As Clark recently explained, workers are normally entitled to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. But a new federal law now extends that coverage through 39 weeks. If you've exhausted your 26 weeks and still haven't found work, contact your state's Department of Labor to apply for the extension. If you're already in the midst of your original 26-week benefits, you'll likely just be extended through 39 weeks.

Meanwhile, The Career Journal reports a number of people are going into altruistic jobs. Applications for the Peace Corps are up just under 20%. Teach for America applications are up 36%. Even the Jesuit Volunteer Corps is experiencing a surge in applicants.

People are using today's sluggish economy as an opportunity to take time out from their career and try something different. If you've hit a career roadblock, can you try moving forward in a new way?