When your employment is threatened and your financial resources are eventually cut off (with your late employer telling you that your new job is to find a new job) you feel betrayed and ill-treated because you probably are. The question is where to look for a new job.

Some employers having heavy layoffs try to help their former employees find a new job. They sometimes set up an office, help past employees create resume's and may give them office and telephone privileges. The reason they do this is that they want to maintain a certain company image, that employees are not left to their own resources, and they try to show them where to look for a job.

Professional people often go to employment agencies that cater to their particular profession. However, when things are really tough in the job market, as they are now, this does not help much. Sending out hundreds of letters and resume's may prove futile as it has been for many in the current job market. Folks get discouraged because they do not know where to look for a job.

Some people go into the temporary job market. They sign up with a "temp" organization and work wherever the need occurs and the opportunity presents itself. Sometimes these temporary assignment lead to permanent employment. At the least, they do present an opportunity to earn some money while one is seeking employment.

In our area in Idaho almost all jobs are fulfilled by word-of-mouth, rather than by newspaper ads, employment agencies, and by making contact with numerous companies or other employers. For that reason the best method for many is to make contacts with people they know and ask if they know of any job openings. If there is an opening, they then can gain the contact information to get a job interview. So that is where to look for a job, by contacting friends and acquaintances.

Some unemployed folks search for an opportunity to work at home. The first thing that comes to mind is the Internet. Perhaps they can create a website and start selling products or services online. That is one alternative but it may be just a part-time thing at first because it takes time to build such a business. If you do take this route, then start with your passions and experience so that you will have an edge on the Internet. Starting an Internet business takes training and you should be in contact with those who are successfully running an Internet business.

There are other business opportunities. You may buy a franchise. If you decide to do this, or to start your own business that requires financing, then see your banker and local business people who will guide you to the resources you need. Contact your local and state universities, your chamber of commerce, etc., to learn more about what is required to operate a business and the financing that will be needed. You will need a business plan.

I hope this article shows you where to look for a job. If you go the Internet business route, you will need some training to meet the needs of that area of commerce. Good luck in your search for employment. One thing that you can do while you are looking for employment is to continue to develop new skills that will make you more attractive to employers. Many are doing this right now.

Fly Old Glory!