Losing your job has been classified as one of the most stressful life events along with divorce, death of a loved one, moving, and having a child. There is no doubt that this is going to be a stressful time for anyone. However there are some things you should absolutely do immediately that can help ease the burden.

1. Return everything you have bought in the past 30 days. Your number one source of income right now is what you have already earned. Items that you bought from most retail locations can be returned within a set time period for no reason. If you try to sell these items you will get at least 20% less than what you paid for them. Most importantly take back everything that you don't NEED. For example, if you have a hobby, take back things related to it. Or if you bought a new MP3 player because your old one broke, you really don't need it. You can even take back certain foods like nonperishable.

2. Take a couple of days off. Think about what is going on in your life that is good. During this time you need to go through your budget and cut out anything that is uneccassary like cable or satellite, a home phone line, subscription services for music. Make sure nothing you cut out has a cancellation penalty. Also, streamline your travel, fuel spending is one area you can control.

3. Tell People. Telling people accomplishes a couple of things. First it is comforting to get it off of your shoulders and get some words of encouragement from friends and family. Second, it opens of peoples generosity. People you tell now are more likely to offer you support in the way fo networking, job opportunities, and information that can help you out. For instance, while you are taking your at the grocery store, or just out tell people who work at places that you lost your job and they may have some inside information to get you a job at that establishment. While talking to your uncle Frank, he may know about a job opening somewhere.
4. Call in some favors. Now is the time to call old buddies, college professors you knew well, people who have given you recommendations in the past, old bosses or jobs that you worked at in the past. Any connections you have to people should be explored to find some job leads.

5. Know your rights! This one is very important. No matter if you were laid off, suspended, fired, or if your company closed its doors you have some very valuable rights. Your health insurance is one of the most valuable services that you may have a right to. You may qualify for COBRA, which is an extension of your health insurance benefits which you can choose to pay for with out any lapse in coverage. You may qualify for unemployment or other government programs that can bridge you until you get a new job. Do you have insurance to cover some of your bills due to losing your job? Are you a veteran of the US armed services? If so there are alot of job assistance programs that you may qualify for. Did you graduate from college? If so, your Alma Mater may have job assistance services for you.