Unemployed?

Coping With Unemployment

The downturn in the economy has caused increased unemployment in our area and the lengthy delay in receiving benefits can make basic living tough. However there are a number of things you can do in order to survive financially.

Step 1: Apply for Employment Insurance as soon as you receive your Record of Employment, or at the end of 3 weeks if you have not yet received it, even if you are sure you will have a job soon. It could take 6-8 weeks before you receive a cheque for EI.

Step 2: Examine your budget or if you haven’t had one before, prepare one now. Cut back as much as possible on all non-essential items.

Step 3: Don’t use your credit cards as a source of funds on a regular basis, or you will be in worse financial shape. Use them only for emergencies.

Step 4: Consider talking to the bank about the possibility of deferring payments for a limited time if necessary.

Step 5: If you have a high debt load you may want to talk to your creditors about reduced payments for a time or consult a credit counselling agency for advice on how to handle your debts.

Step 6: Make sure that your resume is up to date, and that you have a copy on hand at all times.

Step 7: Network! Let everyone know that you are currently looking for work, and the type of work you are looking for.

Remember, losing a job is comparable to losing a loved one and it may take some time to get over the loss. It’s okay to be angry or sad or frustrated. Don’t try to keep it all in. Talk to someone about how you are feeling.


To your job search success!!

Fran
P.S. Check out my site for some free job search tips