[ddemchuk]

On the lifestyle side, immediately cut out going out to dinner, new clothes, going to movies, bars, all of the extra stuff that can be done for much less money in different ways.

I have made a good number of poor decisions financially in the last year since losing my last job and now have to work twice as hard to get caught back up. If you immediately cut your overhead down to a bare minimum than you're in much better shape to a) last longer without a job and b) bounce right back financially once you're back on your feet.

When it comes to the professional side, look to your immediate life network (friends, family, even former colleagues) for projects that can utilize the skillset you have and begin freelancing to offset your lost income. While doing so, you can continue looking for a stable "9-5" job but at least you know you won't go broke until then...