At the very least, its some stuff to read on your first day or two of sitting on the bench! One extra thing I would recommend to anyone laid off – subscribe to the local paper (or read it online) every day. Find the local business rag that covers local businesses and either subscribe or read it online. I actually recommend subscribing, because stepping away from your computer to read a print edition will keep you a little more focused, and you’ll tend to read the “random” articles that may turn out to be useful.

At the very least, it keeps you well informed of local business happenings which will make you sound more informed when you talk to companies that might hire you. when they mention company X and you say “oh yes, i saw they just closed that deal with IBM” or “right, they just got new office space off of mopac” you sound a bit more relevant and with-it. :)

And if you’re in austin, connect with the bootstrap community. these are people starting their own businesses. You may be able to score some short-term work, at reduced rates, and you may find yourself a new job or career track in the process by working with a local startup. Lots of these startups need a little extra help but can’t afford to hire someone fulltime. If you get to meet them in the meetings they are already going to, you may benefit in getting a job with one of them or a contract. Good luck!

At the very least, its some stuff to read on your first day or two of sitting on the bench! One extra thing I would recommend to anyone laid off – subscribe to the local paper (or read it online) every day. Find the local business rag that covers local businesses and either subscribe or read it online. I actually recommend subscribing, because stepping away from your computer to read a print edition will keep you a little more focused, and you’ll tend to read the “random” articles that may turn out to be useful.

At the very least, it keeps you well informed of local business happenings which will make you sound more informed when you talk to companies that might hire you. when they mention company X and you say “oh yes, i saw they just closed that deal with IBM” or “right, they just got new office space off of mopac” you sound a bit more relevant and with-it. :)

And if you’re in austin, connect with the bootstrap community. these are people starting their own businesses. You may be able to score some short-term work, at reduced rates, and you may find yourself a new job or career track in the process by working with a local startup. Lots of these startups need a little extra help but can’t afford to hire someone fulltime. If you get to meet them in the meetings they are already going to, you may benefit in getting a job with one of them or a contract. Good luck!