemployment benefits and by looking at your resume, prospective employers can easily tell if you waited until the last minute to find a job.  This shows procrastination, laziness, and lack of drive.  It can hurt your chances of finding a new job.

Pending Layoffs:  How to Prepare

Job layoffs are increasing in frequency all across the country.  Due to the poor economy, businesses in all industries need to reduce costs.  Unfortunately, one of the most effective cost cutting measures is laying off valuable employees.  You may be one of those employees.

Many laid off workers are given small severance packages, but no notices.  They may arrive for work, work for two hours, and have a late morning meeting.  After that meeting, they have one hour to clean out their offices or lockers and leave.  On the other hand, you may be one of the lucky ones.  Yes, you still got a layoff notice, but it is a pending layoff notice.  You may still have a job for one month or one year, but the layoff is still coming.

Pending layoffs are different than immediate layoffs, so what should you do to prepare for them?

Estimate your unemployment.  If you were laid off and do not have a second job, you should qualify for unemployment.  Your state uses a specific formula to calculate your benefits.  Find this formula on their website.  Take your weekly unemployment benefits and create a monthly total.  This is how much you have available to spend each month.  If married or living with a romantic partner, add their income.  This is now how much income your household as a whole has to survive on.

Determine if you can afford the basics.  Unless you were already living above your means or had money management problems, you should be okay with the necessities.  These include rent, mortgage, car payments, utility bills, food and so forth.  Luckily, there are many ways to reduce the cost of utilities and food.  If your car is too expensive, sell and buy a cheaper one.  If you cannot afford the cost of your mortgage or rent and do not anticipate finding a new job right away, consider moving to a cheaper house or apartment.

Track your expenses to eliminate unnecessary purchases.  There is a difference between paying your monthly rent or mortgage payment and buying a cup of coffee from Starbucks once a day.  To eliminate unnecessary purchases, you must first know what they are.  Track your expenses for one or two weeks.  Write down everything you buy.  Then, look at the list.  Eliminate anything you can do without or make cheaper alternatives for.  For example, instead of buying a Starbucks coffee once a day, make your own coffee at home.

Put forth extra effort at work.  You received a pending layoff notice.  That notice said that in X amount of days, whether it be 90 days or 300, you will be without a job.  This might cause most people to slack off at work.  You should do the exact opposite.  Layoff notices are not 100% guarantees.  Something may change in that time.  Other employees may opt to leave on their own, the company may see an increase in profits, or get financial help from the government.  Layoffs are still likely, but the number laid off can easily go from 100 to 75.  Would you like to be one of those 25 who kept their jobs?  Put forth extra effort at work and you may be.

Look for new jobs.  This is tricky, as you are still working.  Fortunately, your employer handed you an official layoff notice.  There will be no awkwardness when your current employer gets a call asking about your work history.  They anticipate this.  Feel free to apply for new jobs.  In fact, you should.  On that same note, keep your estimated unemployment benefits in mind.  Don’t rush to find a lower paying job if your unemployment benefits will be more.  If they are, take the time to find a steady and well-paying job.

Laid Off?  Pros and Cons of Taking Part Time Work

Were you laid off from your job?  Whether that layoff happened three weeks ago or three months ago, you may want to jump right back into work.  Unfortunately, the job market has taken a hit all across the country.  Jobs are out there, but they can be difficult to find.  For that reason, you may be willing to accept a part-time job, but it the best choice?  It depends.  To determine if going back to work part-time is ideal for you, familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of doing so.

The Pros of Taking Part-time Work after a Layoff

There is money coming in.  When you have a job, you make money.  It is simple as that.  If your unemployment benefits are running out or if you were denied unemployment, you may not have a choice.  You need to put food on the table and pay your bills.  If you are in this situation, you should be willing to accept anything.  That includes a lower paying part-time job.  Luckily, it does not have to last forever.  You can move on when you find a stronger, stable opportunity.

That part-time job can turn into much more.  Although the economy and job market are in poor shape now, it will not last forever.  Both will make a comeback in time.  Companies will rebound and make more money.  They can pay their employees more and offer part-time employees full-time work.  Moreover, it shows action on your part.  Honestly, most people would not take a part-time job after getting laid off from work unless it was a life or death situation.  Not you.  You decided you wanted to work and found a job, even if it wasn’t what you were accustomed to.  This drive and determination can help you work your way up the company ladder, as many like to promote from within.

You are out of the house.  After a job layoff, expenses need to be cut.  This often translates into staying home more.  After a while, you may get used to spending all day at home.  Also, anger, sadness, fear, and depression is common with job layoffs.  Even if you can afford to get out of the house, you may not want to.  This is often where the downward spiral begins.  Whether you feel the onset of depression or are just restless from staying home too much, get a part-time job.  It will not only help your wallet, but your overall wellbeing too.

The Cons of Taking Part-time Work after a Layoff

The money is from a part-time job, so it is less.  For that reason, many laid off Americans use a part-time job as a last resort.  They wait until their unemployment runs out.  Be careful if you don’t want to wait.  Compare the income made from a part-time job to your current unemployment checks.  If your goal is to put food on the table and pay your bills, opt for the choice that gives you the most, even if it is collecting unemployment.  In that case, don’t get a part-time job.  Continue to look for steady full-time income, but take up a hobby too.

