Labor Pools/Temp Services

Also, look for local labor pools/temp services. These places offer daily work many times over. I've known a few people to be hired on perm. after doing temp jobs. They are a great way to show you some open doors, let you experience different types of jobs, all while putting a few extra dollars in your pocket.

Donations

Check your local area to see if they have a "donation" center for blood, plasma, etc., that pays you. Many areas have these.

Apply for what you need

Until you find new and/or suitable employment, don't feel ashamed to apply for help.

There's Food Stamps, Medicaid, Aid for Dependent Children, Unemployment. You may not qualify for any or all of these, but the worse thing is you spend a little bit of your time applying and being denied. You never know until you try.

Also, some, if not all of these can be applied for online. You will most likely have an in person interview for some of these, but you can possibly get the ball rolling right from home.

Some states have work alliances that you can possibly use their resources to look for employment.

Talk to the companies that you have bills with. Let them know your situation, and see if you can make arrangements to still pay your bills, but they may be late. Many companies will be happy to work with you, if you have always been on time with your bills. It's better than having your utilites cut off, losing your car, car insurance, etc.

Talk to family about getting a small loan to tide you over. I've used this method. Since I've never borrowed large amounts it was easy to pay back. Sometimes we use the barter system. I would do small jobs for them, as payment. If you aren't working, you should have some spare time.

If work isn't available

Normally, there is some kind of job out there. It may not be the one you want, it may not pay what you need, but consider taking it, to keep the bills paid and food on the table. Continue to look for that job that is right for you in the mean time.

I have worked since I was 12 years old (a newspaper route). I really hate to work, always have, but you got to do something (legal) to live in this world.

Currently, I am lucky enough to be able to work out of my home, usually 5 hours a day. It's not big money, but it does the job of sustaining life and allows me to be here in the afternoon and weekends for my kids. I'm only lucky in this, because my parents are preparing to sell their house, and have hired me to go through all their belongings, figure out what siblings want what, then divide it up. If it's something no one wants, I am free to do with it what I want. If I donate it, they get a tax break, if I make money I split it with them. Plus, I get free rent. You can't beat that. But, it was pure luck.

I was laid off not one, but two jobs within 18 months of each other. My first one, was after being on the job for 10 years, the second one for just under a year. Both were due to downsizing. Believe me, the 2nd layoff was no easier than the 1st, the 1st was more painful. I do still feel betrayed.

My next post, I will try to give some ideas on where to possibly look for help.