How to Endure Unemployment

• Prepare BEFORE being unemployed.
  Sounds strange, but the best way to deal with a period of unemployment is to prepare for it beforehand. This applies for any person, at any age, whether you have been working at a company for 30 years or three. Make sure to save up money, have little or no debt, and that you are healthy. Stock up on canned foods and keep yourself and your life "lean and mean". Basically, don't horde too much in your house or life in general, don't grow too big beyond your means.
• Keep up good health and hygiene.
  Don't overeat or eat too little. Keep your teeth in good shape, use fluoride and floss regularly in addition to good brushing. Try not to gain weight, or lose weight. Stay as healthy as possible. It costs very little to keep good health and hygiene, but costs quite a bit to cure yourself if you don't.
• Cut your hair at home.
  Men can save money by having a family member cut their hair for them. (Though, women may have a harder time doing this).
  Helpful Link: http://www.ehow.com/
• Shower in the dark.
  It save energy and you don't need to see that much anyways. Just try not to slip! (or leave one light on, but others off)
• Use fluorescent bulbs.
  The quality of the light is a matter of hot dispute but they sure do save a lot of money in energy costs.
• Reduce other energy usage.
  Have a home energy audit done for free by your electric or gas utility. Lower the heating at night, while you sleep, and put more blankets on the bed. Test your home for air tightness (windows, doors, etc..) so that costly heat or AC doesn't escape. Turn off power strips at night, and when you are not home during the day. The AC adapters and appliances connected to them may still draw power even though they are not turned on.
  Link: Home Energy Saver
• Stop eating out.
  That is, unless someone else is paying. It's costly and eating at home is not only cheaper, but brings family and friends closer together, a very important thing during hard times.
• Buy in bulk.
  If you drink lots of soda, don't buy them one can at time. Buy them by the case. The same goes for other foods, or items (soaps, deoderants, etc..)
• Buy only the necessary groceries.
  Buy only the most basic foods at the supermarket. It is possible to only spend $15-$30 at the store and still get enough groceries to eat for a week. Examples are eggs, milk, bread, meat, and vegetables instead of pre-made foods, ready made meals, or premium items.
  Link: http://www.budget101.com/$10_grocery_list.htm
  Link: http://www.heart4home.net/30perweek.htm
• Stop buying books, but read MORE books!
  Borrow some, go to the local library, or delve into your personal bookshelf. Take advantage of the time off to re-learn or learn new things, it will make you more marketable and keep you happy. Try not to buy new books though, that is an expense. You can borrow many perfectly good books instead of buying them.
• Start your own business?
  Before you become unemployed, find out how much it costs in your state, province, or country, to start your own business. Then, save up that money and put it aside. When you become jobless in the future, you now have enough money to create a business that may very well keep you alive. Be careful though, some businesses are quite costly and can get you into more debt than you were before.
• Keep in touch.
  Keep in touch with all of your friends, family, and ex co-workers. They will give you support as well as inroads into a new job.
• Utilize your health insurance!
  Before you become unemployed make sure you take advantage of any healthcare benefits by getting new glasses, having a physical, or seeing your dentist.
• Open source software.
  Instead of buying a new computer or new software, find a used one and put Linux on it. It's easy to install, free, and powerful. It also looks good on a resume. (even for non-techies)
• Invest in yourself.
  If you are going to invest or spend any money at all, do it in the following areas: Your skillset, your health, your house, your debts. (not necessarily in that order)
• Have business cards on hand at *all* times!
  This is a good habit to have WHILE you are employed, but it also is good during unemployment. Before you become jobless, or during (if it is cheap), get some personal business cards made. They should have all of the standard information so that if you meet someone in the course of your daily routine you can give them your information rather quickly. It's far better than asking "Do you have some paper to write down my number?". It looks more professional with a business card.
• Earn money any way you can
  Mow lawns, deliver newspapers, recycle goods, shovel driveways. Get creative.
• Become "lean and mean".
  Even in life in general, while you are employed, it is good to be a person that is dynamic, who changes with the times, is not a burden to themselves or others and can make contributions to life, loved ones and employer. Don't be a person that has too much debt or dependency. Employers want to see someone that is going to make a contribution to the company, not someone who just wants a job to support their lavish lifestyle, large family, or excessive spending habits.
• Cut down on your Telephone bills
  Call your phone company and see how you can reduce your monthly bills. Remove call waiting, caller ID. Take off any unnecessary features. Do this immediately after you lose your job. Don't wait.
• Do you really need all of those Cable/Satellite TV Channels?
  Call your cable/satellite provider and remove some of the more costly channels, or, cancel the service altogether.
• Take time for vacation(s).
  We all need to have fun, to get away, to relax. Just because you are without a job doesn't mean you don't need that too. In fact, just *hunting* for employment is a full-time job in itself! It's stressful, frustrating, and worthy of the occasional vacation. It is also entirely possible that we become more susceptible to depression during unemployment, so taking a break, even if it means an entire weekend, is a good idea. Just try not to spend a lot of money.
• Inform close friends/family immediately
  It is probably best to not hide it from your spouse. Telling your other family members and close friends may result in some nice surprises. Perhaps they know of some job opening where they work, and can get you an interview. Now, what about the embarassment of others knowing your new circumstance? What about the shame you may feel as the neighbors across the way now know you are jobless? I hope you can handle it as best as you can. And try to remind yourself, which is worse? Getting the evil grin from the neighbors because they relish in my pain, or, shrugging it off knowing that it is nothing to be ashamed of and I would rather spread the word to try and find a job than keep it a secret and handle it all alone?
• Try not to be a burden to your loved ones
  Being unemployed is hard, and loved ones (spouses, family members) or friends are there to comfort you and be supportive but long periods of complaining and depression can wear out your welcome. Try to stay upbeat, make sure you get out every day, take vacations (see above) and try to not grieve for too long.