First off, give up the pity party. Going around with your tail between your legs is going to show. You need to go find another job. And to do that you can't look like you've been dumped on. You need a positive attitude.
You weren't fired if you were an independent contractor. Your contract wasn't extended.
Nobody cares why your contract was not extended except you. And you will probably never know why. So drop it. Just say your contract was not extended for budget reasons. Who cares?
You don't get unemployment benefits because you weren't an employee. You want those kind of benefits, then you need to actually get a job as an employee instead as an independent contractor.
Dance lightly on your feet and get out there looking again. Work your networks. Polish your resume. Practice being upbeat and positive so when the time comes in an interview, you don't come across as strained or unenthusiastic.
Losing a job is not the end of the world. I've lost my share of jobs, even been fired a couple of times. No biggie. I always looked at it as an opportunity to find a better deal. Because there is no other way to look at it.
Be prepared to take less than what you want and take a job you might not want to make a career of. It can keep you working and pay some bills while you continue to look for a better position. Most important, in puts you back in the saddle again.
Move out of New Jersey. I say this tongue-in-cheek but broadening your horizons can lead to better opportunities that you didn't know existed in other locales.
Get up everyday, shower, dress like you have a job to get to. Because you do. Your new job is to find another job.
Been there, done that. I say these things from experience. I've had lots of jobs and moved around a lot in my seven decades. It never gets easier but that's life. Good luck.
“First off, give up the pity party. Going around with your tail between your legs is going to show. “
This is important. Drill into yourself that this wasn’t your fault. It had nothing to do with you. The contract was ended. Period. Nothing else needs to be said. Do NOT get defensive or try to justify.
Don’t worry about it. It happens to everyone. I know from experience that it is very hard not to take it personally. Just let it go and move on. The past is past. Positive attituded and move forward. I know right now that is hard. But work on it.