When they find it, will it scare them away? There are, unfortunately, a number of auctions on mighty Bay that scare ebaySteve! Choose your colors and font sizes carefully - one thing you do NOT want is for everyone else to think you are a fruitcake. Even though ebaySteve likes fruit, and cake, he doesn't like 'em together. OK? Oh yeah! You will also need at least 1 good quality photo of your item. Try and make it a little 'different' from similar auctions - if everyone chooses 'stock' photo, how do potential buyers differentiate between you? BUT, make sure it ain't bigger than 40 or 50k - plenty of people are still on dialup, and they won't bother with you if page takes more than 10 seconds to load. And fer crying out loud, make SURE you allow payment via Paypal - it is Ebay's very own payment method, and by far best. They charge only a TINY commission on your sales, and you will find buyers take you MUCH more seriously if you do. No harm in other payment options too, just start off with Paypal! (Super extra important tip - only allow Paypal payments from members with a CONFIRMED address. Helps to cut down on fraud and refund requests).

Payment tip - ebaySteve has in past had problems with spam filters - there's nothing more annoying than to get an offer but miss it because your darn email system 'binned' mail! Have a special email account for auctions (if you start getting too much spam, open up a new one). It's also worth mentioning in text of your auction that potential buyers should 'whitelist' your email address. In worst case, you can always contact other ebayers with Contact Member form.

Auction timings - choose to start and end an auction during daylight hours (for your target audience!). These auctions statistically generate higher prices because bidding continues right up to final bell. Use http://pages.ebay.com/turbo_lister to list your items quicker - it costs, but only a tad, and will help you get whole process moving fast. That's about it fer now, Bayers! Keep it real!

5.Be realistic about time. Expect things to take a while. The more senior your previous job, longer it will take to find something else at same level. If you change careers to start your own business it will take time for you to achieve same feelings of effectiveness. Be patient when making a new transition and go easy on yourself by not expecting too much, too soon.

6.Forget 'labels'. Recruitment consultants are rarely concerned with fact you were retrenched. They are more interested in how you respond when chips are down and what you did about and how quickly you took control of your situation. It's not what happens in life that distinguishes us, but rather what we do about it. Very likely person interviewing you for your next job has been retrenched themself at some stage!

7.Explore options. Talk to a specialist career advisor or business coach. This may just be chance to propel you in a new direction. With assistance you may uncover skills and pathways you may not have previously had time, inclination or confidence to embrace.

8.Get some exercise. There is limited appeal in sitting around house in your pajamas until lunchtime. Get up early and get some exercise. The endorphins will keep your mind energetic and creative and assist you through transition.

9.Volunteer your time to a worthwhile cause that interests you. This will help keep your self esteem high and provide activities that may help you explore new avenues, or maintain your current skills. At very least it will keep you busy and stop your brain turning into "TV-mush".

10. Feed your spirit. Finding exhilarating testimonies of people who succeed against all odds. If you are not an avid reader, then now is time to start and ensure you are keeping your mind positively challenged with heroes of our time. It will help keep things in perspective.