It is true, everything is bigger in Texas - including the unemployment rate. The hard numbers from the most recent unemployment rate collection indicate that Houston has a 10.5% unemployment rate (as of November 2010 - the last month with actual rates) - which is much higher than the national average.

Whats a Houston Texan to do in these hard times you ask? I would say your best bet is to try as hard as you can to find work. Apply every single day to different jobs and companies. Get your name out there with your old networks, friends, family - facebook is actually a great place to find a job when everyone knows you are looking.

What can you do while you wait for the dream job to come? Volunteer your time. You will get a big self esteem boost which will really help you continue to search. On top of this the experience you get from your volunteer position could be what sets you apart from other job seekers - and volunteering by itself could land you a job in the organization you are helping.

So what do you say Houston - how about giving some of that time? You will be surprised at how much it will help you, and more importantly your community.