The U.S. (finally) declared that we were in a recession. For many people who have lost their homes, their jobs, and their livelihood - that declaration has come months too late.

I’ve come to learn a few things over the past weeks, now that I fall into the “unemployed” category.

Work harder and work smarter. People may think that when you’re unemployed, you’re lounging around collecting unemployment checks and watching Oprah. While that may be true for some people, I’ve found I’m working harder than ever. I’m currently doing some public relations and social media consulting as well as some freelance journalism (check me out on The Scene - Bisnow). I’m grateful for that work, and am glad it is helping me stay current in my profession.

Don’t sit back and wait. Take the opportunity to be aggressive. Usually when you search for a job, you’re still employed, so you can take your time, and let potential employers take theirs. This time, let potential employers know that you’re ready and willing to start work, and excited about working for them.

Be patient. Seems like a contradiction to above, but remember that potential employers are working on their own timetable. It feels like progress ebbs and flows, so go with it. Try to keep busy with other things (consult, freelance, get a part-time retail job, start a blog, etc.) that will keep you busy, but still provide you enough time to keep up the search. While finding a job may be your first priority, remember that hiring you is not necessarily theirs.

Network. I’ve always been a good networker, and this is the best time to turn up the heat. Take the time to go to events that you usually wouldn’t attend or have time for when you were employed. You never know who you might meet, or find someone who knows someone else. Think about people you have met at events within the past year, and reach out to them if appropriate.

Cast the net wide. Don’t discount a job that may not be exactly what you’re looking for, or fit your particular skillset. I always like to take on jobs that are challenging and where I can learn a lot which will continue to help my career path grow. You never know where you might end up. Who knew I would end up in technology PR? Or doing social media consulting?

Put your best foot forward. Even if you are feeling desperate on the inside, make sure to remain professional and show off your skills in a way that is helpful to potential employers. Take the time to think about what you really want to get out of your next job, and what you have to offer. Don’t settle if you can help it, try to find something that will be a great fit and a good career move.

Any other tips and tricks out there?

After my run-in (literally) with the racoon, I had to get my car fixed. I first went to a body shop who told me I had to call my insurance before any estimate or work could be done. I was a bit freaked out at first, but now I understand why USAA is one of the top insurance companies.

I had a quick call with a representative, who filed my claim.  Minutes later I was able to access it using my online account. I only had to pay my $300 deductible, and was also given a $600 allowance for a rental car to use while my car was being repaired.

I was referred by my insurance company to Fairfax Collision Center in Chantilly. They were professional, efficient, and pleasant to work with. A quick initial assessment of the damage deemed my car undriveable, and in less than 30 minutes, I was in an Enterprise rental car and on my way. I received a call the next morning with the full estimate of my damage, and was given a week estimate for the work to be completed.

Within a week, my car was repaired and I was able to pick it up. USAA had already sent a check for the damages, so I was all clear after paying my deductible. I didn’t even need to close out with Enterprise or return the car. To top it off, Fairfax Collision Center even took the time to remove a pesky sticker I had received on the window of my rental car, before returning it to the office.

Today, I received a follow-up phone call from Fairfax Collision Center. They wanted to make sure that I was happy with the work they did and if I had any questions.

Overall, a rather unpleasant experience was made a lot easier to swallow thanks to the great employees and seamless integration between these companies. It was no headache to me, and could not have been easier.

So thank you to USAA, Fairfax Collision Center, and Enterprise for making my first accident that required insurance a painless one. I highly recommend working with any of these companies.

Has anyone ever done a debt consolidation program? It sounds like a good idea, finding a reputable agency that will help me get all my debt into one payment - while lowering or eliminating interest rates and still allowing me a budget to have money to live on. Part of my current problem (in addition to shopping sprees every few months) is having the money to pay my debts, but then running out of cash by the end of the pay period, so using the cards again.

I went to the AICCA website and got a few locations in Virginia that will help me…but I’d like to see if anyone out there has any advice before working with these kinds of companies. A few questions I have:

• Will this consolidation include my car loan, or is that separate since it’s a secured loan?
• Does my personal loan payment (which is about the same total amount of all my credit cards combined) count under this consolidation?
• Will it mess up my credit score (which is currently good - almost 700) to consolidate like this?

I took a look at the current state of my debt, and also prioritized what bills were the most important to pay off the fastest - based on interest rate (taking advantage of the ones that have 0%) and total sum of money owed. But, I think that maybe doing something like this may be a better, more manageable option.

Somehow, over the past year, because I’m brilliant (or not), I’ve managed to consolidate and shift around my debt twice (between loans and balance transfers) and also actually increase my overall debt from April to October by over $7,000. Yep, I’m a real winner.

So, you can see…I need help. I’ve needed it for awhile.

Random side note for fun: I have 4,100 messages in my Gmail (personal address) since February 2005. Think it’s time to clean it out…

So, I met a guy on Friday at 18th Street Lounge. He was nice and funny, smart and entertaining. Actually he was foreign too (from Germany). We talked for over an hour. He asked me for my phone number and email (wrote it down) and he gave me his phone number as well (probably only the second or third time I’ve given my number out). For all I know, I was the 5th number he got all night.

I figure, if he doesn’t call…then no loss. It was a little unexpected bonus to a fun night. But then I think, well…he gave me his number too. So, should I call him say Thursday if I don’t hear from him? Is that too late/too early? I figure a week is the window for someone you meet in a bar. But, should I assume if he doesn’t call, he’s not interested…or that I should just go for it since I really have nothing to lose either way? I have to say, I have called guys before…I have nothing against it. And, I don’t want to play games. But then, I know that there is the standard idea that, girls don’t call boys. But, some boys like to be called. I guess I just like knowing that I put it out there too, so I know I did what I could. Then of course, I know that if he likes you, he’ll call.

It’s not necessarily that I am worrying so much about this particular guy, but mostly in general…how to deal with this. Sit around and wait, and assume no interest if no contact? Or, make a move and if no interest, then oh well.

To call or not to call…what is the protocol?

1. If you sleep with a guy the first time you meet him (date, bar), then he won’t want to actually date you.

Exception: He starts to hang out with you more and decides you’re really cool and/or the sex was really amazing.

And for the record I know many relationships that started out this way…it can happen.

2. A hook up buddy situation is only beneficial for the guy. It’s usually him being horny and calling the girl. He has to intiate, knowing she will respond in a positive way.

Exception: The girl initiates with a hit or miss outlook. The guy then still has the upper hand.

3. Someone will always develop feelings whenever casual sex is involved.

Exception: Not if one of the people (guy or girl) has decided from the beginning that the other person wasn’t someone they wanted to date. However, see number 1 - feelings can change.

4. Sleeping over is a safety and/or laziness factor. If you’re really drunk or it’s really late, then it’s OK. Other times may be questionable, unless you’re really comfortable with each other or just don’t care.

Exception: If cuddling is involved, then it’s a little different.

5. If you really want to just hook up with someone, then you don’t play games.

Exception: Sometimes it’s fun to be a little flirty and mysterious, even if you know what the deal is.

…Are these true or false statements? Do they make men or women look worse? Discuss…