You may lose your unemployment benefits.  As previously stated, those eligible to receive unemployment for more months want to compare the two.  Although only employed part-time, you are still employed.  This makes you no longer eligible to receive unemployment.  As stated above, a part-time job translates into a part-time income.  Is it really worth it to lose your $300 weekly unemployment check for a $150 a week part-time job?

Laid Off:  Pros and Cons of Moving to Find a New Job

If you were recently laid off from your job, you should be collecting unemployment benefits.  Unfortunately, those benefits are likely only a fraction of what you were making before.  For that reason, you should actively search for a new job, but what if there aren’t many open positions in your state?  Should you relocate?  Maybe.  Honesty, the decision is a personal one.  However, before making that decision you should know the pros and cons of moving to find a new job.  What are they?

The Pros of Moving to Find a New Job

You get a clean slate.  Living near friends and family is nice.  However, do you feel as if they look at you differently because you are unemployed?  Is your poor financial situation causing stress with family and friends?  Do you live in an area with a high cost of living?  Have you always wanted to try a new career path, but can’t find a good career training center or can’t escape your past?  If so, moving will get you a clean slate.  It is stressful moving to a new state, but think about the unique opportunity.  You can now start life over again, making your dreams become a reality.

Your chances of finding a job increase.  Rarely are Americans willing to pack up their belongings and family for a small chance.  If you want to move, you likely did the research first.  You should know the area; you researched available jobs, and liked what you saw.  By opting for an area where the poor economy has done little to harm the job market (and yes these communities do exist) you increase your chances of finding a job.  Although there are no guarantees, you could find a job in as little as one week, but stay unemployed a year or more where you currently live.

The Cons of Moving to Find a New Job

You may lose your unemployment benefits.  States have different rules and restrictions.  Your unemployment benefits may transfer, you may keep receiving them, or not.  For that reason, do not move just because you hear a state has a good job market.  Use the internet to research these jobs and apply.  Schedule a trip for interviews.  Schedule many interviews in a two or three day period.  If you get a job offer with a decent salary, then move.  This step does involve extra travel expenses, but is less risky.

It may be hard to sell your home.  If you are a renter, you could easily up and move with little to no complications.  On the other hand, if you are a homeowner, you may have a hard time selling your home.  Talk to a real estate agent.  How are home sales in the area?  Do they think your home will sell?  If not, consider staying put or renting your home instead.

You get a clean slate.  Above, getting a clean slate was listed as a pro to moving to find a new job after a layoff.  How can it also be listed as a con?  It works both ways.  A clean slate is nice, but it has its downsides too.  You are uprooted from those you know and love.  Do you have children?  You will relocate your children, forcing them to attend a new school.  This may not bother your first grader, but what about your teenager?  She is likely to have many objections.  In fact, those objects may place a huge strain on your family.  Is it worth it?  Many feel only if they have a solid, well playing job lined up.  Many feel it isn’t work the risk to uproot their entire family based on a maybe.

As you can see, there are many pros and cons to moving to find a new job after a layoff.  The decision is yours to make; however, you may find the best success with limited travel.  As previously stated, apply for jobs online.  Then, travel to job interviews.  Once you have a job lined up, move.

Laid Off from Work?  How to Stay Afloat Financially

If you find yourself one of the millions of Americans without a job due to a layoff, you may start to worry about your finances.  Even if you collect unemployment benefits and are lucky enough to get a severance package, they don’t come close to what you were making before.  Most importantly, they will not last forever.  So, how can you ensure you stay afloat financially when laid off from work?

The single most important thing to know and always remember is the phrase “live within your means.”  First, you must know what they are.  Take your weekly unemployment check and add any additional income, like from a working spouse.  Times that by four.  This total is what you must live from each month.  Since you are making less, you need to spend less.  Continue reading on for a few good ideas.

If you had health insurance through your job, do not fret right away.  You have the option to extend your coverage through COBRA.  Unfortunately, it can be very expensive.  Check your options first.  Would it be cheaper to get COBRA or purchase insurance directly through a provider?  If you are married, can you get health insurance coverage through your spouse?  Also, check with your state.  Since you are making much less, you may qualify for government sponsered programs, such as Medicaid or Health Plus.

Reduce your use and the cost of paid services.  Paid services include everything from house cleaning to childcare to getting your nails done twice a month.  Yes, you may get an affordable rate, but that rate will significantly add up overtime.  If you do not anticipate finding a job in a month or two, discontinue childcare.  Watch your kids and rely on friends and family to help you for job interviews and errands.  Other moneysaving tips for paid services include mowing your own lawn, doing your own nails, and having a friend cut or highlight your hair.

Do not rely on credit cards to survive.  This will not only save you money in the long-run, but also help you avoid debt.  Now is the time to cut up multiple credit cards.  It is just too risky to have them.  One credit card is good for emergencies, but know how to use it properly.

