Dear Smilee,
I'm sorry to hear about your unemployment. I felt the pinch of the Recession back in '09 and pretty much had to start at the bottom again. I was so irritated because I thought how could this happen to me?!?!? I'm a college graduate for crying out loud. I honestly thought my degree made me immune....WRONG lol. I immediately went into survival mode. I sold a bunch of things, "downgraded" my lifestyle and lived on the bare necessities for the time being. I ended up going back to school and worked the graveyard shift at Target stocking shelves for $8.25/hr. Fast forward 10 years later, I'm now married to the love of my life, I'm FINALLY a homeowner, and I have a decent job in an industry that I'm very passionate about. Am I making money hand over fist? Definitely not, but it's a start and I pray that things only get better from here.
I lost count of how many crap jobs I've worked over the years to survive and pay my bills. People always ask me "how did you do it" or "why would you take a job that pays only $8 bucks an hour?!?" I tell them the same thing: I did it because I HAD to. When you're back is up against the wall, you do what must to survive.
I truly hope & pray that things get better for you! I'm not sure what job industry you're looking into, but if there's anything I can do, please let me know! I'd be more than happy to help you in your job search. I wish you a blessed Easter, take care and God bless!