Unemployment.  Quite top of mind these days, even while rumors that the recession is ending continue to grow.  Articles continue to cover unemployment rates across the country.  Blogs still post about lay offs and job searching.  The subject is at the point of being over-referenced, over-covered.

There are, inevitably, the sadder stories.  WSJ.com makes it ever so easy to track by month changes in state unemployment rates that are anything but pleasant. Informative, yes.  Hopeful, not quite.  If you turn to the New York Times opinion columns, you encounter stories that often put forth a practical, however dismal, perspective on the notion that the recession is over, which many writers insist is not the case.  Even major universities present studies with depressing results, sometimes covering those currently in, or out of, the work force and sometimes covering the prospects for their students.  

That said, there are some great pieces devoted to how to come back from unemployment.  Despite also putting forth information that doesn't serve to brighten any spirits, the Wall Street Journal provides readers with great visibility into how professionals have dealt with a lay off and are making strides to bounce back from unemployment.  "Laid Off and Looking" is an incredibly insightful blog filled with the stories of laid-off professionals and the steps they have taken to stay motivated and embark on a new career.  A more concise version of similar information is "Where They Are Going."  This WSJ.com article reports on the drastic career changes of a handful of laid off professionals.  Some of their new jobs seem less than desirable at first, but their positive outlooks on their news paths are admirable.

In today's economy and job market, some of the most valuable resources are a positive attitude and flexibility.  Cheesy? Probably.  Practical? Yes.  The ability to react to whatever situation you are thrown into without melting down can help ease you into any transition phase that you may not have foreseen.  But you've heard this all before right?  Maintaining positivity and flexibility is easier said than done.  But these sources can prove to be great inspiration and motivation, traits that are more than necessary to be able to deal with, hear about, and read about unemployment.