I lost my job in March. Worked for the same company for 8 years, loved my employer and the people I worked with. They ended up outsourcing the entire department I had built from the ground up.
The last 8 months have not been easy, I am a single parent and though lucky enough to have had some savings things are definitely tight.
Here is my advice for how to keep going and remain positive. It also is important to take steps from day one to make sure you are not wasting a dime.
I have continued to look for job every day and think that I will work on my degree fulltime starting in January to wait out this mess.
- Review your monthly bills.
*Get rid of either your landline or mobile phone. If you have a choice keep your mobile only. There is no reason to keep both lines going and unless you have dial up internet the mobile makes more sense since you keep it with you at all times.
*Review your cable, internet, etc. Can you go with a downgraded package? It never hurts to call either to see if they will lower the monthly cost to match a special new customer offer. I had luck with Comcast on this.
*Contact your gas and electric companies. They have special programs for the winter that you might be eligible for or budget packages.
Review everything and anything you have as a monthly expense.
* Contact your state about health insurance for yourself and your kids. I was able to get insurance for my daughter. I still pay way too much for COBRA for myself but having it for her makes it a bit easier.
- Get up every morning.
Get up at a working person's hour. Create a new routine for yourself.
First thing in the morning, check the job boards. Send out at least five resumes a day, even if it is a job you don't think you would want or be qualified for. Never let yourself get out of the mindset of looking for a job. You won't hear back from most, but you will hear back from some. It will keep you on your toes for interviewing and it will keep you focused.
- Find new networking organizations. LinkedIn, Gray Hair Management, whatever --join them all and participate. You will meet new people in your profession that will think of you when there is an opening, give you advice and offer support.
- Pick a new community organization to join. Red Cross, a local food bank, the local library, animal shelter, find something that helps you think of something other then yourself.
Don't sit at home worrying about yourself all the time. Give your energy to someone or somewhere that will benefit. It is easy to become disheartened but the feeling of making a difference even when things are tough will build friendships, character and when things are so tough all over these organizations can really use an extra pair of hands.
There are plenty of hours in the day to sit and stress and honestly the time you are trying to fall asleep are the worst.
This also puts you into a place where you will meet other people. People who might just become friends or someone who might know someone who needs someone just like you.
Finally, this is another thing you can put on your resume that might put you into the good pile for followup.
- Learn something new. I have learned to sew and to make homemade soap. My next project is to study for the real estate exam. The important thing is to just keep your mind and hands from becoming idle.
Look into your community college, university they are still giving out grants and scholarships as well as loans.
It isn't easy. My daughter is old enough to understand that we cannot shop where we used to shop, that we don't have the money to go places we used to go.
My advice comes down to this.
Be proactive about your expenses. Do what you can to minimize your expenses.
Don't fall into an abyss of self doubt or pity. Use this time to expand your mind and your world. Keep yourself busy, you may not have the money to help people but you have your experience and energy which is more valuable especially in these trying times.
It will get better.
I am sure that there are others that have additional advice and I would love to hear it.