A survival guide for the unemployed
More than 200,000 people in Washington state are looking for work. Times are stressful, but there is help to be found.
You're out of work, and the competition for that new job may be fierce. But you've got some great resources available.
The first rule in the in our survival guide: stay positive.
"Of course, everybody's bitter," said Brian Thurston, who is looking for work. "And it's the first thing you need to shake. You've got to let that go and just look ahead. That's the tough part."
Thurston worked the same job for 24 years until the plant shut down. He's currently working on the second rule of the survival guide -- know that you're in transition and you will be working again.
"The door closed I'm going to open another one," he said.
Rule 3: get to know all your resources.
Laid off workers have 60 days to apply for help with tuition so they can go back to school. Some community colleges, Highline among them, offer fast-track studies to allow students to get the education they need in half the time.
And look for community food stamps or help paying utility bills.
The fourth rule is you must work full-time to find work.
Thurston said he has been spending ten hours a day looking for a job after he lost his.
The final rule: network, network, network.
"Sixty to 80 percent of jobs are found through networking," said Tracy Larson, a King County work source counselor.
Larson's favorite story comes from a guy who was asked to buy Girl Scout cookies at the grocery store.
"They asked if he wanted to buy cookies, he said 'no, I'm unemployed right now, but what I would like to do is donate a dollar to your cause.' While he was saying that the mother was in her purse, pulled out her card, said 'here, I'm a CEO of this company. Give me a call,'" he said.
It's not easy, but you really should tell everyone you're out of work and looking.
More information:
WorkSource Seattle-King County
Applying for unemployment benefits:
You cannot apply in person, and the experts say the best way to do it is to apply online. You can also call 800-318-6022.
Getting basic help with food:
Washington Basic Food Program
Signing up for free tuition and books:
If you qualify for any food assistance at all, you also qualify for free tuition and books. To sign up, click here.
Meeting others in the same boat:
Unemployed Meet Up Groups
You're out of work, and the competition for that new job may be fierce. But you've got some great resources available.
The first rule in the in our survival guide: stay positive.
"Of course, everybody's bitter," said Brian Thurston, who is looking for work. "And it's the first thing you need to shake. You've got to let that go and just look ahead. That's the tough part."
Thurston worked the same job for 24 years until the plant shut down. He's currently working on the second rule of the survival guide -- know that you're in transition and you will be working again.
"The door closed I'm going to open another one," he said.
Rule 3: get to know all your resources.
Laid off workers have 60 days to apply for help with tuition so they can go back to school. Some community colleges, Highline among them, offer fast-track studies to allow students to get the education they need in half the time.
And look for community food stamps or help paying utility bills.
The fourth rule is you must work full-time to find work.
Thurston said he has been spending ten hours a day looking for a job after he lost his.
The final rule: network, network, network.
"Sixty to 80 percent of jobs are found through networking," said Tracy Larson, a King County work source counselor.
Larson's favorite story comes from a guy who was asked to buy Girl Scout cookies at the grocery store.
"They asked if he wanted to buy cookies, he said 'no, I'm unemployed right now, but what I would like to do is donate a dollar to your cause.' While he was saying that the mother was in her purse, pulled out her card, said 'here, I'm a CEO of this company. Give me a call,'" he said.
It's not easy, but you really should tell everyone you're out of work and looking.
More information:
WorkSource Seattle-King County
Applying for unemployment benefits:
You cannot apply in person, and the experts say the best way to do it is to apply online. You can also call 800-318-6022.
Getting basic help with food:
Washington Basic Food Program
Signing up for free tuition and books:
If you qualify for any food assistance at all, you also qualify for free tuition and books. To sign up, click here.
Meeting others in the same boat:
Unemployed Meet Up Groups