Lower the cost of your car.  Start with the car itself.  Is it paid off?  If so, you are good.  If not, can you afford the monthly payments?  If not, now is the time to consider selling and buying a cheaper used vehicle.  Don’t wait until your vehicle is about to be repossessed due to non-payment.  Then, focus on car insurance.  If you have a good driving record, call around to get a cheaper rate.

Reduce the cost of necessary utilities.  For the heat, turn it down a few degrees in the winter.  In the summer, be cautious with air conditioning.  Keep your air conditioner turned on at a reasonable temperature, run only when needed, and use fans too.  For water, work on shortening the length of your showers, do not leave the water running when doing dishes, and only run the dishwasher when full.  As for electricity, keep all lights, the television, and computer shut off when they aren’t in use.  Also, look for a cheaper phone, internet, and television package.

The above mentioned steps are just a few you can take to avoid debt after a job layoff.  Your goal is to live within your means.  That involves cutting costs.  Spend less and do not rely on credit cards; you should survive this financial complication unscathed.

Laid Off and Looking for a New Job?  5 Places to Look

Were you recently laid off from work?  If so, you may want to jump right back in and find a job.  Good for you, but where should you look?  If it has been ten or more years since your last job search and interview, you may not know.

So, where should you look for a new job after a layoff?

1 – Your Newspaper Unemployment Section

Most newspapers have a classified section.  In that classified section, you will find another section for employment.  It is here where you will find open position locally.  In addition to daily newspapers, be sure to check your weekly classified newspaper.  Some companies prefer to advertise in this instead, as it is cheaper.  You must act fast when taking this approach.  It is how most people find and apply for jobs.

2 – Job Search Websites

Job search websites come in different formats.  You will find generalized websites and those that target certain industries.  For the best chance of success, visit them all.  Perform a standard internet search with the phrase “job search.”  You will find Monster.com, HotJobs.Yahoo.com, CareerBuilder.com, and more.  Different websites have different job listings, so search them all.  Also, look for a resume listing service.  If you can list your resume on these websites for free, do it!  Not all companies post job listings.  Instead, some prefer to browse resumes themselves to find qualified candidates.

3 – Company Websites

Nowadays, many companies have a website, even if they don’t sell products online.  This website is usually to inform the public about their business and its purpose and to attract new clients.  On these websites, you can usually find employment information.  Towards the bottom of the page, look for a section listed as “Careers,” “Jobs,” or “Employment.”  It is here you will find a list of open positions or instructions on how to apply for a job locally.  This approach is hit or miss, but easy to try.

4 – Job Fairs

Due to the poor economy, job fairs have decreased in frequency, but they still occur.  You can usually find information on local job fairs by searching online or looking in newspaper classified sections.  Due to the high unemployment rate, job fairs are packed to capacity.  You need to arrive early, especially if the unemployment rate is high in your community.  It is not uncommon for late arrivers to have to wait an hour or more in line!  When attending a job fair, don’t dress like it is another afternoon at the mall.  Bring many copies of your resume and dress as you would for a scheduled interview.

5 – Staffing Agencies

Staffing agencies come in different formats.  General ones will help you find any type of job.  There are also industry focused staffing agencies and temporary ones.  Temporary jobs are nice, but their varied availability may have a negative impact on your unemployment benefits.  Before paying for a professional service, check with your local city or state.  Some offer similar job search services and more, like resume help, free of charge.

Highlighted above were five places you should look for a new job after getting laid off.  This is just a starting guide; you have more options.  Most importantly, keep your eyes and ears open at all times.  You never know when an amazing opportunity may present itself.

Laid Off:  5 Reasons Not to Cause a Scene

Layoffs are increasing in frequency all across the country.  It seems as if no industry is immune to the poor economy.  Unfortunately, many of these layoffs come as a complete surprise.  Could you imagine showing up to work like it was any other day and within two hours being told you need to clean out your office or locker?  You are now unemployed.  You will feel a wide range of emotions over the next few weeks.  Immediately, you will feel blindsided and anger.  Your first though may be to let your boss have it and walkout with your head held high.  This sounds like a good idea at the time, but one you will later regret.  Why?

1 – You May Have Been Called Back to Work

All across the country, businesses are closing their doors.  Hundreds, if not thousands of employees are laid off at one time.  Luckily, this is rare.  Most companies are just reducing their workforce.  If your company employs 1,200, but only distributes 100 layoff notices, they will continue business as usual.  This is just a cost cutting measure and it may only be temporary.  After getting back on their feet financially, some call back laid off workers.  You will not be called back if you left with a big bang.

2 – You Need the Job Reference

Whether your company is closing down or only laying off a percentage of their workforce, you should look for a new job.  Getting called back to work is not guaranteed and unemployment benefits do not last forever.  Whether you worked at your current job 2 years or 20 years, you need to list it on your resume.  Large gaps in unemployment don’t look good on a resume.  However, do you really want perspective employers contacting your old boss for references, especially after you told him to shove it before walking out the door?  No.

