There is a ton of gloom and doom flying around these days. Let's face it, our economy is in the toilet, the unemployment rate has hit an all time high, and people are struggling to pay their bills. It's time to take a optimistic view of the situation because there is a silver lining to everything that happens to you in life. You have to figure out what it is.

3 ways to turn your layoff into a positive

1. Start your own business. You've always dreamed of being an entrepreneur, being your own boss, and utilizing your talent and something you enjoy to make money. Now is the time. Whether you are a website designer or a wood crafter, create a business and marketing plan (or have a professional create one for you) and run with it. The creator of Amway started in his garage. If he can do it, so can you.

2. Educate yourself. It's tough times to look for a new job, so you have to make yourself as marketable as possible. You and your resume have to stand out from the crowd. It's a simple case of supply and demand. There are fewer jobs and a lot more people going after them. If you don't have your degree, now is the time to go back to school and earn it. Financial aid is available, and special grant money is too to help you accomplish this goal. If it means borrowing money and working a part-time job to make ends meet, keep the big picture in mind and you'll get through it.

3. Make a career change. There are businesses that are struggling in this economy, but there are businesses that are thriving. There are certain industries that are always going to be around or aren't as heavily affected by the economy. Health care is one of these fields. People are always going to need health care. Admission rates at universities and colleges around the country are up. More students means more of a demand for teachers. At this point, maybe you should consider switching fields. Earn your certification in something health-related or use your experience, knowledge and expertise to teach others. These are but two industry examples. The point is maybe now is the time to make a change.

Gloom and doom hangs in the air if you let it. You can turn it around to something positive if you look at it in the right light. You probably would have never left your job to start your dream business or went back to school if you hadn't been laid off. So take this as your opportunity to do something new--something you've always wanted to do.

Kristie Lorette is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance. She also has over eight years of past experience working in the mortgage, credit, and financial services such as Merrill Lynch and Bayview Financial. Visit http://www.studiokwriting.com to learn more about Kristie and see samples of her work. She is also the author of a mortgage and credit blog, Mortgage & Credit Diva http://www.mortgageandcreditdiva.blogspot.com, where she shares news, tips, and advice on dealing with personal finance.