1.) Don’t bug out. Although it seems like it, it’s not the end of the world. Sure, you may have a mortgage, utility bills, etc., to pay, but there are lots of ways these days to keep the wolf away from your door. If you have a lot of credit card debt, call these companies and let them know you’re out of work. If you argue enough (and with the right people), you may be able to work out a deal. Don’t wait for them to come to you.

2.) Stay focused. If you don’t stay focused, you’ll end up on the sofa all day eating Pringles and watching Oprah (You can’t afford Pringles, anyway!) Keep the TV off and hit up the internet for your job search. Stay networked with friends in the business. This is the time to call in all favors.

3.) Take inventory. I’m not speaking of personal inventory here. I’m talking about cash, stocks, mutual funds, the $1.83 in pennies tucked away in the chair cushions. All of it. This is the time to get that $20 borrowed by your drunken friend at Hooters last July. Call in all bets. You’ll need every dime you can get your hands on.

4.) Stay sharp. And by this I mean looks. It’s really easy to get into a habit of not shaving, wearing those favorite sweats and your 1983 Van Halen Tour T-Shirt with the hole under the left arm. Sleeping until noon is also not a good idea. This is a really easy habit to get into, so don’t become a victim. After the first week I was unemployed, I looked in the mirror and saw Saddam (before the hanging) staring back at me. Don’t let this happen to you.

5.) Take time to relax. Hanging in front of the computer all day or constantly on the phone in a job search catches up with you fast. Take breaks throughout the day. Take a walk, read a bit, get creative. Do what I did and make a Voodoo doll of your former boss and fill it full of extra sharp needles. Place the needles in areas you believe would be the most painful, such as under the armpits, the groin and through the ears. It’s more fun than it sounds.