In Portugal, when we become unemployed the social security provides a subsidy that is paid accordingly with your discounts during the maximum period of 18 months, I think. I've never been unemployed, but that is probably related with my "quiet" nature, that doesn't finds the best opportunities to myself. I might say that I struggle with the fear of being away from a monthly regular good payment...
As I told you before, I'm pretty sure that you are going to manage to find a better exit from that transitory situation. Fingers crossed!
By the way, I laugh so much at this :)
This is not to be confused with a golden shower
There is social security here, but I don't actually qualify for a while and my part-time business means it is reduced by that amount anyway. Essentially, I will be working for free to be unemployed - great incentive :D
However, it doesn't replace what I earn and I was earning a fair bit more than my wife, plus bonuses on top, so it is definitely a change in income level.