By Stacy Johnson

Millions of Americans now depend on unemployment checks to survive. Even with extentions, millions of Americans could see those checks stop before work starts. What then?

Step One is to Step up the search. If what you're trying isn't working... like sitting home doing computer searches all day... try something else. That means networking, attending seminars...even doing charity or other work for free.

Think about temp work: Call Kelly, Manpower, and other temp agencies. Temp can sometimes lead to permanent.

Church can also be a good place to network...or even get financial help.

Career centers are definitely a place to visit for everything from leads to seminars to moral support. And if all else fails? Time to take what you can get.

Bottom line: because of the jobless nature of this recovery...no matter how many times the Government extends benefits, we could ultimately have hudreds of thousands of people with no job and no umemployment. But that doesn't mean there's no help or no hope.