Being laid off definately isn't the same feeling as being on vacation. Even if one's fortunate enough to be in a field, where there are jobs available. The process is slow, and waiting to hear back after an interview...whoa. Not knowing is the hardest part.

Lots of empathy for individuals describing friends, and/or family not being very supportive and/or down right cold. For my own situation, I've had friends and a relative hundreds of miles away be more supportive vs. my more immediate family.
Strangers more genuinely interested and kind in thinking of possibilities.

Relatives I'd spend time with almost weekly, and at least talk to weekly. Completely disappeared. They don't stop by to visit, or invite to do things, much less return a phone call. When I always made time and point to "be there" during life transitions.

So decided not to make a fuss about it. But most definately going to invest my own time and energy to focusing on, and developing mutuality and reciprocal relationships.
Focus on building extended family relationships, vs. people in my own life who have shown themselves to be so self-centered.

Not anything specific that I'd wanted of more immediate family vs. a sense of continuity and normalsy vs. an abrupt change. Made me feel very suspicious they were intentionally trying to knock me off balance? One in paticular was almost intentionally being a "downer" even though I was in positive spirits. Who knows?

So for others experiencing similar, all I know to do is let the experience guide me to better auspices and individuals more likely to be helpful. Most definately not going to knock myself out in the future, when a difficult life situation arises for them. Prolly be like, well...yeah when I was unemployed yada yada. You didn't return phone calls or visit, so I'm assuming that's the way you want to be treated now. *makes little pointy horns* : )