I've been laid off - sort of - need advice, please

You have another option. Get another part-time job. Your current job would provide part of your income, plus insurance.

Mela said:

My gut tells me I'm better off taking unemployment as an option and looking for another full time job - actually I found two yesterday on the Internet.

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From the standpoint of a hiring employer, you're a better prospect if you already have a job, even a part time job. If I were in your shoes I'd hang onto the 15 hours a week, use the remaining 25 to seek full time employment until I was hired elsewhere, then quit the 15-hour gig.

JMO. Good luck in your job search.

What Alleycat said. The health benefits are a huge consideration. You will have to pay for your own health benefits if you go on unemployment insurance. And I know too many people who have lost their jobs and been out of work for months without being able to find employment. Unemployment benefits will run out over time, as well. You are much better off staying with what you have and finding additional part time work, from what I have seen of the current job situation. You can still put out resumes and if someone offers you a job then put in your two weeks notice.

This is my best advice in today's unstable climate.

Or keep this job while you look for another. IMHO, it's always better to job search while you're employed. Having gaps in your employment or filing for unemployment often carries a negative stigma with certain employers (and I'm not saying that's right).

Or as alleycat suggested, try finding another part-time job to make up the hours.

I wouldn't apply for unemployment unless you absolutely have to---after you've exhausted all other options. You might find something really soon!

Best of luck!

It has already been said - keep the 15 hours and look for another part time or full time job. Getting a job when unemployed is always harder.
Are there agencies for the type of work you do? Could you register with them?

You've gotten some good advice, one other thing I would consider is the message your sending your current boss. You mentioned that your hours might be reinstated after about 6 months, if things pick up. Obviously, your boss/company are having their share of issues in the current economy. They presented you with an option to try and keep you and the company going. By staying and working out some other sources of income, it would demonstrate that you are someone that can be worked with and that you understand that it's a necessity on their part. When things do pick up, you are going to look like a loyal employee who can ride it out through thick and thin.

That doesn't mean you aren't looking for greener pastures. The bad thing about greener pastures is that sometimes they turn out to be a mirage.

I would be leery about looking at jobs posted on the internet. They just had an article about that on our news and you really need to verify if they are genuine and what exactly they offer.

Registering through a temp agency gives you opportunities that you can have some control over and some flexibility. Also, craft sales, child care, cleaning for real estate businesses, and many other small type jobs offer income and flexibility. With your work experience, you might look at the job market and find new ways to use your skills. Often times our hobbies or personal interests offer income opportunities. Give yourself a little time before making any rash decisions.

I hope it all works out well for you and yours.

Cheers!

Best of luck, Mela. Like Rowan said, definitely keep your job while looking for another part-time one. You can go on your lunch hour or after work. I used to do that...

Mela said:

The extent to which I'm not thinking clearly: I just tried to apply for a job in our area looking for a freelance photographer to shoot real estate - insides of houses, that kind of thing. I was halfway through the application and saw they wanted to know what kind of camera I have ...
which
I
do
not.
They would ask that question. Well, of course, I'd have gotten a camera. I just don't have one now.
Oy.

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Mela said:

Damn. And that would have been a fun part time job.

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Your path here is clear. Go window shopping. Decide what kind of camera you'll buy if you get the job. Then apply for the job post haste...