3 – You May Cross Paths with Supervisors Again

As previously stated, some companies layoff just a percentage of their workforce and others close down.  Not only that, but no one is immune to layoffs.  Your shift supervisor may get a layoff notice in two months.  There are no guarantees you will not cross paths with them again in the future.  Don’t let your one moment of anger or weakness hurt you for years to come.

4 – The Rumors are Likely to Fly

When letting their bosses have it after a layoff, this unfortunate display is rarely made in private.  After all, what is the point of calling your boss or the supervisor a “greedy money-grubbing loser,” if no one is around to hear it.  Whether your audience consists of one coworker or one hundred, the rumors will start to fly.  Some may flag you as a hero, while others may flag you as a crazy lunatic.  Once again, think of whose paths you may cross again.

5 – There Are Too Many Risks

As shown above, there are many consequences to causing a big scene after getting laid off from your job.  Regardless of the consequence, it is too risky.  Are you willing to bet your future on a rant that may leave you feeling good for a few hours?  After receiving a layoff notice, don’t burn any bridges.  You never know when you may need to cross that bridge again.

Job layoffs are becoming a weekly occurrence.  Somewhere in America, at least one company decides to layoff employees.  Layoffs are becoming so common that you may know someone dealing with one firsthand.  In fact, that person may be your husband or wife.  Losing a steady full-time income is stressful.  You may have your own worries, but you need to be available to support your spouse after their job lay off.  How?

Be there to talk.  Sometimes, you just need to listen.  Your husband or wife will go through different stages of emotions.  Anger is usually the first.  Listen to them rant and vent.  Then, fear and panic usually comes next.  Assure them everything will be okay.  It may take a few months, but they will find a new job.  Moreover, there is still your income to fall back on.  If the situation does not improve, depression may come next.  Unfortunately, your shoulder to cry on and ear to listen may not be enough.  Professional help may be needed.

Talk about health insurance.  Many families have two health insurance options, but rarely need two coverage plans.  For that reason, either you or your spouse are providing health insurance for the family.  If your wife was laid off and she provided insurance, closely examine all options.  This should be done immediately to ensure your family, especially the children, are not without medical coverage.  Is it cheaper to buy COBRA coverage or health insurance through your work?

Provide support with finding a new job.  With the poor job market, it is harder to find a job after a layoff.  There are millions of Americans looking for work.  In the past, a job that may have only had 50 applicants may now get as many as 250.  Your husband may have a great job interview, only to later learn he didn’t get the job.  Finding a job in today’s economy isn’t easy; it will be a bumpy road.  Once again, be there to listen and provide support.

Tactfully provide advice.  Some Americans getting laid off from their jobs have worked with the company ten, twenty, or even thirty years.  If your spouse is one of these individuals, he or she likely hasn’t job searched, applied for jobs, or had an interview in years.  They may not know where to start and they are likely to make mistakes.  It is easier to catch them from the outside looking in.  Notice your wife isn’t dressing properly for a job interview?  Mention it, but be polite.  In fact, offer to take her shopping to get a new outfit.

Give your spouse freedom to make a new choice.  They may want to go back to college, take a few career-training courses, or even change career fields.  As long as you can afford it, let them try.  Not only that, offer your support and encouragement.  Layoffs are scary, but they provide many Americans with a clean slate.

Don’t expect your spouse to do it all at home.  If actively looking for a job after a layoff, your spouse will be in and out of the house.  However, much time will be spent right at home.  Do not create unrealistic expectations.  Yes, your wife is home each day; however, that does not mean you can expect her to have dinner ready each night, clean the house, and care for the kids.  Take it one-step at a time.  Of course, they should not spend their days at home sitting on the couch doing nothing, but don’t overwhelm or burden them with too much.

Did you just get laid off from your job?  If so, you are likely to receive a severance package and unemployment benefits.  Unfortunately, they do not last forever and rarely come close to what you were making before.  For that reason, you may stress about your current financial situation.  You may want raise extra cash and quick.  Luckily, you have many options.

So, how can you raise extra money after being laid off from your job?

Host a yard sale.  We all have items inside our homes that we no longer want, need, or use.  Just glance around your living room and you could likely find at least 5 things to sell, like an extra chair, an unused picture frame, and old movies.  These items are doing nothing but collecting dust.  Why not try to sell them and raise a few extra dollars.  In the summer months, host a yard sale.  Advertise your yard sale online and in local newspapers.  Price your items fairly and watch them sell.  It all depends on your prices and what you have available to sell, but you could easily raise an extra $100 or $200 by holding a yard sale.

Sell on eBay.  As previously stated, a yard sale is a great way to raise extra money after being laid off from work.  Unfortunately, yard sales aren’t for everyone.  You may need money now, in the middle of winter, or you may live in an apartment complex that prohibits yard sales.  A good alternative is to sell on eBay.  If you aren’t already a website member, create a free account.  You are charged seller fees, but if you have quality items to sell, you should make money.  Take pictures of your items and follow their step-by-step guide for creating a listing.  Most eBay auctions last 7 days.  If your items sell, you will get your money fairly quickly.

