LESSONS LEARNED FROM BEING UNEMPLOYED & UNDEREMPLOYED (If you haven't done so already, this is the time to get your house in order). If you suddenly find yourself unemployed then you will have to take steps to pay your bills. This may include finding temporary work, stop gap jobs, or even jobs that may result in a reduced standard of living. loosing your job can be very stressful so if you haven't done so already,this is the time to get your house in order. Be Resourceful. This is a good time to get up off the couch and check it for loose change.You should consider returning bottle deposits, ebay unused items, find self-employment and cut unnecessary expenses such as premium cable television. Volunteer. Get out of the house and meet new people, learn new skills and network. I used whatever handy man skills I had and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity by swinging hammers and drilling sheet rock. You will meet cool and interesting people. It is possible for you to get a tax-deduction as well. De-clutter your life. Take a good look through your closet full of clothes, then organize your shoes, shirts, suits, pants, ties, dresses,etc.afterwards take a look at what you don't wear and donate used clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. This is also tax deductible. Stay Healthy. This is a good time to get a physical if you fall into the category of those too busy working to be concerned with your health. If so then visit your physician for a check up. You may want to discuss health concerns or goals such as smoking cessation, alcohol use, depression, or new exercise ideas. If you haven't done so already this is a good time to start eating healthier as well. Get in touch with your financials. Request your free annual credit reports, reduce unnecessary spending, move your IRA account from your previous employer (but don't cash out). Consider meeting with a CPA to discuss taxes and other financial advisement. Update your resume. Make sure your resume is fresh and reflects your transferable skills, knowledge, and abilities. Use job search engines such as Indeed.com. Check Temp Agencies, and make sure you know where your social security card is, if you haven't used it in a while. You should have a passport or drivers license current too. Update your references and consider social networking sites such as LinkedIn for networking within your industry.Job search expenses such as resume services, biz cards, travel to find work are all tax deductible. Take a class. Enroll in a class that may help your situation or even a class that may teach you a hobby. Learning is earning and knowledge is power. Be social. Attend networking events, job fairs, and stay in touch with associates, friends, and family. You never know where a helping hand may extend. Be productive. Start and finish a project that you always wanted to do, like writing a blog. Be seen and heard. The squeaky wheel gets the oil they say. Create or update you social media sites such as LinkedIn, facebook, twitter, and Blogger. As long as you still have a roof over your head there is one service that you don't have to worry about being shut off when you're broke and unemployed and that would be the postal service. The mail keeps coming, including the mortgage, utility bill, loan payments, auto payments, and those damned overdraft charges. You should open these immediately and stay in touch with your creditors.