<prompt> Human: Two weeks ago life was simple. I could go to the grocery store and pick out whatever I wanted without looking at the price tag. I could peruse a department store for new heels that matched my new dress guilt free. I could even cover a large and unexpected card repair without a single negative emotion entering the equation. I was making plenty of money for a young single adult to live on, and I was comfortable and carefree. And then I wasnt. All it took was one email with one simple message, You are being laid off to cause my heart to feel like it dropped through my feet and my brain to run amok with the thought of Oh Sht. But the panic was brief, and thanks to a number of years on this sub obviously not on this throwaway account I was well prepared for the moment.The first thing I did was to check my financial status and was thrilled to find that by having money get auto deducted from my paid check for an emergency fund, I had managed to save over 6 months of expenses in just a few years! It also helped that I spent my late teensearly 20s on this site and learned to keep lifestyle inflation in check while my income grew.The second thing I did was file for unemployment. I was getting no severance and was not owed any vacation. This sub convinced me that taking unemployment was not something to be ashamed of. I earned it. The third thing I did was apply to jobs. I am still on this third step, but am happy to report that I am nearly as comfortable and carefree as I was two weeks ago. I know I have the means to support myself for quite some time and can take the time to apply to cool sounding jobs, take hikes in the mountains The trees are so colorful this time of year! and enjoy a nice respite from the 9-5 grind. So, thank you. Your discussions, questions, and advice on this sub over the past few years led me to having financial security when I needed it the most.  <response>: Im sure youll find another job in no time! Someone that responsible with their finances has to be a good employee. And youre right, there is NO SHAME in taking not only unemployment, but any kind of assistance. Its literally the reason I have no qualms paying taxes, I want it there for when this happens to someone, because it could happen to any of us! 