Sell on Craigslist.  Have you heard of Craigslist.org?  If not, visit the website and look around.  It is a free online classified website.  Although it does not reach as many people as eBay, it is free and you deal with local buyers.  There is no worrying about shipping a product or paying the extra costs if you charged too little.  Find your closest local city and list what you have available for sale.  Set a fair selling price, including pictures, and write a detailed description.  Interested local buyers can contact you by phone, email, or the website.

Collect your spare change.  In the past, you may never given pennies, nickels, or even dimes another thought.  After all, they are more of a pain that anything else.  But now?  They can help you raise extra cash.  If you have a change jar, you are already off to a good start.  If not, start looking around your home and in your car.   You may be surprised where you find coins lying around.  Fill a jar and take it to the bank.  Avoid the coin counting machines at grocery stores, as they usually charge you a fee.  Your bank should take your coins for free.  From now on, save any additional change you have or find.

Collect bottles and cans around your house or the neighborhood if your state pays for returns.  As with spare change, you may have never given soda bottles and cans a thought before.  If you live in a state that charges you a bottle deposit at purchase time and if you drink soda, start saving them.  As for around your neighborhood, you don’t have to go all out with a garbage bag, just pickup any cans or bottles you may find lying around.  The .5 cents you get back for each return can easily add up.

Collect on money owed to you.  Did you lend a friend or relative $500 when you were in better financial standing?  Have they yet to repay you?  Politely ask for the money now.  It is important to be polite because the economy and job layoffs have not just impacted you, but all Americans.  Explain your financial situation and the fact that you could really use the money, but don’t outright demand it.  Be calm, polite, and even willing to expect small installments.

Finally, cut your expenses.  One of the easiest ways to raise extra cash is to reduce the money spent.  Do you really need the largest cable package with over 20 movie channels?  No, so opt for a cheaper package instead.  Limit your impulse purchases.  Only go to the grocery store once or twice a month, instead of each week.  Use coupons to reduce your grocery bill, and so forth.  You don’t have to go without, just try to reduce the money spent.

Were you recently laid off from your job?  If so, you have two choices.  They usually include collecting unemployment for your preset time or finding a new job right away.  Although many do not like to rush the process, you may want to jump right back in.  With drive and determination, you could land a job interview in as little as one week.  But, wait!  What if it has been years since your last job interview?  You are likely nervous.  To help calm your nerves, continue reading on for a few helpful tips.

Practice explaining your unemployed situation.  If you are jumping right in after being laid off from work, you could have an interview scheduled one week after losing your job.  This is good, as it shows drive and determination.  However, you may still be bitter.  In this economy, many know layoffs are a common occurrence.  The company you are interviewing with knows this.  Do not be afraid to say you were laid off, but don’t be bitter or negative about the company that let you go.  Companies need good and positive thinking employees.  Nothing shows your positive attitude more than handling a layoff with dignity and respect.

Research the company in question.  Right now, your goal is to find a job.  You may visit a company website, look solely at their careers or employment section, and then be on your way.  Once you have scheduled an interview, do the research.  Use the internet or ask around.  You don’t need to know the company’s entire history, but have a general idea of who and what you are dealing with.  For example, if applying for a manufacturing job, know what the company makes and some of their buyers.  Find a suitable way to work the information you learned into the conversation.  This shows drive, determination, and action.

Familiarize yourself with common interview questions.  If you were laid off from a job you had for 10 years, you may not remember what an interview was like.  Ask around or use the internet to research.  Some of the common questions asked include:  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?  What are your goals in five months and then five years?  Why do you want to work for the company?  Why do you feel you will be a valuable asset?  It is easier to prepare for a job interview after a layoff when you know what to expect.

Practice answering the above mentioned questions.  At the very least, practice in front a mirror.  It is best to use a trusted friend or relative.  They can ask questions and give you feedback.  If you get feedback, consider their suggestions.  Yes, it is hard to hear you are sounding unprofessional, but the friend or relative in question has your best interest in mind.  They are trying to bring an unbiased opinion to the table and help you land a job.

Dress for success.  Even if applying for a job as a cashier or janitor, dress like you are on top of the word.  Never show up in shorts or jeans.  Fancy eveningwear is not required by any means, but look professional.  Pants should be black or tan.  Both men and women should opt for solid color polo or dress shirts.

Arrive early.  Most recommend arriving on time, but you want to do more.  Don’t take unnecessary risks with heavy traffic or bad weather.  Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your interview.  You will have to wait, but it is worth it.  The unemployment rate is high in the United States.  Now, it is common for hundreds of people to apply for one position.  Don’t let being late immediately eliminate you.

Have a positive attitude.  If you are used to working in an office and are now applying for the position of a retail cashier, you may be less than thrilled.  You may consider it a step-down, but need the money.  Yes, this can be depressing, but don’t let your disappointment show.  Be positive, speak clearly, and make eye contact.

Layoffs are happening all across the country and they continue to increase.  If you weren’t laid off yourself, you likely know someone who was.  In fact, that person may be a close friend or relative.  How can you help them through this troubling time?

