Many things in life are stressful and I'd have to say that being unemployed is high on the list of stressful events one can experience in their lifetime. It's increasingly common in the current economy and it can affect anyone. No one is safe today or exempt. If you think you are indispensable, you aren't. Even the most secure employee can be subject to layoffs, downsizing, or companies going bankrupt. The landscape changes daily and your job stability and security could, too. From CEO's to recent college grads and everyone in between, staying employed and or finding a new position is challenging, competitive, and often frustrating.

Living without a paycheck causes tension emotionally, financially, and even physically. On a daily basis, the media paints the economy as bad and the job market as tight. News of people being dislocated or made redundant at every turn causes anxiety, not just for those displaced, but also for those already on the market. The competition for jobs only seems to grow. It's very easy to get frustrated, discouraged, and unable to see any light at the end of the tunnel.

How do you cope until you find the next paycheck and opportunity?

Keeping a positive attitude and looking to the future instead of the past is essential. Whatever the reason you are unemployed, it happened. Accept it and move forward. Doing so can make you much more productive and successful.

Hopefully, you won't be unemployed long and the right position will be secured quickly. Yet, many people find themselves looking for 60, 90, 120 days or even much longer. It is an issue from the standpoint that there is a truism in the employment world, whether you're an employer, a recruiter or a candidate. That truism is: The longer you're unemployed, the less marketable you become.

Is that fair? Equitable? Does the reason matter? Probably not. It is, however, reality. Given that reality, there are ways to deal with it that can potentially turn this particular crisis into an opportunity.

First, consider this. Unemployment is NOT a vacation. I have seen many an unemployed individual go on a vacation, sometimes an extended one. They redo or remodel their house. They babysit the kids. Possibly they simply relax and have fun with friends, or just sit home and vegetate while watching TV. Granted, all are enjoyable, but this kind of 'break' does nothing more than increase the length of time you'll be unemployed. Furthermore, what message does it send to an employer? I assure you, he will want to know what exactly you've been doing with your 'time off'.

If the answer is, "I needed a break," it can say a number of thing. You don't take your position and or career seriously. You don't need to work because money isn't an issue. You have no drive or are lazy and complacent. These are just a few. Perhaps none of that is necessarily true about you, but that is the way the decision can be read. More than that, taking time to 'not do' doesn't necessarily reinvigorate you. It can actually demotivate you and give you a negative or defeatist attitude. Things at rest tend to stay at rest.

So, here are some ideas for staying in the game while diligently looking for a position every day, faithfully and religiously.

Be of value and contribute in every thing you do. Get up and do something that enriches your life and the life of others. Such as:

Volunteer at organizations, clubs, associations, or charities. Join their committees. Become an officer or just participate and devote your time and talent in ways that help. Not only does this help your energy level and self-esteem, it can also foster connections that may help you in your job search. It may also give you additional skills that might benefit you in your next job or uncover a passion or talent you did not earlier acknowledge.

Mentor someone: a child, a young business person, or a friend who needs advice and experience in a discipline.

Offer your expertise as a consultant. Be creative and think of how your talent and skills can be used to keep them fresh and honed to a sharp edge.

Get additional education and training. Investigate online courses or classes that increase your acumen and enhance your skills. Attend a university or community college and finish your degree or start pursuing an advanced one. Many companies have educational benefits or tuition reimbursement for their employees. Keep that in mind. Attend webinars, seminars...anything to help increase your skills in whatever area you choose or feel you need tutoring and skill refinement.

Work part-time. It will not only bring money in the door and give you self-esteem, but you may find that just keeping a rhythm and maintaining a worthwhile activity every day for which to rise and shine give you even more energy to devote to your job search. It also keeps your mind focused on work and being productive.

Network at every turn. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to say you are unemployed, on the job market, and looking. Remember, you are not alone. Co-workers, family, friends, past acquaintances, and past colleagues are all potential networking contacts. Think in terms of who you know and also, who they might know. Anyone and everyone is a potential source of information, leads, and maybe even help.

If you do these things, you show a prospective employer that you have initiative. You demonstrate that you take your current situation seriously and are doing everything possible to deal with it in a good way, all the while building your skills in the process. In interviews, it gives you additional selling points to possibly tip the scales in your favor.

Wouldn't you rather work, contribute and be of value somewhere than sit at home waiting for the phone to ring? I hope you answered, "Yes." If not, you may wait a long time for that phone to ring. It may never ring at all after a while. That break won't be nearly as much fun if it's permanent.