You know, it feels different this time.
The last long-term contract I had ended in 2010 and was followed by three months' unemployment (aside from a few freelance Web assignments).
This time I've already had an interview. Haven't heard back from them (they never call when they say they will -- you know, I've often made the unflattering comparison between looking for work and trying to meet women, and I'm afraid it's once again apt here) but I think it went pretty well.
And today I got a cold call. Well, a bulk E-Mail, at any rate. Only for a three-day job, and it steps on the last few hours of my current contract, but I think I can make it work.
Good pay for three days; obviously I'd rather get something longer-term, but it beats the hell out of unemployment.
Seriously, unemployment sucks; I very much hope to avoid it. We'll see...