You need a new job. Whether you are job searching or trying to improve your job skills, Bad Economy Jobs will help you. We are in this recession together and any job searching tips can make the difference in employment. Read about the recession proof jobs, best jobs in a bad economy, online schooling, stimulus jobs and how to advertise your resume.

Since people are saving and being frugal in this recession, what could be better than finding free money. Here are a couple of places where you can look. Some claims have deadlines.

Whatever your opinion is on lawyers, it’s hard to complain about free money. TopClassActions has list of open settlements that where you might bequalified to make a claim. Did you do business with Bank of America, Sprint or maybe, Lenscrafters? You might qualify for some free money. These claims do take a while to mail their checks out. So, it’s not immediately found money. Think of it as an unexpected check from your favorite uncle.

The IRS might owe you money if you didn’t file a 2004 income tax return.

Unclaimed refunds totaling approximately $1.2 billion are awaiting about 1.3 million people who failed to file a federal income tax return for 2004, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, to collect the money, a return for 2004 must be filed with an IRS office no later than Tuesday, April 15, 2008. – source

See if you are eligible for government lending money loans and asisstance by visiting Benefits.gov. There is an online screening process and if you qualify, you could get a direct payment, loan, insurance, training, or other services.

How about some pension money that you forgot about? If you were involved in a ”defined benefit” pension plan in a private company that transferred the plan to Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, you might have free found money.

“Defined benefit” pension plans are traditional pension plans which promise to pay a specific monthly amount to participants when they retire. Plans such as profit-sharing or 401(k) plans are not considered defined benefit plans. PBGC does not insure federal pension plans.

Did your brokerage firm go bankrupt and they still have your funds?

The statute that created SIPC provides that customers of a failed brokerage firm receive all non-negotiable securities that are already registered in their names or in the process of being registered.

Go to Securities Investor Protection Corporation and file a claim.

Here are a bunch of other sites that can help you find free money to help you survive in the bad economy.

• Treasury Hunt: Unclaimed U.S. Securities and Payments
• HUD/FHA Mortgage Insurance Refunds
• Credit Union Unclaimed Shares
• National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators

Now go get that free money!

A lot of people are getting laid off from their job position and it’s important to land on your feet as you make the transition with these steps.

• The first thing you should do is file for your unemployment benefits. Visit your state’s unemployment website for more information. In additional to receiving benefits,  figure out if you will qualify for food stamps, housing assistance or other government aids.
• Make sure you have your health insurance. If not, stack up on your prescriptions and get generic drugs.
• Live frugal in the bad economy.
• Advertise yourself. Send out those resumes and make yourself stand out.
• Find a job. Now! Anywhere and everywhere. Post your resume at Monster, Indeed, Hot Jobs
• Don’t limit yourself from any opportunities because of your pride.

Now realize that there is plenty of competition for your respective job fields. Everyone is doing the same thing, handing in their resumes, networking with peers and lining up for job interviews.

Your job now is to keep moving and trying anything.

Remaining positive and doing little things throughout this bad economy even after a recent job lay off will help to get past those moments when you feel like a failure. Build those little successes into something large. If you are unable to get that job you want, then seek to volunteer or pick up a side job at a restaurant. The main point is to make everyday a successful and productive one. Unemployment benefits will last a couple of weeks but with a side job, you can continue to keep social with your environment. The last thing you want to do during a lay off is shun yourself from your friends and family. Being a hermit will not help you get to where you want to be. You might have feelings of embarrassment or feel like a failure because you lost a part of your identity. Now is the time to come to terms with this message.

Your job does not make you.

The majority of people will change jobs, 5 or 6 times, throughout their life. Redefine your own sense of worth and identity. Remember to keep active and remain social. And doing the little things will eventually build up.

Don’t believe the hype. The numbers are lying. The media is causing you to panic. The dead end job myth must die right now.

 

What is a dead end job?

A job that leaves you completely helpless and trapped with no foreseeable future. Does that describe how your job is controlling your life? Some people might have obligations and responsibilities like family or someone close to them who needs support and so they feel this is the path they must continue to lead in order to provide. Giving up your soul for someone else’s well-being is commendable but optional. I just want to make it clear. You have OPTIONS! 

You can go back to school to increase your job skills and improve your future earnings but school might not be for everyone.

Change your mindset within your dead end job. Are you taking advantage of everything the job has to offer? Sometimes a job can feel like a dead end if you already have low expectations from the job. Can you obtain any more skills with the resources available to you? Maybe there is something you can do to increase your productivity or talk to your boss about new opportunities.

Find out what jobs you are interested in before taking the exit. If you like being out in nature, take up a volunteer position to clean up the park. Network with the park ranger and see if they can lead you in the right direction. 

Explore your options by doing research. Check out which states offer the jobs you seek. Make sure to figure out the average living wages and if there is stimulus money going into that state.

Most importantly, don’t feel trapped by your job. Having good mental health will reflect well in all aspects of your life. Once you lose that helplessness and regain control, you will notice your behavior change towards your family, friends and strangers.