Among the many big issues of unemployment, one is very dangerous: stagnation, or a lack of forward planning. Anyone who's ever been through the long-term unemployment scenario will tell you that getting nowhere for years is deadly. You can wind up not only behind the eight ball, but out of the game.

Stagnation is where you know you're getting nothing done. Everything has stopped happening, and you're not really moving in any direction. Think of it as a form of slow fossilization. It's been called a lot worse, by people who know what they're talking about. It's death by degrees.

New job seekers need to know that it's also highly avoidable. This is a situation you need to avoid from the get-go. Don't just assume a job will come along, because that simply doesn't happen. Even the most optimistic recruiter will tell you to keep the ball rolling, because it's not realistic to expect a job to materialize out of thin air.

Job hunting isn't a passive process. You need to be creating more options for yourself. Job opportunities are easier to create than to find. You need to do that, because at all stages in your career, the moves are supposed to be going forward.

Many people use unemployment as a way of getting additional qualifications, branching out into other areas, and staying on top of the situation. When they get a job, it'll more than likely be a better job. These people get jobs because employers can see they're good choices. They're well on top of a tough situation, and that means a good prospective employee.

Others use unemployment as a way of exploring whole new fields. This can be a very good, extremely effective move for job seekers. If one line of employment is obviously getting nowhere, why not try another? Some people do literally hit the jackpot with this, finding a field where they can not only work, but thrive.

Forward planning starts with looking at possibilities. Thanks to the Internet, information is easy to find and check, and you can get enough in an hour or so to be able to do some planning and costing of things you can do.

Here are some helpful tips:

Don't get stuck in a statue-like concept of yourself or your abilities. This is absolutely vital. Only you can decide who you are.

Remember that all jobs are about skills. If you don't have the skills, acquire them. Getting training for practically anything has never been easier.

Figure out how to get from A to B. This is Stage One planning. Plan it out, cost it, check facts and time frames. Is it doable? Do it.

Figure out where the idea takes you after you complete Stage One. Does it lead to better jobs? Still looks good? Do it.

Never allow being unemployed to run your life for you.

Get busy, and do it now.