Be available to listen.  As a close friend or relative, you should be that shoulder to cry on or that listening ear.  Most of their talk will start out as rants.  This is okay.  Your first thought may be to say “get over it and find a new job.”  As much as you have the urge, suppress it.  After a life-changing event, like a job layoff, we all need to rant, vent, and whine.  Let them.  This stage will pass.  In no time at all, you will be listening to them talk about their job interviews or new coworkers.

Carefully provide advice.  Once the shock wears offer, advice from others is regularly sought.  Your friend or relative may ask for advice on finding a new job, how to save money, and so forth.  When that point comes, proceed with caution.  The wrong tone can cause a serious strain on your relationship.  It is best to avoid unsolicited advice, especially at first.  Wait until you are asked or approach the subject carefully.  Never talk down to them.

Offer your assistance.  Was it your 50-year-old uncle that was laid off from work?  Has he never touched a computer in years?  In fact, does he even have a computer?  Offer your assistance with help finding a new job.  You can help get him setup with a computer and internet access or let him use yours.  If you like to write, offer to compose his resume or review it.  Many Americans who are laid off haven’t been job searching in years.  Your help will be appreciated.  Moreover, it comes from the heart and is free.

Send along job information.  If you know your close friend or relative is looking for a job, be on the lookout yourself.  Did you come across a job posting online or hear at a party that a local company is hiring?  After getting laid off from work, many suffer depression and enter into seclusion.  Those not feeling these emotions still need to cut costs, so they spend more time at home.  They are not out networking, but you are.

Be positive.  When dealing with a close friend or relative who was recently laid off, it is important to always be upbeat and positive.  Most importantly, watch what you complain about.  Your best friend just got laid off from work.  He may be on the verge of losing his home.  Say, you need to spend $400 to put new tires on your truck.  This added expense is not welcomed, but the two do not compare.  Always watch what you say around someone laid off and be positive at all times.

Offer to watch their kids during job interviews.  If the friend or relative you know has small children, he or she is likely home with them right now.  Terminating daycare services is one of the first things unemployed parents too.  It is too costly.  Unfortunately, this may impact their ability to find a new job.  If you have freedom and flexibility, offer to watch their children during a job interview.  This small step goes a long way.

Do not start handing out cash.  Above was a list of things you should do when dealing with a close friend or relative who was laid off from work.  One thing you should not do is start handing out cash.  Your loved one will experience financial complications.  Good choices, such as reducing expenses, should limit the financial hardship.  Better alternatives include bring a few extra groceries by their house, offering to pay for lunch twice a month, and so forth.  Giving your best friend a $1,000 loan sounds like a good deed, but this is where many relationships and friendships go bad.

It seems as if job layoffs are becoming a daily occurrence in the United States.  It seems as if you can’t turn on the television without hearing a news report of a company closing their doors, putting a freeze on new hires, or laying off current workers.  You may be concerned with your job and rightfully so.  Layoffs are tricky.  Companies use different standards to determine who stays onboard and who stands in the unemployment line.  Although there are no guarantees, you can take some steps to help save your job.  What are they?

Know the risk of changing jobs right now.  With the poor economy and job market, you may think it is better to find a new job.  Why wait until you are laid off?  Why not find steady employment before there are an additional 100 people in your community looking for the same job.  This is a good theory, but consider the industry first.  The auto and manufacturing industries are in poor shape.  These plants are the ones cutting back costs and laying off workers the most.  Therefore, you leave your current job working at an air conditioning manufacturer to find a new job making auto parts.  Great, but what if your new employer decides two months down the line that they too need to cut costs?  As a new employee, you may be the first to go.  Many companies base who get laid off on seniority.  The newer employees are often the first to go.

Offer to take a pay cut.  Right about now, you may be thinking “why on earth would I offer to take a pay cut?”  This is a good question.  Don’t walk into work one morning offering to work for less pay.  You should keep this as last resort.  Use it as a last ditch attempt to keep your job.  Did you just receive a layoff notice?  If so, consider visiting the office of your supervisor.  Explain the layoff will hurt you financially, but that you also understand the company needs to cut costs.  Offer to take a reasonable pay cut.  Once again, there are no guarantees, but it might help to save your job.  Before taking this approach, estimate your unemployment.  Would you make more from unemployment or with a pay cut?

Pay attention during company reviews.  Many companies review their employees once or twice a year.  This review may entail a meeting with your supervisor or just getting a sheet of paper with their findings.  Either way, look at your review, what you need to improve on, and take all suggestions to heart.  Many companies layoff workers based on seniority, but others try to get rid of the poor quality and poor performing workers first.  Show your supervisors that you are a valuable asset.  This best way to do this is to take any criticism you receive, set goals, and make the change.  If your bosses notice a significant improvement in your work performance, they may reconsider laying you off.

Showcase your ability to perform more than one task.  Whether you work in an office, in a factory, or in the field, do more than just your job.  Did you overhear your boss saying they are short staffed in the mail-room?  You may be a secretary, but offer to stay late to help.  Not only does this show drive and determination, but it also showcases your skills to do different tasks.  In addition to laying off workers, some companies are restructuring.  This means a sales representative now may work as a secretary, and so forth.  In the event your company decides to layoff and restructure, make sure your supervisors know you are willing to try anything to keep your job.

