As someone who recently was fired . . . you're right, it's not the end of the world. But it does make life very uncomfortable for a lot of reasons. You don't see work friends. You don't have the cash to do the things you once did. Searching for a job becomes your new job and going to interviews sucks. Writing 20 different versons of the same cover letter sucks. Filing for unemployment sucks. And the list goes on. It's not something I would wish upon someone unless they really deserved it.

Wait, are we talking about be fired (i.e., "for cause") or being laid off? As I understand it one isn't eligible for unemployment (in the US) when it is the former.

"No layoffs" is a stronger (and harder) criterion to meet.

(My condolences either way. Neither is the end of the world, but they both suck. If you haven't yet found a new gig, hang in there. Persistence will pay off. Like any sales, applying for a job is a numbers game.)

You're right, being fired disqualifies you from collecting unemployment. But you should still file anyway. Your former employer has to provide an explanation of why you were let go. If the reason isn't sufficient or your former employer doesn't reply then the state will provide you unemployment benefits.