With an unemployment rate of over nine percent as of July 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, you might find yourself as one of the 14.6 million individuals surviving without a job in the United States. While it may seem like a good time to panic, you can survive short-term without a job while you look for more work to get back on your feet. Living from your savings and cutting back living expenses can help you gain control over your lifestyle and survive until you secure a new position.
Step 1
Create a budget and look at all of your expenses, including household expenses, food, utilities and secured and unsecured debts. Find areas in which you can cut back, suggests Families.com, like choosing to eat out less each month or showering at your local YMCA to reduce utility bills. A budget also gives you a clearer picture of your financial situation to help put you in control of a stressful time in your life. Factor in savings and calculate how long you can possibly survive without a job.
Step 2
Reduce any unnecessary costs and see where you can remove luxury items. Perhaps you pay extra to your satellite company for premium channels; cut back to bare bones cable or get rid of cable altogether. See if you can transfer or put memberships on hold until you get a job so you aren't paying for pricey gym, club or delivery memberships. Switch to a pay-per-minute cell phone and ditch the expensive plan for something you use just for emergencies.
Step 3
Apply for government assistance. If you've suddenly lost your job, you likely qualify for unemployment assistance, notes MSN Money Central. Visit your local Department of Workforce Services to see what you qualify for. Take advantage of government programs put in place to protect families who demonstrate financial need, like food stamps, WIC programs, job loss support and Medicaid.
Step 4
Look for part-time or contract work to supplement your savings until you find a full-time job, suggests BankRate.com. Offering your services as a freelancer to various companies is an attractive way to garner attention and experience from companies that don't have the means to hire someone full time. Part-time work may not be ideal, but it can help give you more time to look for something with better hours and more permanency.
Step 5
Apply for as many jobs as possible. In times of high unemployment, the competition for jobs becomes stiffer, and you may need to have better qualifications for a job that you consider to be below your own skills. Applying for as many jobs as possible increases your chances of landing an interview. Getting up each morning as if you were going to work and applying for jobs, going to interviews and spreading the word that you're looking for employment is a good way to pass the time and find work sooner.
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