Increase your worth with night classes or career training classes.  One of the reasons why new employees are often the first to go is because of their lack of experience.  You can compensate for this with job training.  Take a college class online or at night or enroll in a career-training course at your local vocational training center.  Don’t just do it, but talk about it with your supervisors.  They need to know that you are taking the steps to get additional training and will be a valuable asset to the company.

In short, there are no guarantees these steps will spare you from unemployment.  Luckily, they are easy to implement and it will not hurt to try them.  If you suspect your job is in jeopardy or have just received a layoff notice, don’t sit back and wait.  Take action today.

Did you just received the dreaded layoff notices that are being distributed all across the country?  It seems as if no industry is invincible.  Hospitals, schools, auto factories, construction companies, and retail stores, are all cutting back costs.  Unfortunately, that means a rise in unemployment.  If you are laid off from your job, as opposed to fired, you will get unemployment benefits.  Nevertheless, these benefits do not equal your former paycheck.  For that reason, many unemployed Americans are concerned with debt.  It should be a concern of yours too.  Luckily, you can take steps to avoid it.

So, how can you avoid debt after being laid off from your job?

Determine how much you have available to spend.  After getting your first unemployment check, you will know how much you will get each week for the remainder of your allotted time.  There are four weeks in each month.  Therefore, if you receive $300 in unemployment, your monthly income is now $1,200.  This is how much you have available to spend.  Most laid off workers who fall into debt do not take the time to know how much money they have available each week or each month.  Instead of trying to live within their means, they continue with their normal spending habits.  Only, they aren’t brining home a normal paycheck.

Make a list of your monthly necessary expenses.  These are limited only to things you need.  They include rent or mortgage, car payments, auto insurance payments, gas, and food.  As for your utilities, aside from heat, electricity, and water, only include your phone right now.  Television and internet are nice, but should be looked at as extras.  We will focus on these in a minute.  Returning back, total your necessary expenses for each month.  For example, rent is $400, electricity including heat is $150, auto insurance is $100, gas is $40, and food is an average of $200.  Right there is $890.  Subtract that from the above mentioned $1,200 a month and you have $400 left.  Remember, this total will fluctuate based on your savings and unemployment benefits.

Eliminate impulse purchases by tracking your spending for one or two weeks.  Above, you created a generalized monthly expense list.  You based this on the necessities, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, car insurance, car payments, and food.  Many Americans waste money on unnecessary purchases and impulse purchases without giving it any thought.  You need to give it thought.  Be aware of your spending.  Buy a small pocket notebook from the dollar store and carry it and a pen with you everyday for one or two weeks.  Each time you spend money, even on a coffee, write down the purchase.  Review the list at the end of the week.  What could you do without or make alternatives for?  Instead of buying a coffee from Starbucks or the local gas station, make yours at home and so forth.

Cut back on extras at home.  As previously stated, aside from heat, water, and electricity, you should only include your telephone as a necessary utility.  Television and internet is nice, but not necessary.  Luckily, you should still have money leftover.  Unfortunately, it may not be enough to cover the current cost of your television, internet, or cell phone bills.  If that is the case, try cutting back before doing without.  Practice talking on your cell phone less and lower your minutes or replace your land-line with your cell phone.  Do without the movie channels and lower your cable or satellite bill.  For internet, revert back to dial-up or see if a lower and cheaper internet speed is available.

In short, the best way to avoid debt after being laid off from work is to live within your means.  You have less financial resources, so you can no longer keep your former spending habits.  As soon as you receive an exact dollar amount for your unemployment benefits, create a budget.  If your expenses total more than the funds available, work on cutting costs.  Do so and you will avoid debt.

With the economy and job market in shambles, layoffs are becoming a common occurrence.  If you find yourself waiting in the unemployment line, it may seem like the end of the word.  It is not uncommon for laid off workers to get consumed with stress, anger, and depression.  How do you avoid these negative emotions?  Is it possible to cope with the stress of being laid off from work?  Yes.

Know you likely did nothing wrong.  One of the first things laid off Americans ask themselves is “what did I do to deserve this?”  It is likely you did nothing at all.  Layoffs are rarely personal.  Businesses all across the country are suffering from the poor economy.  To stay afloat financially, they need to cut costs.  Unfortunately, hardworking employees are often the first to go.  Remember, it is not personal, but economic.  If you did something wrong or were a poor performing employee, the company would have fired you, not taken the layoff route.

Get your unemployment taken care of right away.  Many states have waiting periods to file for unemployment.  Wait that long and no longer.  The quicker you get your unemployment benefits up and running, the more comfort you will feel.  Yes, you aren’t making as much money as you did working, but at least you will get something.

Think positive.  Getting laid off from work is one of the most negative things that can happen to a person, but look at the good side.  Yes, there really is one.  You are basically getting a clean slate.  Did you work construction and think “there is no way my body can handle this for another 20 years?”  Take your clean slate and make good decisions.  Consider a new career field.  Go back to college or take training classes at a local vocational center.

