Unemployed workers of America, unite!

Welcome.
I've started this blog as a result of many things. But before I get into that, I'll let you in on my story.

In 2006, I was hired right out of college to work as a copywriter for an advertising agency in Fort Lauderdale, FL. After two (very busy, very trying) years, I was determined to find a more constructive work environment. I had learned so much during those two years, but I knew it was time to move on. I found a place at another, much smaller agency. I knew it was a risk. Things had just barely begun to slow down. I was too excited about my future to worry about things like unemployment. Surely that would never happen to me.

It was just after my six-month evaluation that it happened. I was called into my boss's office, where I also saw our HR rep. Bad sign. The company had lost some important clients, I was told. We fought for you, but it has to be done. Before I knew it, I was packing up my stuff and tearfully heading out the door. I didn't say goodbye to anyone. I sat in my car for a few minutes, gathering myself and letting my boyfriend (who'd received the following gchat message from me moments earlier: "I just got laid off. Gotta go.") know I was OK. It wasn't until I called my mom that things began to sink in. She cried and said, "What are you going to do?"

I applied for unemployment a few days later and received my severance check the next week. I still had six months to go in my lease, on an apartment I'd "indulged" in due to my new, much higher salary. (I use "indulged" lightly here because anyone not familiar with South Florida would think $700 is way too much for the tiny 1/1 I called home). Luckily, I'd had enough money saved up to continue paying my rent, cable, electric and cell phone without interruption.

I was laid off on December 1st, 2008. I was sure I would find a job before my lease ran out. Nay, I was certain.

Fast-forward exactly 9 months, to today. I never thought I'd be unemployed this long. I sometimes visit indeed.com more than 10 times a day. I have come up with at least five or six different word-combinations to use when searching for copywriting positions. I have carefully crafted custom cover letters for almost every single job I've applied to. My résumé has had so many revisions, I now consider myself a seasoned editor. (Should I put that on there?)

But... this is not a pity party. This is a place to gather, to share stories, laughs and advice.
So now I'll ask you... what's your story?