1. Get your feelings out – go ahead. Go home and cry, feel sorry for yourself, throw your basketball against a brick wall. Go ahead and get the feelings out -but don't wallow in them. Allow yourself the time and space to feel your feelings, but do it once, do it completely, and move on.

2. Let others know what's going on. Don't be afraid to share your dilemma and use your family and friends as a support network - make a few dinner dates at other's homes, and give and get as many hugs as you need. This is not a time to try and tough things out alone – and you may get some valuable advice where you least expect it.

3. Shape up your budget. Start to live more frugally – but don't panic and stockpile food or attempt to pay off all your debt at once. Just be cautious and start to pay attention to what you spend.

4. Apply for unemployment benefits online and work hard on sticking to a budget; your state jobless benefits will be less than your take-home paycheck has been.

Losing a job is always tough, but hard economic times doesn't mean impossible economic times. Use this period to really explore your opportunities, do your research thoroughly, and create the best versions of your resumes and cover letters as possible. Maintain a positive attitude and the universe will open up new possibilities for you – remember, you're never in this world alone. If you need a support network, reach out and join one. There's never a better time to improve your life and your self.

5. Find a list of job hunting support groups in your area. You'll learn a lot about the local job market, find out about free places to upgrade your skills and resume, and get job-hunting tips from your peers.

6. Start looking for a new job as quickly as possible – it will keep you busy and give you the most options in the long run. You'll also get much-needed interview practice that will help put you in the pipeline.

7. Network where ever you can – church, clubs, family gatherings, job fairs - don't be so desperate that people shy away from you, but do mention what kind of job you are interested and your skills and interests. You never know where a lead will come from.

8. Keep a routine by getting up every day at the same time, getting dressed, and scouring your usual sources for job leads. Keep your job hunt focused and target your applications carefully. Remember: job hunting IS a job when you're serious about your career, and the next door you open will be worth it.

9. Volunteer your time to keep your skills fresh. There are so many charities in need of donated skills – if you're feeling down, get out there and help. It's also something you can add to your resume and may be another source for networking and developing job leads.

10. If boredom or money worries distract or depress you, take a ''therapeutic'' job. If you gotta work, you gotta work – remember that any position can lead to something better, and you can always take some temp work while you're looking for something permanent.