As we work through anger, resentment, depression, and fear which is common lot of jobless, we can take some steps to regain our balance, reclaim a positive focus, and reassert personal control.

1. Daily Routine.

We no longer have structure of work to mold our days and give meaning to our leisure time. In a very short period of time, we start to drift. Our days are so much same that we no longer remember what day of week it is. The line between work and relaxation blurs. We don't work hard enough at our job search so we feel guilty which spoils our play time. Nothing has to be done immediately so we put it all off until tomorrow. Take back control by designing, and maintaining, your own schedule. Get up at same time each morning, shower and get dressed as if you are going to work. Map out your job hunting activities and stick to plan. Build in relaxation periods and stick to those too. Having a regular routine, and a defined purpose (finding work) helps you to continue to think of yourself as a worker and a valuable, productive individual, both critical in avoiding descent into social oblivion prolonged unemployment so often brings.

2. Physical Shape.

We eat when we are anxious. We eat when we are depressed. We eat when we are upset. Couple these psychological urges to eat with fact that we no longer appear before coworkers' eyes each day, have nothing to dress up for, and have seriously impaired self-respect, and our weight balloons out of control. Fight back by returning to a regimen of regular, healthful eating. So much of our lives is out of our control right now that it is a relief to find one area where we are in sole command. Cherish that opportunity by eating sparingly, reducing amount of time spent in kitchen, finding non-edible outlets for stress relief. At same time, start a limited but regular exercise routine. It may not be something you enjoy but at last you have time to do it and all that huffing and puffing is a wonderful way to temporarily banish your worries.

3. Personal Relations.

Here it is: LOVE.

Kahil Gibran proclaimed, "Work is love made visible". I would further clarify his position by insisting that a job is what you do for a paycheck. Work is what you do for a life. It is that energizing, all-encompassing activity that allows you to bring skills to bear in ways that are satisfying beyond a pay period. It is that activity that saves you from being a faceless number in a mechanistic wheel-hence it holds redemptive powers. It is that activity which makes a contribution to a larger world order. It is that activity from which you sense a measure of accomplishment and achievement. It excites you. It gives you joy. It binds you to a community of people who are stakeholders in what you do. Ultimately, it has a ripple effect and potency of a legacy for those who follow.

"Ah come on!" you insist. "How about a garbage collector? A waiter? A store clerk? Who is going to love those jobs?"

Great question. And at face value, it seems that not every employment opportunity has such grand potential. Just take money, leave it as soon as you can for greener pastures. Screw those miserable bosses. Thumb your nose at customer.

And tomorrow you die.

That's it. Plain and simple. While you are looking for dream vocation, better work environment, nicer boss, reality can step in and your one moment on Planet is gone forever. It's a reality made even MORE real by current events.