After experiencing my husband's unexpected lay off and ensuing job search this past month I have come to the conclusion that getting laid off is similar to the process of dating. After a five year relationship with his company, he received a phone call, "We have to talk. Come to the conference room." Upon his arrival, he was curtly told that it was over. "It's not you, it's us." He packed up his belongings and moved out. After an inappropriate amount of ice cream was consumed, the shock wore off. Now it is time to spiff up his resume, get his suit out of the dry cleaner's bag and make sure he is presentable because he's back on the market.

The search for a new occupational mate begins. Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com are the Eharmony and Match.com of the unemployed sect. People are out there searching for the perfect occupational match. Hours are spent sifting through prospective matches. Some days you go on to those sites and there are some great matches, other days, nothing. On the good days, you make contact with a prospective mate, share your qualifications and anxiously wait for a phone call or e-mail.

Another place to find a potential mate is at a job fair. These job fairs are like speed dating singles' bars for the laid off. You know it will be a meat market of job hunters; more seekers than employers. Ever hopeful, you get dressed up, shine up your conversational skills and walk around talking to a lot of different people. Ultimately, you leave this scene feeling like there was a lot of competition and not a lot of prospects, but at least you were out there.

Matchmakers are yet another source to find your next mate. Well meaning friends who've learned of your new availability contact you offering to fix you up with someone they know. They are on the lookout for a match for you. If one is found, you send a snapshot of yourself as an employee and your friend puts in a good word for you. Professional matchmakers also begin calling you suggesting possible matches, but their motives and sincerity are questionable. They don't know the real you and just want to fix you up with someone they know.

There may come a time when you hit a dry patch. If you've had no successful matches for a while desperation and boredom might prompt you to enlist the services of a temporary employment agency. These agencies are pimps; setting up the one night stands of the business world. You know you aren't getting into this for a long-term relationship. You feel that this is beneath you, but tell yourself that you are only doing it for the money. While you are doing it, you don't feel very good about yourself and you know full well that the agency is profiting from your work.

The day finally comes when the phone rings asking you for a "date." Quickly, you try to remember who this company is and what the job description was. You've given your phone number to so many people you can't remember who this is, but you fake it and act as if theirs is the only company to which you've applied. Eagerly, you anticipate the day of your "date." You prepare by thinking of things you both have in common to talk about during your "date." You Google your date to find out as much as you can. On the big day you feel excited and hopeful. All dressed up, you drive to your "date" thinking; "This could be the one."

The moment your eyes meet you begin sizing each other up. A handshake and pleasantries are exchanged before the real "date" begins. You answer questions. You ask questions. You make your best effort to be smart, witty and confident. When the "date" is over you drive home recounting the event. Did he like me? Did I like him? Will I hear from him again? I really liked him, but will a long distance relationship really work out for me?

When you arrive home you send a quick e-mail letting your "date" know that you enjoyed the meeting. Then the waiting begins. At first you are optimistic, but after a few days, you begin to wonder why you haven't heard from him. You replay the "date" in your mind wondering if you said or did something wrong. Were you not as charming, witty and confident as you thought you were? Is this person "dating" others? A few more days pass and you toy with the idea of calling him. But what if he answers? Will he remember you? What should you say? Hesitantly, you make the call, but there is no answer. You choose not to quickly hang up and instead leave a breezy voicemail saying you're still interested.

Sometimes you hear that your "date" has decided he likes someone else more and doesn't wish to pursue a relationship with you. Sometimes you never hear from him again. Do not despair. Eventually, you will go on a "date" that goes so well you will be called for a second "date" where you might even meet other members of the "family." For the second date, you make sure you don't wear the same outfit and prepare different questions. There are even more butterflies in your stomach. In the end, these "dates" go so well that you are offered a "proposal."