If you are unemployed or facing unemployment, it is important to realized that it’s not your fault. We are facing an historic downturn in our economy. Armed with this knowledge, many state legislatures have increased the time period they will be giving out unemployment benefits. Unemployment payments can be essential in keeping you on your feet while you look for a new job. While these benefits may not cover all your expenses and bills, they should be able to make ends meet. When you receive unemployment benefits you also get access to a network of career resources set up by the government. Unemployment benefits can also be used to help pay for college education or career programs to help you get a strong career. Remember that it is cheaper for them if they can find you work than if they have to pay you for the full duration of your benefits. Make sure to ask them questions about what resources you can use and how they can help you find a job.


It is essential you avoid the trap of unemployment benefits. All too often, people get into a routine, a funk. Being paid weekly from the government may seem like a great deal, but it can be demoralizing. Even if you don’t notice it happening, you may be losing motivation, and finding yourself networking less. Give yourself daily goals. Of course you’re not going to be looking for a new job for 8 hours a day. Try to decide early on if you are going to continue in the same career path or if you are going to begin training for a new career field. This is completely subjective to your case. We recommend that you spend about one to two hours per day looking for jobs, writing cover letters, perfecting your resume, and working on networking - if you want to work more, feel free, but do not be discouraged if you don’t. Next, get out there. No one is going to know about you if you don’t show your face in public. Go volunteer at least once a week. You can volunteer wherever you want, but try to make it something related to the field you want to get another job in. There are many professional volunteering organizations that do some high level consulting for non-profits. Take a look, most cities have volunteering websites listing opportunities within the city.

You can also get unemployment help with education financial aid. Most online programs will allow you to get access to the best possible grants and financial aid if you are currently unemployed. There are also good access to tuition forgiveness for many programs. If you have always wanted more education especially from college programs, unemployment is certainly the time.

Unemployment Benefits can be the difference between making ends meet and moving to the street (or maybe just to your mom’s or a friend’s sofa). They are a valuable tool. More important though, is what you can do with your time once you receive the benefits. Look at it this way. You have become your own boss. What can you do to network and to make yourself a better person. Do not be discouraged, over 20% of the population admits to being underemployed and over 10% is unemployed. Good luck.