Is COBRA worth it after a layoff? - 9 months and counting

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a call-centre agent. There are 7 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. My old employer will not help with the premium. Did anyone switch mid-year?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.