I have also been having a very difficult time. I have never been without employment since I was 15 and I'm 45. I was laid off as well and was devastated. You have to file for unemployment and you have no choice but to make financial changes at this time. Call your credit card companies, utilities, etc...and make plans with them Explain to them your situation. Then, put yourself on several job seeking websites so they e mail you everyday with listings that suit your needs. Job.com, monster.com, are just 2 of them. There are many more. Update your resume and fax and send them out quickly.
It is NOT easy. I've been having a VERY difficult time being laid off. I loved my job and I was so devastated that I layed on the couch, and still do, staring at the TV, thinking, how and why could this have happened to me??!! What did I do to deserve this? I have an illness that I was just diagnosed with, no job and I'm getting married in a year. Meds are costing me an outrageous amount of money so I have to buy my plan which is an extra 506.00/month. Anyway, I guess 'm going on and on, but you can do it, you just have to make some changes financially, with your bills. Usually, they will help you out. It's a pain in the butt but you can do this. I try to think of myself as "the little engine that could"! You can too! I'm a mess right now and if I did it, you can. Trust me. Good Luck!
giapooh

It's great that you found a job you liked. That's half the battle, no? Just some thoughts -- but maybe looking for a job that propels you into the same job after a year on the gig (making money and working your way back towards the job you really like). Or asking a company in the same industry for a position where you can work 40 hours in a different position (one that is open) and offering to spend one Saturday each month (pro bono) helping in the other dept. You may also think about the type of companies that support the firm you eventually want to work for (get to know their business by being a vendor partner or supporting there consumers).

Here's another idea--pursue a job in one of five "recession proof" industries.

Read more about it by copying and pasting the link below:

first30days.com/finding-your-dream-job/articles/recession-proof-dream-jobs.html

While not knowing your specific skills as well as what kind of work you would find satisfying, my general advice would be to do some personal networking right now. You might already be signed up with a site like linkedin.com. If not, you might want to consider joining. From there you can search for people at companies you've worked with in the past and try to use your personal connections to find a new position.

You can also do this type of thing offline. Make a list of all the people you know who might be a potential lead to a new job. They don't have to be people who can get you a job in their company but they may know of other positions they've heard of or seen listed.

Of course, you are probably already searching your local classifieds, but also consider applying to companies that might not be posting ads. If there are companies in the vicinity where you live you might want to consider stopping by with a resume for their HR department or sending them a letter. If you can find a way to express what you admire about the company and how you think you could make a positive difference all the better!

Another thing to consider are temporary jobs. If there is a temp placement firm in your area it might not be a bad idea to check in with them. Being a temp can give you an insider view (and advantage) to a full time position if/when one becomes available.

I don't know how you feel about working in a school, but you might want to consider offering yourself as an aide or helper in a local school. If you find you like working with children in this way you can always take classes to further a career in education. There is no doubt our schools could use more dedicated and caring people to help our children realize their full potential.

Lastly, you might want to consider signing up for the tips within this subject and looking through the resources to see if there are books or web sites (as well as experts) who can offer you fruitful advice.

Good luck with your job search. I have a feeling something better is just around the corner.