This is a list of the best ten things to do when the recession filled economy forces you out of work in 2009. I am an artist, and I fully expect to be unemployed at some point in 2009. I made this list for myself, but I figured I would pass it on. This is an open source list, so feel free to comment your thoughts and I can edit it, depending on your ideas. Feel free to also take this list and post it on your blog or website, and make changes you feel make the most sense.

1. Do not lose hope
It is easy to be worried, or get depressed but the best thing is stay alert and focused.

2. Grow your own food
Start an edible garden. Even in modest setting like an apartment, take advantage of any sunlight and grow some vegetables. Tomatoes, lettuce and peppers are easy to grow, and can save you money.

3. Use alternative transportation
anywhere you go, find a way to get there for free. Walking, biking, busing.

4. Turn off and unplug
Saving on energy costs is a very good way to cut spending. You can take this one step farther, see step 8.

5. Buy Locally and support small businesses
The last thing to do is pay some CEO more money buy buying things from corporate mega businesses. I suggest buying food from local farms, goods from individually owned places, and meeting the people in your community that are trying to make ends meet. You want to make friends with these people, and build a community with them. You could even ask for work, or work for the things you need to buy.

6. Sell excess goods
Currently, the market is bad, so this might be a last resort option. It seems like the ebay, craigslist, pawnshop market price for things may get even worse as time goes on. You might want to think about selling some of your unused electronic items, collectible items, or trinkets and jewelry for some buffer cash.

7. Volunteer
Anytime you find yourself treading water, donate your time for a good charity, doing things you feel passionate about. This not only will help you feel involved and keep your mind off of being unemployed, it will also provide you with new contacts and friends that you could possibly use to find new work. Be a good valuable volunteer and people will take notice.

8. Make your own Solar Panels- Search places to find raw solar panels, raw wire, a small welder and a battery storages. The good thing about putting money into this idea is that you can use them to save money, sell extra energy back to the energy companies, and sell panels to others for profit. You can find the best resources for How to make solar panels on hub pages.

9. eat less meat
This one will be very hard for many people, but reducing meat from your diet will save you money, and also save the world many resources. I have recently switched to becoming vegetarian, and have saved money by doing so. By planning ahead, I make a lot of my meals for the week in one day, and have really enjoyed eating fresh foods, as opposed to basing my meals around meat.

10. Stockpile
Take the money you do have access to, and buy food. It is very smart to stockpile a decent amount of food. If prices go up, you have paid less for a can of corn, or either important items, which could save you a lot of money over the course of a year. This will also save you money from constantly burning gas and time making trips to your local grocer. Try to buy things you will eat, and things that go well with your new garden.

I want to stress the fact that this is a open source list, if you have any additions or subtractions or edits you would like to see, leave me a comment and I will work it in. We can debate about what should be added, and talk about alternatives or new ideas. Or send me a link to YOUR list.