Take up a hobby.  Due to unemployment benefits and the poor job market, many unemployed Americans are not actively looking for a new job.  There just aren’t as many out there.  You should always look for a new job because you never know what you may find.  If you keep on hitting roadblocks don’t sit at home and stress about it.  Instead, take up a new hobby.  Do repairs around your home, start a collection, or whatever else interests you.  In fact, consider turning that hobby into a profit.  Do you enjoy woodworking?  Can you sell your creations on the side for extra money?

Start to exercise.  Many mistakenly believe exercise is only for those who want to lose weight or stay in perfect shape.  That is not the case.  Experts have long said that exercise helps to reduce stress.  You were just laid off from your job.  Stress consumes you.  Release it by taking daily walks or runs.  At the very least, you should notice an improvement in your health.  However, you should also notice an improvement in your overall outlook on life and wellbeing.

Reduce your expenses.  Looking over your monthly budget to trim costs may be stressful itself, but it can do wonders in the end.  One of the most common questions Americans ask after receiving a layoff notice is “how can I pay my mortgage?”  Your unemployment benefits are likely less than your working paycheck was.  You need to cut corners and expenses.  You don’t necessarily need to go without.  Reduce the cost of your phone, internet, and television by opting for cheaper packages.  Limit impulse purchase and use coupons at the grocery store.  There are many ways to cut monthly expenses.  Familiarize yourself with these steps and implement them immediately.  You will feel in control and watch as your financial stress and concerns diminish.

As you can see, there are many ways that you can curb the stress you are feeling due to a layoff.  At first, being laid off from your job will seem like the end of the world.  This is a normal feeling that all laid off workers experience.  Don’t let it consume you though.  Take action today and you will feel like a new person with a new outlook on life.

Were you recently laid off from work?  If so, you may be in financial distress.  Even those who collect unemployment benefits barely find themselves scraping by.  If you are one of those individuals, you need to make significant cutbacks.  What might those cutbacks entail?

Sell your house.  If you live in a home with an expensive mortgage that you cannot afford and if you do not anticipate finding a job in the next two or three months, get out now.  Try to sell your home before your credit is severely impacted.  Luckily, the housing market is starting to slowly improve in many areas of the country.  Layoffs are increasing in frequency, but many Americans still have their jobs and can get a loan.  List your home for sale based on its last appraised value or fair market value.  Don’t sell yourself short, but middle class family homes, in the $75,000 to $150,000 range are easier to sell.

If you have been trying to sell your home and cannot, do you have extra room?  If so, rent out a room.  Do backgrounds check and check references.  This can help offset the cost of a mortgage you cannot afford.  In addition, right now many Americans have steady income, but poor credit.  These Americans cannot get a home loan, even though they could likely afford one.  For that reason, consider renting your home.  This is ideal if your house is too big, but do not feel comfortable living with a stranger.  Use the incoming rent to pay the mortgage.  Use your spouse’s income or your unemployment check to pay rent on a much smaller and cheaper apartment.

Find a new apartment.  If you are renter, as opposed to a homeowner, is your rent too expensive?  Can you no longer afford it or will you barley be scraping by?  If so, look for a new place to live.  If you have children, you may want to keep them in their same schools.  This is good, but live where you can afford.  A city may have an average rent of $1,000.  However, fifteen minutes away a smaller town may have an average rent of $500 a month.  Due to the poor economy, many landlords are releasing tenants from their contracts with appropriate notice, such as 30 or 60 days.

Sell your car and buy a cheaper one.  Your best avenue is to sell the car outright yourself.  List it for sale in newspaper classified sections, Craigslist.org, and other places online.  Consider the value of your car.  Set a fair selling price, but make sure you have enough to payoff the rest of your automobile loan and buy a cheaper, used car.  Driving around a used “old clunker,” may not be what you had in mind, but you can find quality used cars for $1,000 to $5,000.  Right now, you need something that runs and gets you from point a to point b.  As for just selling you car, this isn’t recommended.  Even if there is public transportation in your area, remember the poor job market.  When find a new job, it may be two or three town away.

Look at the cost of your landline and cell phone.  Do you have both?  Many see success with replacing their landline phones with cell phones.  If you can’t, practice talking on your cell phone less and lower the minutes.  If you can get out of your cell phone contract without large fees, do it.  Get a prepaid phone and use it for emergencies only.

Lower the cost of your internet.  Many times, internet access is considered an extra.  Yes, it technically is.  However, it is now a job search tool for you.  If actively looking for a new job, you need internet access.  Don’t cancel yours.  Instead, look for cheaper lower speed packages or opt for dial up access instead.

Lower the cost of your television.  If you have internet access, consider doing away with your television altogether.  You can get your local news and weather online.  If you want television, get the local channels only.  You don’t need one hundred or more channels, many of which you never watch.  Luckily, most shows are now streamed online for free.  In addition, the season DVD will soon be released on Netflix.  Speaking of Netflix, if you do away with television, consider a subscription.  For less than $20 a month, you can get unlimited movies with three movies at a time!

The above mentioned lifestyle changes may sound significant and impossible to make, but remember your financial situation.  You were laid off from work.  It may be one month before you find a new job, but it may be one year or more.  Don’t fall victim to debt, take charge now.