What to Do When You're Facing Job Loss & Need to Get By

In today's economy, losing your #job is a real possibility. Perhaps you're already in that situation. There are things you can do and places you can go to help you through this tough time.

The first place you must go is to your unemployment agency. You can apply for benefits online. The unemployment agency provides financial benefits to those who qualify and they sometimes allow you to receive #training through approved programs and receive benefits while doing so. Make sure the training is on their approved list before enrolling by asking your local agent about any special programs they're currently offering.

Although they can make a significant difference in the short-term, unemployment benefits are usually much lower than your normal salary. However, there are many other sources you can also take advantage of to help you get by during this rough financial time.

Let's look at some of your options:

1. 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:

· Television

· Phones - both cell and landline

· Cell texting or other data communications

· Transportation

· Eating out (I recently read an article about a man who paid $150 a year to eat lunch and dinner every day at Six Flags Magic Mountain). Not only was he able to pay off student loan debt, but doing this made it possible for him to afford the purchase of a home in one of the most expensive California towns. Click the link provided below to read the story.

Man spent $150 yearly on Six Flags food, paid off student debt (nypost.com)

· Power usage

· Air conditioning and heating

2. Save money by meal planning. You can save over $100 (based on a family of 4 with bi-monthly pay periods) on each trip to the grocery store simply by planning meals ahead, using coupons, and shopping your grocer's weekly sales flyers.

We buy a lot of cereal in my house so when I got a coupon for $1.50 off our favorite cereal, I made sure to use that before it expired. These cereal boxes also had a coupon on the back for $.80 off which I plan to use soon as I noticed today the Honey Nut Cheerios are kind of low.

Not only will you reduce how much you spend on food, but you'll probably reduce some weight around your waistline as well. Who couldn't use that added benefit?

3. Waiting tables. One of the fastest ways to earn some quick cash is to wait tables. This may not be glamorous, but it can bring in some immediate cash, and many restaurants beef up staff for the summer months.

4. Community agencies. If you're in dire straits and need assistance right now, there are many local agencies you can turn to for aid. The United Way and Salvation Army are located in most areas and offer a variety of programs that may be able to help you.

Your area may have different agencies, so check online or in the phone book for the ones in your community.

5. Government agencies. Besides the #unemployment agency, most areas have a Department of Human Resources, Social Services, or Health Department that can help or guide you to assistance.

6. Sell items on eBay. Take a good look around your home, shed, or garage. How many boxes do you have lying around filled with stuff you never use? You'll be surprised at what people will pay for what you consider junk.

7. Have a yard sale. You can make a nice chunk of change by selling off furniture, clothing, and other household items you don't use anymore.

8. Set up your own online or offline shop. If you can make arts and crafts, sell your items on eBay, Etsy, or at local craft fairs.

9. Like to get out of the house, but not ready to go back to an office job? If you like working with children and are the helping type consider driving for HopSkipDrive, an Uber-like company specifically for children who need to get from home to school, school to home, or after school activities. They have a lengthy and extensive background check and approval process, so get started ASAP by clicking my links here. If you plan your schedule right, you can make hundreds per week working for them.

At the time of this writing, HSD, in accordance with pandemic mandates in some states requires vaccination for some rides, and for those rides not requiring vaccination, you may elect free, weekly virus testing to be a driver. HopSkipDrive is paying "CareDrivers" up to $60 per ride. Oh, and they payout weekly no matter the amount!

With some 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!

Get a copy of "Career Affirmations" from our shop to start building a positive mind for your career today.

About: Careerspresso was created to help women re-enter the workforce after extended breaks in employment for any reason. Learn how to get a raise, get a promotion and become the obvious choice for every opportunity. Follow to stay up on the latest and greatest in career coaching.

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