5 ways to turn your layoff into an opportunity

Ahhh...a new year, new promise, new goals...new layoffs? What!!?!??!

In my opinion, the economy is never stable. It can always take a millionaire and make him a beggar in less than a day. This past year has proved it.

There are a lot of people who are losing their jobs because of the economy. Let's check out the list, shall we?

• Harley-Davidson - 1,100 jobs
• Sun - 1,300 jobs
• Microsoft - 5,000 jobs
• Sony - 2,000 jobs
• and many more companies are laying off workers.

How do you survive this sort of thing? There are a number of things you can do in this time of crisis.

1. Create your own business
   
   What better time than now to start your own business. Nothing like trial by fire.
   
   If you have a hobby on the side, now may be a great time to think about dedicating your time to starting up a business based on that hobby. Talk to your friends and see if they would be willing to work with you as well. Who knows...You may find a fellow business partner who shared your same hobby or dream.
2. Start writing
   
   There are a lot of great opportunities out there since the web spawned blogging and journalism. Determine what your expertise is and either start blogging on a regular schedule or write an eBook and sell it through ClickBank or other digital product site.
3. Learn a new skillset
   
   Of course, you can always learn a new skillset if your existing skillset becomes either old or obsolete. Recently, Computerworld just came out with a report on the 9 hottest skills for 2009. Check out the list and see if you can apply or enhance your existing skills based on the list. Oh...and make sure you live in a city that has growth potential.
4. Join LinkedIn.com
   
   The old adage "It's not what you know, it's who you know" holds true on LinkedIn. Make sure you register and start requesting recommendations/endorsements from your fellow co-workers. Then start focusing on the jobs portion of the site and start apply for jobs that fit you. Who knows, you may find that ideal, dream job through one of your friends.
5. Create a small widget and sell it
   
   Nowadays, someone can create the smallest application and make a million dollars at it. Find a small widget that is cute, ridiculous, funny, or just plain gross and market it through the right channels. You might find out that a little idea can go a long way.

This list provides only five ways to tackle this economy, but there are definitely more.

Did I miss any? Post a comment below to further the discussion.