Unemployment during a Recession

What do you do when you are laid off during a recession?
Network, Network, Network
I am one of those people who enjoys being an early adopter and the new tool to network is a website called LinkedIn. Put your profile up on linked in and start by uploading your contacts list to find people you know. Every job I have ever had was found because I knew someone or knew someone who knew someone. I am old enough to remember when you actually talked to people in person to network, but feel free to connect with me online anyway. Connect on LinkedIn

Work Contract Work
It seems that today nobody feels comfortable hiring a permanent employee. Yet today everyone needs the expertise that comes with 20+ years of diversified industry experience to help them navigate a difficult economy. So hire yourself out on an hourly basis. Need help?

File for Unemployment
I admit I have never filed for unemployment. I have never gone more than a day without a job. Things are different today. You don't have to stand in line at the unemployment office, you do everything online. Texas Unemployment Benefits I just received my debit card and the wonderful State of Texas put $395 of "free" money on it. I can use it like any other debit card and even get cash at any Chase Bank ATM. Thanks to Mr. Obama, our new president, I will soon be getting an extra $25 in each of my unemployment payments. (My wife will be getting an extra $13 in her paycheck!) Maybe unemployment is a better deal. Nahhh.

Take Advantage of Every Resource You Can
Part of the new stimulus package is a subsidy to continue your COBRA Insurance
COBRA Subsidy
It is easier than ever to search jobs online. Most sites will even email you a list of potential matches based on criteria you set up.
Monster Career Builder The Ladders TWC
My company actually offered out-placement support, it sucks that they laid me off, but that was nice.
IMPAXIS

That is just a little insight to my journey so far with unemployment during a recession. Of course there are several million other stories going on just in the US right now.

Wray