Aldi smells bad in my opinion. I have heard great things about them but I went and almost threw up. I don't like the smell. I am not OP.

All PP provided great and positive advice! I was in this situation last year. We did a serious re-evaluation of stuff that we no longer needed and sold a ton of stuff on Craig's list...probably close to 5k worth of stuff over a year period. We used the money mostly for groceries. I also sold my car which was paid off and bought an older car so actually got some cash back in my pocket. My DH found a job in no time, but still felt good to live a little leaner. Hang in there!

Good advice here. If you can find any type of work, even part-time, do so. Definitely apply for unemployment. Cobra is usually insanely expensive so get off it as soon as is feasible.

Find the nearest Aldi and start shopping there. I swear you will save 40-50% on your groceries and that will help. Eat less meat and more beans, lentils and rice and pasta. If your kids are in after-school activities, be honest and you may be surprised at the results. Apply for financial aid for sports fees etc. Cut cable, knock your thermostat down a couple of degrees this winter. Shop at thrift stores and only if you really need stuff for the kids, go to the food bank.

Finally don't underestimate the emotional strain on your DH and on yourself. Find a friend you can vent to rather than DH. It is going to be a very stressful time until you get back on your feet. Encourage your DH to reach out immediately to all contacts before he gets too depressed. Everyone understands that contracts end. Unfortunately there will be more in his situation if this thing drags on. If he has clearance you will be fine, probably sooner rather than later. Also, use Linked In everyday and update stuff everyday. DH found his last job via some outside company that contacted him because he kept tweaking his resume and that would bring him up on the LI radar.

You both should exercise every day - start it immediately even if you don't typically do it and at the very least walk briskly at least 20 minutes if that's all you can muster. Also, learn to meditate or do some deep breathing when you get panicky.

We've been through this 3 times, it's absolutely awful, and yet each time just at the last second something came through. And last but not least, good luck!

How big is his company, and does he have clearances? Right now none will be having new projects to put people on, but when they finally finish this mess in the next month, the government will start to execute this year's contracts and they will need people. If they cut some kind of deal that ends sequester, then a lot of projects will come open.

Sorry for your situation.

I gather he doesn't have medical insurance as he is a contractor? Do either of you have medical insurance? If he has it, can he COBRA out (yes, more money - but you need the insurance)?

Anonymous wrote:See if he can ask for a decent severance.
Don't feel bad applying for unemployment.
Take cobra for a couple months and then sign up for Obama care starting jan 1.
Get a positive reference letter.
Save contacts that may be on his work computer.
I am unemployed, it sucks, the hardest part is networking because I feel ashamed being out of work. Keep telling him there is no shame in being out of work in this environment, people will understand, etc., so that he doesn't get too depressed.
Try to get him to do things that are physically active, with kids or you or alone or with friends etc, even if it is only a 20 min walk

My former employer also suggested I save samples of my work to show as a portfolio. I don't know if your husband's job is conducive to that and I've never had to use these samples, but it is great to have.

See if he can ask for a decent severance.
Don't feel bad applying for unemployment.
Take cobra for a couple months and then sign up for Obama care starting jan 1.
Get a positive reference letter.
Save contacts that may be on his work computer.
I am unemployed, it sucks, the hardest part is networking because I feel ashamed being out of work. Keep telling him there is no shame in being out of work in this environment, people will understand, etc., so that he doesn't get too depressed.
Try to get him to do things that are physically active, with kids or you or alone or with friends etc, even if it is only a 20 min walk

OP, I searched for a year, after SAH for 10 years. I just found a temporary job in my field in state government, which I hope will lead to a permanent job and a place at the bottom of the career ladder that I can begin from.

During the 10 years of SAH I did volunteer in my field of interest and get a master's degree. I networked like crazy to get this temp job. It can happen.

I am thrilled and excited and will give 100% to this job.

I wish you the best. I recommend, as a pp did, to get some cash flow going, then work towards where your passion lies.