Let's not assume that no one in your network can help you out. This is a worst case scenario that requires the help of those close to you - family, extended family and close friends if necessary. The approach you take is also going to be highly relative to your experience level. Obviously if you have a ton of experience and there is going to be a bidding war for your talent, then there's not much to worry about. Otherwise a job search that takes six months or more to find a job that is suited to your goals is not unheard of and, indeed, I would say is actually the norm. Some people will say a good engineer should be able to get a job in two weeks regardless of the economy. And I've heard of that. But don't count on it. Instead make preparations for an extended job search and use undesirable work - office temp work, etc - to build up some savings so you can get out of your relatives' hair.