By AnnetteSmith

In our challenging economic times, the threat of unemployment is real for just about everyone. Here are ten tips to help you prepare for a job loss.

In today’s unpredictable economy, two things are certain: (1) the future is uncertain, and circumstances change; and (2) God is faithful, and He never changes.

In an era of downsizing, outsourcing, offshoring, and corporate scandals, the threat of unemployment is real for just about everyone. The best way to prepare for a job loss is to expect the unexpected. As the saying goes, plan for the worst and hope for the best.

While stressful and traumatic, a job loss can also be a new beginning. It can even be a means to discover God’s plan for your life. But when you’re in the middle of a crisis, it’s hard to focus on the future. And yet, preparing for a job loss can mean the difference between a temporary setback today and a financial disaster tomorrow.

Here are ten tips to help a Christian, or anyone, prepare for a job loss in our challenging economic times:

Assess your financial health.

Getting control of your money is a significant part of preparing for an unexpected job loss. Whether anticipated or sudden, a job loss will sting less if your finances are in order. With healthy finances, you are less likely to take a less-than-ideal job or go into debt. Work with a financial planner or do your own planning. Caroline Levchuck, writing for Yahoo! HotJobs, suggests Yahoo! Finance. Another good resource is Bankrate.

Get your finances in order.

If you’re already in debt, particularly credit card debt, make plans now to eliminate the debt. Poor credit can have a negative impact on your next job search. It can also limit your financial options, such as refinancing a home.

Cut back on spending, and create a tight “bare bones” budget. This will help you determine the minimum funds needed to cover your basic expenses: rent or mortgage payments, utilities, food, transportation, and health insurance.

Create an emergency fund.

If you don’t have an emergency fund, start building one now. It takes most people three to six months to find a new job, so your emergency fund should cover at least six months of expenses.

In addition, call your state’s unemployment office. Find out if you are eligible to receive unemployment compensation if you should experience a job loss at your current salary. Compare the unemployment benefits to your budget to determine the amount of savings you may need, or how long you could go without full-time employment.

Consider alternate income streams.

Miriam Caldwell, a contributing writer for Families.com, suggests moonlighting. Working part-time in addition to your full-time job will give you something to fall back on for a short period of time. You could also freelance around your current work schedule. Think creatively for alternate streams of income. Start a home-based business. List items for sale on Craigslist or become an eBay vendor. Sell your crafts. Walk the neighborhood dogs. Write articles for The ADVENTIST Business Journal and other online publishers.

Determine your next job target.

Ask yourself important questions. For example, if you were laid off from your current job, what would you want to do next? For a fresh look at your skills, talents, interests, and values, consider career planning or counseling. Subscribe to the The ABJ newsletter for helpful advice.

And consider a spiritual gifts class. My church recently offered a S.H.A.P.E. class that delved into the unique spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences that God has given each individual. The class helped me discover my own “shape” for a ministry and career.

Take some time to explore job options that fit your design. Then develop an action plan that will get you from here (where you are now) to there (where you want to be).

Develop or update your resume.

Create a new resume based on the new job position you have targeted. Select a format (chronological or functional) that best represents your skills and experience. Then ask someone to review your resume, or consider professional assistance. You want a resume that showcases your abilities and background for the type of job you are seeking.

If your current field of work already fits, simply update your resume. It should reflect your work experience and accomplishments as well as any classes you have completed. Taking advantage of training opportunities in your current job will make your resume stronger.

Create your personal brand and contact channels.

Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck, a professional career counseling team, suggest personal branding. For private business communication, set up a personal email account. If you don’t already own a cell phone, get one. Design a business card with your personal contact information. You can order free business cards from Vistaprint for just the cost of shipping and processing.

Develop networks in person and online.

Attend professional conferences and business meetings. Set up profiles on social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, and ShoutLife. Design a personal website, and register your name as a domain name for now or in the future. Networking is an important skill that can open doors to future employment opportunities.

Stay current in your field, and branch out.

Take advantage of classes and other training available to you in your current field of work. Some companies will pay for your continuing education, so check with your employer. If your field is highly specialized, it’s a good idea to branch out. A new skill set can help you become more competitive and marketable during a job hunt, and it will make you a more valuable employee in your current position.

Actively engage in spiritual disciplines.

Stay connected with God through prayer, Bible study, and personal devotions. Attend worship services and fellowship with other believers. Strive to live a purposeful life that honors God and ministers to people, no matter where you’re at in your career or job search.

Don’t focus on your circumstances. Instead, focus on God who will sustain you through whatever comes your way. Wait patiently, and trust that God will provide your next job. He has a better idea than anything you have considered. Let God direct your life, and remember the words of Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Source: http://www.bukisa.com/articles/232655_preparing-for-a-job-loss-in-an-uncertain-economy-ten-tips-for-christians