Job Hunting in a Layoff Economy

Let the Government Work for You

No, really. While it's hardly the $700 billion assist Wall Street received from the feds, the One-Stop Career Centers the U.S. Department of Labor sponsors throughout the country offer free career counseling, job listings, computer and Internet access, and workshops on everything from resume makeovers to computer skills.

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To find a One-Stop Career Center near you, visit ServiceLocator.org.

Of course, the government's helpfulness only goes so far. No matter what your situation -- pink slipped, brand new to the job market or returning to work for the first time since the Clinton administration -- it's ultimately up to you to make your own bailout plan.

This work is the opinion of the columnist and in no way reflects the opinion of ABC News.

Michelle Goodman is a freelance journalist, author and former cubicle dweller. Her books — "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube" and "My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire" (October 2008) — offer an irreverent take on the traditional career guide. More tips on career change, flex work and the freelance life can be found on her blog, Anti9to5Guide.com.