James and Cem,
The unfortunate thing is that this is a widespread tragic blow happening to people scattered all over the globe. We just took a lot for granted. We have seen local arts programs gutted with the California government actually laying off the folk who gave the money out to organizations and schools to support the arts. Suddenly all these folk have no job and nowhere else to go. People here, are by nature, more creative than most. That extra energy, verve and ability to solve problems and share views with others mean that you are already in possession of skills that give you a major advantage in tough times. You can learn new things and share approaches to complex problems. Just get these ideas into your C.V/Résumé.
This wave of layoffs is hitting all levels of workers including the young whiz kids who till just before Christmas 2008 were advising the rest of us on protecting any savings we had! For some place like Flint Michigan, where General Motors has been killing off local plants, workers get sent home 10,000 folk at a time! That's been happening for the past 10 years and now that town is gutted with broken down empty homes, the former inhabitants long ago evicted. However these folk had little else going on for them. Dallas Texas is an important US City. There are still opportunities. Same with Amsterdam, one of the most important gateways in Europe.
The process of losing one's job is much like the process of mourning; you'll go through stages of shock, denial, anger, etc.
For all doubts one has about one's own worth, eventually one gets used to the given's in life. You know you are going to wake up, shave, grab a bite and go off to work. Suddenly it's not there. Instead there's an obvious emptiness.
As Cem points out, this is a real tough thing to go through since one starts to question oneself. In fact, it's like some bird craps on your clean suit. Somehow one has to believe it's misfortune and not our fault.
I think it's good to use this as a chance to give yourself a rebirth. I've known guys starting new college training and totally changing ones direction. Write down all your good qualities and job skills. Yes, including using Microsoft word, Excel, Photoshop and more. There are specialist career counselors in Dallas, for sure. So when you have a new Curriculum Vitae, or Résumé, you will be able to market yourself. an network. Think of the fields where you can operate. Have cards printed, even several cards for say "Engineer" or else "Photographer" or just "Consultant". That way you have a card for the occasion.
Locate partners for walking running or some physical activity you can do every day. You need to build up your physical spirit as well. We're here for you, at least in spirit.
BTW, this is just January. Not all the wave of May and June brides have picked their photographer. If you are competent and have a portfolio, make sure it's beautiful and you have a printed price list of packages ready. Weddings yield from $200-700 for an afternoon as an assistant to being able to charge $1000, 4,000 or the sky's the limit. Are there folk you know who you can work with? You might be able to find a pro who needs an assistant and maybe this will give you some ideas. If you are going to do this, expect to work your arse off but it can be emotionally rewarding if you love your work... and get paid!
If you already have a color managed workflow and a little printer, you can take on work. Maybe start to talk to real estate places, as they need many pics of the properties. Could you offer them something better such as rapidly getting online a walk through of the property? This is a tough time for selling real estate but things are selling. For more expensive places you can set up a Virtual Pano. Yes, that's ambitious, but all the skill is already here. I'd consider investing the time and energy in making one virtual tour of a hotel with a gym, swimming pool, massage room, bar, roof garden, luxury suites etc. Even do it for free so you have something to show prospective clients.
Whatever you do, we wish you lots of faith in yourself. We value you a lot! You're a creative hard working fellow and you will rise above this.
Asher