There must be a sense of urgency when you lose your job. Some people (I find this hard to believe) actually like being laid off and collecting unemployment benefits for awhile. Time off for good behavior seems to be their attitude. These are the ones who are losing out in this new evironment. I have held job since I was thirteen years old. I cannot fathom unemployment for any length of time at all. Yes I have a lost a few jobs along the way...but I had part time work...to help me get through until I found a full time job. When I was in between full time jobs, I had a HUGE sense of urgency....Getting up early every morning, putting on a suit and tie and pounding the pavement. Even if I had no interviews scheduled on a particular day, I pounded the pavement anyways....knocking on doors, filling out applications, walking into job placement agencies, I left no stone unturned. This must be the mindset for everyone who values work and having a job. A job is a precious commodity in this pathetic anti-business evironment of obamanation.
The only way to combat long term unemployment is to at least work on some sort of degree. That is at least an excuse to use when asked why you haven’t worked. Of course it will cost money to go to school, but it might be worthwhile in getting a job and you can stop going to school once you are hired.