Job Loss Survival Skills

Losing a job is so stressful that it can make anyone do things that are counterproductive.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  So first let’s talk about what not to do when facing a job loss crisis.

1. Borrow money from anyone and create more debt for yourself unless your facing a dire emergency.
2. Cancel your medical insurance because you “can’t afford” to pay for it. If you have just one illness requiring hospitalization or surgery it could literally wipe you and your family out permanently. An emergency room visit could cost you hundreds of dollars. 
3. Not let friends and family know that you’re looking for work and you’d appreciate their help. You never know when they see something in the paper that you didn’t notice or someone says something that they wouldn’t connect to your needing work unless you ask them to keep their eyes and ears open.
4. Neglect to  inform your creditors. Most will work with you. After all it’s far better for both of you to work together then to let everything go until it all comes crashing down around you.

It’s so important to be proactive.  There are some things you can do that will make a huge difference in your life.  Now Let’s look at some of your options:

Reduce monthly expenses. Take a serious look at some of the things you can live without for a while until you get back on your feet. Go through all of your bills and expenses and cut out the things that aren’t necessities. Be honest with yourself – just because you think you can’t live without your cable or cell phone, doesn’t mean it’s true. Some of the first places to look include: 

• Get rid of cable
• Phones – both cell and land line
• Cell texting or other data communications
• Make one trip a day instead of several
• Don’t Eat Out. Instead cook at home
• Turn off your air conditioner

With a little communication, research, and creativity, you can take advantage of your time off to learn a new skill or start a new venture with skills and passions you already have. Have some fun utilizing your creative ability while making the extra money you need to make ends meet.   These tough financial times don’t have to be devastating. Use these tips to take advantage of the resources available to you to reduce the negative impact on your life. You may even look back on this time as the lucky stroke that pushed you toward success in your new career!