This was probably the hardest thing for me to do everyday since the layoff in which I lost my job in 2015 after 27 years. I had to get over the shock first and then go back to the drawing board. I suddenly realized that I had put aside so many things I wanted to do, learn, and practice. I also realized that all the things that I was proficient in like project management now needed certification :) Luckily when I called Rutgers they told me about the training program for which NJ Unemployment would pay. So I went to the unemployment office and my first step was to secure the $4000 training fees they would pay. My goal was to get the Project Management Professional certification which it seemed like was required for every job I applied for. I found that once I started focusing on the goal so many doors opened up and somehow I started meeting all the right people. At the bus stop I met a gentleman with the PMP Prep book in his hand who then then introduced me to AV Institute of Technology in NJ. I took several courses with them to upgrade my skills. NJ Unemployment by the way also paid $400 for the PMP Test Fees. It was nice to go back to school and learn new things - something I had only dreamed of for over 27 years. I am in design and construction so it is a bit hard in that field for a woman - especially construction. In any case, I keep pursuing. I am happy to have found a really good assignment doing corporate renovation for a company located 10 miles from my home. Nice people and I love the assignment. I am also enrolled in an online program to learn AutoCad and plan to take my license for Residential Design in the next 6-8 months. So I continue studying, networking, and keeping a positive outlook. I was in shock when after 27 years I had to go online and apply for unemployment. I know exactly how it feels. All the best to everyone. Perhaps it would be good to start our own employment placement agency :)