What to do when your unemployment runs out

One of the most difficult scenarios financially you may have to face is realizing your unemployment benefits have run out and you still do not have a job. With the uncertainty of the economy and a job market that grows ever more difficult to penetrate many workers are finding it difficult to return to full-time work. While this problem can seem overwhelming in the face of mounting bills there are steps you can take to help yourself. Here is what you need to know about what to do when your unemployment runs out-

• Plan ahead! The key to facing uncertain financial constraints is to plan ahead. While everyone needs to remain positive through the sometimes draining process of finding a job you will still need to focus some of your energy on what you will do if your unemployment runs out before you find a job. This way you will not be caught without a plan and unaware of what steps to take should the worst happen. Begin focusing some of your thoughts and energies on what you will do if your unemployment runs out and you will be able to deal with the situation much more constructively should you have to face it.
• Look at filing for extended unemployment benefits. With the high unemployment rate some states are now offering extended unemployment benefits. The key here is not to wait until your basic benefits have completely been used. Work with your state employment agency to see what you need to do to file for extended unemployment benefits and whether or not you will qualify. In most states you may receive up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits, starting after the 26 weeks of standard benefits that may be available to eligible unemployed workers during periods of high unemployment. Recent legislation has added additional weeks in states with unemployment over 6%. Keep in mind however that if you have to apply for extended unemployment benefits many people are as well so apply early to help with processing and decrease delay in the payment of your benefits.
• Consider temp work. Many people especially in a professional level are looking for that perfect job to move on to. But with the highly competitive job market job seekers should consider taking work where they can find it. There are many benefits to working a temp position. The main one of course is that you can start generating income again but temp work can give you valuable experience while you continue your job search. Many temp agencies today even offer benefits to their workers. And best of all many companies are much more willing to hire a temp worker they are familiar with than someone from outside the company. Taking a temp job could be the key to your next permanent position.

• Network, network, network! If you are facing the possibility of having your unemployment run out this is not the time to become shy about your situation. While it can be blow to your pride letting your family, friends and acquaintances know that you are still in the job market it can often turn up valuable resources. While no one wants to have to rely on someone else for income many times the people you know can provide you with the job leads you need if you are only willing to speak up!
• Begin to cut back your expenses. While no one is saying that living on unemployment is lucrative should you be facing the end of your benefits you will have to belt-tighten even further. Take a good hard look at your expenses and see what you can cut until your cash flow improves. While it may seem drastic you may have to consider: taking a roommate or moving, giving up all but the essentials (a cell phone is not an essential) or even selling your car and taking public transportation until the situation gets better. Realize that shopping, lunches out and designer clothes are things to be looked forward to when you find that job. Try to lighten your expense load as much as you can to help deal with your decreased cash inflow.
• Generate some cash flow. Unemployed workers all over the country are turning to their attics and closets in order to generate some cash. While no one advocates selling Grandma's heirlooms there may be other things in your home that could give your bottom line a boost simply by selling them. Financial experts advise however that before selling anything that you do your research to determine what the best price you can get is and the best venue for you to sell it in. Online sites can be helpful in many situations but certain items will do better if advertised locally where buyers can meet face to face. Keep in mind that while you may place little value on a particular item it just might be exactly what someone is looking for and more importantly willing to pay top dollar for.
• Check out community resources. Many communities have resources available for unemployed workers who are struggling to pay rent/mortgage, utilities and even buy food. While it can be discouraging to have to take advantage of these programs many unemployed workers find them helpful in bridging the gap until they can find employment. Most programs have income and asset requirements but can be helpful should you be facing losing your home or having your utilities turned off. In addition since many people find themselves without health insurance the cost of prescriptions becomes prohibitive. There are programs that can help defray the cost or even provide free prescriptions. Check online to see what programs are available in your area. Also many major retailers are offering discount prescriptions on many common medications. Talk to your local pharmacist as to whether one of these programs can help you. While it can be difficult to turn to these programs many workers have returned later to pay it forward in volunteer help or donations after they have found a job and want to help others.
• Contact the people you owe money to before your unemployment runs out. If you know that your benefits will end and there is still no job in sight you need to contact your mortgage lender/landlord, credit card lenders and anyone else you owe money to. This way you can explain the situation and come to terms before being unable to pay them anything. Many lenders are willing to help and often have resources at their disposal before you run out of money. If the lender knows that you have run out of benefits and are unable to pay them anything they may be less likely to work out some terms for repayment. Acting early is the key to success.

• Think outside the box. If you are an unemployed worker who is facing the end of benefits you may need to think outside of the box to generate some cash flow. Consider starting a home business, taking surveys online, or even processing emails until you find that job you really want. In the meantime if you use your creativity and find ways to generate income you may just stumble across that job without even really trying. Unemployed workers who have become babysitters, dog walkers and lawnmowers have gone on to find great jobs in child care, animal care and gardening not even knowing that's where they wanted to work after all. Consider free-lancing if you have a skill that people are willing to pay for. Many successful businesses have been started by people just trying to raise some cash by freelancing. Be sure to research and see what the going rate in your area is so that you can be paid fairly for your work. Generate some business cards, make some contacts and you may find yourself with more business than you can handle.

• Use the time to polish your skills. Many employment agencies will offer free classes to unemployed workers. Now is the time to hone your skills that will make your resume really shine. Take a class online (yes there are even free classes), check out your local library or extension agency for classes that can give you a leg up in finding that job that is just right for you. There are many programs that will help you gain further training. You may also wish to check out grants for schooling that will allow you to return to school full-time to train further for your chosen career or another career altogether.
• Continue working with your employment agency. Now is not the time to give up. While you may not be collecting benefits your state employment agency can still give you lots of help in finding a job. Take advantage of the resources that are offered as many employment agencies offer free classes in interviewing, resume writing and even finding that hidden job. While it may take longer than the benefits remember your ultimate goal is still to find a job and get back to work.